Welcome to the South Carolina Dental Hygiene Association
Website! My name is Renee Russell and I currently serve as President for the 2011-2012 year. It is an honor to serve
you the dental hygienist of SC. I am excited about the upcoming year and I am looking forward to us, dental hygienist, making a difference in the lives of each other and all citizens of SC that we serve.

This year the theme I have chosen centers around the Starfish. I chose the Starfish because I love the beach and all of God’s creations that He put there for us to enjoy. My husband and 2 children found a starfish, which could not be saved, and framed it for my birthday. Upon researching the Starfish, I found a story that touched me. The story goes: One day a man was walking along the beach when he notices a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked,
What are you doing? The boy replied, Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die. Son, the man said, don’t you realize there
are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference! After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said I made a difference for that one. That
is my challenge for us the dental hygienist of SC to go out and make a difference not only in our association but also to those around us!

We would love to hear from you, please feel free to contact myself or any of the Officers with questions, comments or suggestions you may have. Also, please mark your calendars for next year’s dental hygiene symposium to be held September 28-29, 2012! I look forward to seeing you all throughout the year!

Renee Russell, RDH, BS

President, SCDHA