ADHA, Johnson & Johnson honor 'Hygienist Heroes'

The American Dental Hygienists' Association and Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division announced this year's recipients of the Hygienists Hero Recognition Program, which honors dental hygienists' outstanding commitment to promoting oral hygiene in their local communities.

The honorees were recognized at the American Dental Hygienists' Association Annual Session this week in Washington, DC.

To be considered for the program, dental hygienists submitted essays that described their inspirational, self-funded activities that enhanced oral healthcare in their communities. A few of the many accomplishments recognized through this program include:

• Creating an international Special Olympics Special Smiles program, through which a team of nearly 300 volunteers from around the world screened and treated athletes at the first-ever Miles for Smiles mobile dental unit.
• Providing oral health and nutrition education to underserved elementary school children through creative instruction, books, and costumes.
• Collaborating with a local association to send 500 oral care kits to troops in Iraq.
• Educating young women about oral health during pregnancy and the importance of establishing good oral hygiene habits with their newborns.

"These dental hygienists are making such a positive impact on the oral health of our nation through their inspiring efforts to educate all Americans on proper at-home oral care techniques as well as increasing access to professional oral care," said ADHA President Diann Bomkamp, R.D.H., B.S.D.H.

In addition to being honored at the ADHA's meeting, honorees will receive special recognition in their local communities. The honorees will identify a health-oriented charity of choice to receive a $1,000 donation that will be made in the honoree's name.

The 2009 Hygienists Hero honorees are:

• Jennifer Via Clayton, R.D.H., Boise, ID
• Denise Maus, R.D.H., B.S., Wichita, KS
• Linda Meeuwenberg, R.D.H., M.A., Winter Park, FL
• Ilya Babiy, R.D.H., B.S.D.H., Portland, OR
• Patricia Doyle, R.D.H., B.S., F.A.D.P.D., Seattle, WA
• Judith Shimamoto, R.D.H., B.A., St. Louis, MO (presently living and working in the Marshall Islands)
• Diana L. Corbin, R.D.H., Flint Hill, VA
• Dona Gabzdyl, R.D.H., M.B.A., Elk Grove Village, IL
• Lisa Handa, B.S., R.D.H., R.D.H.A.P., San Mateo, CA
• Jessica Huffman, R.D.H., B.S.D.H., Charlotte, NC

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