Proceedings from the first in a yearly series of conferences on dental hygiene education sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists' Association are presented. Three sessions are as follows: (1) "Society at Large: Economics, Cultural Trends, Work Trends, Demographics, and Technology" (Felix Kaufmann); (2) "The Health Care System: Changes and Implications" (Barbara Kramer); and (3) Higher Education and the Health Professions" (Carol Lindeman). An evaluation of the workshop is provided. Twelve appendices are: agenda; goals; steering committee; facilitators; participants (institutional representatives); participants (constituent representatives); representation maps; bibliography; nominal process; letters; articles; and evaluation summary. (SM)