Hello Friends and Colleagues,

Every new season brings new opportunities to grow, serve, and strengthen our community. This season, we proudly embrace the theme “Rooted in Culture and Rising in Community.” These words reflect not only who we are, but also the direction we continue to move toward together.

Being rooted in culture reminds us of the values, traditions, and professional standards that guide our work and shape our identity as dental hygienists. At the same time, we are rising in community by supporting one another through mentorship, leadership, advocacy, and service. Together, we continue building a stronger, more connected TDHA where our collective voice and dedication help strengthen and elevate the profession.

One of my greatest passions is working within our community, building meaningful connections, and contributing to a profession energized by the culture of dental hygiene. Our work is grounded in education, advocacy, service, and collaboration. It is inspiring to see how hygienists across Texas come together to support one another while improving the health of the communities we serve.

I’m Jodie Hostetter, your Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association President. My dental hygiene career has been rooted in service, education, and improving the oral health of San Antonio’s youngest residents and their families. I manage a mobile school-based sealant program for the health department, bringing preventive care to schools across Bexar County through the delivery of dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications, and sealants on first molars. It’s a road less traveled, but one worth every mile.

Community has always been important to me. Growing up in the small town of Fredericksburg taught me the value of connection, service, and keeping my culture at the heart of everything I do.

As we come off the heels of the TDHA Annual Conference, an event filled with connection, learning, and lasting memories, it’s inspiring to see so many hygienists gather, share knowledge, and celebrate our profession. Moments like these remind us of what makes TDHA such a special community and reinforces the power of standing together.

Throughout this edition of the TDHA Times, you will see highlights of the programs, initiatives, and achievements that reflect the dedication of our members. Your involvement, leadership, and willingness to give back are what make TDHA such a vibrant and impactful organization.

If you are considering becoming a member, we welcome you. We need people who lift us, people who ground us, and people who help us grow. There will always be noise and distractions, but we must remember the legacy that built the path we stand on today. The foundation, framework, and progress created so future hygienists could continue to grow not only the profession, but the people within it.

Our profession is strongest when we stand together, and the future of dental hygiene in Texas will be shaped by the community we continue to build today.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community and for the work you do every day to advance dental hygiene and improve the health of the communities we serve. I look forward to everything we will continue to accomplish together as we grow, connect, and rise as a profession.

With appreciation,

Jodie Hostetter BSDH, RDH

Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association President

Rooted in Connection: Upcoming Events 

• TDHA Board Meeting: April 11 - 12, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Interested in Attending? We welcome you, come sit with us. Email Tdha.president@gmail.com to RSVP by 4/10/26. 

• Join the TDHA Board for a Meet and Greet on Friday, April 10, from 5pm to 7pm. Come as you are, connect with others, and make new friends.

• We’re excited to announce the return of the “Come Sit with Us” Series. Hosted by the Mentorship Committee, this Zoom series will cover a variety of helpful topics, including Legislative 101, Trustee Tips, TDHA Leadership Roles, and more. Be on the lookout for upcoming dates on TDHA’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. This series is open to all hygienists who want to learn more, get involved, and stay connected, so Come Sit with Us. 

The Rise Starts Here: Shoutouts! 

• Good luck to all dental hygiene students preparing to take their clinical exams. YOU’VE GOT THIS! Your faculty has worked hard to prepare you, and now it’s your time to shine.

• TDHA proudly celebrates all graduating dental hygiene students! This is such a special accomplishment and one you should be incredibly proud of. Take time to celebrate, soak it all in, and share this moment with your family and loved ones.

Rising Together: What’s Ahead

• TDHA Community Service: April 10 - 11, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. TDHA will be collecting specific donations for Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc, The Battered Women and Children’s Shelter. All donations must be dropped off at Staybridge Suites Downtown Convention Center by Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome to participate. 

• The Texas Dental Association will host the Texas Mission of Mercy event in San Antonio on May 29 - 30th at Our Lady of the Lake University. More details to come.