After 25 years as a practicing dental hygienist, Lorene Kent, RDH, BS, stepped away from a career chairside and redefined her participation in the oral health care community by becoming publisher of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, a nationally circulated professional journal that reaches more than 67,000 dental hygienists in practice as well as every senior level dental hygiene student in the nation.
 
When Oral Health America asked Ms. Kent to become involved with the organization she says she was thrilled by the opportunity to help OHA fulfill its mission of improving the oral health of at-risk children and adults.
 
"OHA is rooted in the belief that oral health is integral to overall health, and the organization successfully fulfills its mission through its community based programs," Ms. Kent says. "I joined the OHA Board of Directors and actively support its programs because of my own experiences as a dental hygienist-recognizing the continuing need for dental services among underserved children and adults throughout the country."
 
In addition to serving on the Board, Ms. Kent emphasizes how the OHA's power to reach needy communities and make a difference continues to drive her strong personal support. The tens of thousands of sealants and fluoride varnish treatments made available to at-risk communities across the country by OHA's Smiles Across America®
program, Ms. Kent says, exemplifies the importance of the organization's work.
 
"OHA's programs provide an immeasurable difference for underserved children and adults who might otherwise face life with significant dental handicaps," Ms. Kent says.
 
"It gives me great pride to be able to give a financial gift to OHA's Annual Fund in memory of my father that will go back to community based programs and work to benefit underserved kids and adults," Ms. Kent says.
 
She adds: "I can't imagine a better gift to give at during this joyous holiday season."