In 1994, four dental hygienists from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania discussed the idea of starting a local professional organization for African American Dental Hygienists.  They wanted an organization that would address the needs and concerns of hygienists and hygiene students from Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.  They desired an organization which would allow dental hygienists to come together professionally and socially, building relationships, which hopefully would last a lifetime.

That idea, planned with determination, finally grew to fruition the following year.  In 1995, the National Dental Association (NDA) and the National Dental Hygienists' Association (NDHA) were planning their annual dental convention to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The president of NDHA solicited these four dental  hygienists to assist them in the planning process.  They discussed their idea of a Philadelphia organization with several board members of NDHA.  Shortly thereafter, the NDHA provided the hygienists with seed money to establish a local organization.

The first meeting of the Tri-State Dental Hygienists' Society was held in August 1995.  Tri-State continues to fulfill its original purpose and mission through its close-knit dental hygiene family.

 






Tri-State Dental Hygienists' Society is an organization created for dental hygienists of African or African American descent.

We are committed to:

  • Cultivating and Promoting the Art and Science of Dental Hygiene
  • Improving Individual and Community Health Maintenance
  • Enhancing the Professional Status of Dental Hygiene
  • Encouraging Mutual Support and Goodwill
  • Expanding Employment Opportunities
  • Facilitating Student Recruitment and Retention
  • Expanding Continuing Education Opportunities
  • Promoting Scholarship Opportunities for Students
  • Increasing Organizational Membership
  • Mentoring Dental Hygiene Students

                







Community Service Opportunities
  • Mobile Dental Screenings
  • Career Day Presentations
  • Health Fair Volunteerism
  • Special Olympics Volunteerism

Scholarships Awarded Annually to Students

Continuing Education Seminars
  • Free Attendance for Members

Employment Opportunities
  • Free Database Access for Members



       Click HERE to download a membership application.








Mission Statement
Serving PA, NJ & DE
Since 1995

History
Tri-State Dental Hygienists' Society
Unity Day 2005
Tri-State members in Los Angeles at the National Convention 2004
Rep. Dwight Evans,
Rep. Rosita Youngblood & Tri-State at 2006 Halloween Health Fair in Germantown
2007 Fundraiser
Shopping Trip
to Rehoboth, Delaware
Our Covenant

Tri-State's  Covenant

1. Maintain an active license.

2. Pay yearly organization dues on time.

3. Attend monthly organization meetings.

4.. Donate time, energy, and money to the
   scholarship fund.

5. Volunteer for community service events.

6. Mentor to dental hygiene students.

7. Improve dental health by promoting the
   Art & Science of Dental Hygiene.

8. Value the skill of dental hygiene.

9. Get involved in the legislative arm of
   dental hygiene.

10. Encourage more African Americans to       choose dental hygiene as a career.
Benefits of Membership
Sealant Saturday at CCP
February 2008
Tri-State Lobbies on
Capitol Hill in 2005 for
Access to Care
Tri-State and New Era 2007 Holiday Party
Tri-State supports a
community health fair
Summer 2008
Tri-State Supports the
2000 Special Olympics
Tri-State Supports the
2001 Special Olympics