Crest launches dental hygienist award program

Crest Oral-B is recognizing registered dental hygienists who go above and beyond the call of duty daily with their new Pros in the Profession award program.

Starting in September and running through April 2011, Crest Oral-B will reward five deserving professionals, as nominated by their peers, who truly make an impact on patients and for the oral health cause, the company announced.

"At Crest Oral-B, we understand how essential dental hygienists are to the profession and the important part they play in their patients' lives," said Wendy Bebey, R.D.H., Procter & Gamble professional and academic relations. "With Pros in the Profession, we will now be able to officially recognize their dedication to oral care."

Nominations should be submitted by dentists, fellow hygienists, dental assistants, professional colleagues, and collegiate colleagues. Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Registered dental hygienist with two-plus years of practice experience after graduation from dental hygiene school
• Registered dental hygienists with community service involvement
• Registered dental hygienists with examples of work that goes above and beyond the call of duty; for example, excellent patient relations, involvement in research, published work, and ability to generate additional business for the practice
• Registered dental hygienists with additional continuing education credits over state requirements

Pros in the Profession winners will receive a $1,500 monetary prize; VIP all-expenses-paid trip to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) 2011 annual meeting in Nashville, TN; a pampering spa experience; an exclusive trip to Procter & Gamble headquarters; and recognition at major conferences throughout the year.

Nominations can be submitted on the Procter & Gamble website or at the Crest Oral-B booth at various dental conventions.