Growth, Change…and Gratitude!
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* Rebecca S. Wilder

![Figure1](http://jdh.adha.org/https://jdh.adha.org/content/jdenthyg/91/6/4/F1.medium.gif)

[Figure1](http://jdh.adha.org/content/91/6/4/F1)

We are grateful this year! Here at the American Dental Hygienists' Association, we are extremely appreciative for everyone who plays a role in supporting the *Journal of Dental Hygiene* though their submissions of timely papers, and to the many peer reviewers who freely give their time and expertise with thorough reviews of the research manuscripts. In addition, we have many individuals who are not formally on our Editorial Review Board who contribute their time when needed. This editorial is dedicated to all of who provide ongoing support of the *Journal*.

Our editorial review board consists of a diverse group of dedicated professionals including dental hygienists, dentists, physical therapists, nurses and other health care professionals who bring a wide range of experience to the *Journal* and are contributing to the growth of interprofessional practice. Over the past year, we have seen an increase in submissions pertaining to interprofessional education and collaboration as well as the contributions of dental hygienists in increasing access to care. As the profession of dental hygiene continues to grow and expand, it will be even more important to collaborate with other professionals as we strive to provide the most comprehensive care possible to our patients and the public.

Last year I reported that changes were occurring with the *Journal*. The *Journal* has a new home…in the Professional Development and Membership Engagement Division of ADHA. Sue Bessner is at the helm and is doing a fantastic job! In addition, many of you can attest to the dedication of our managing editor, Cathy Draper! She has been a wonderful addition to the JDH team. I also wish to gratefully acknowledge the support and valuable contributions of the American Dental Hygienists' Association for their longstanding commitment to the *Journal of Dental Hygiene* and for their ongoing recognition of the value of scholarship and research to the growth of the profession.

We would like to give a special acknowledgement to the Sigma Phi Alpha Journalism Award winning manuscripts published in this issue. Cori Pacanins, RDH, BSDH and Katelyn Thomson, RDH, BSDH from Pacific University were the recipients of the undergraduate award for their submission, “Compensation and Position Characteristics of Dental Hygiene Program Directors.” Windy Rothmund, RDH, MS, from Eastern Washington University received the graduate award for “Oral Manifestations of Menopause: An Interprofessional Intervention for Dental Hygiene and Physician Assistant Students.” Congratulations to the authors and their mentors … thank you for your contribution to our body of knowledge and *keep on writing*!!!

The 2017 *Journal of Dental Hygiene* Editorial Review Board is listed on the following page along with those who have specific expertise for whom we call on as guest reviewers. Thank you again for your time, knowledge and commitment to the growth and advancement of the dental hygiene profession. All of us at the *Journal of Dental Hygiene* look forward to working with each of you to continually improve **OUR** Journal!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Wilder, RDH, BS, MS

Editor–in–Chief, *Journal of Dental Hygiene*

*   Copyright © 2017 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association