Anne Gwozdek, RDH, MA, of Dexter, Mich., was selected as the 2013 Philips Sonicare/RDH Mentor of the Year, according to a joint announcement by Philips Oral Healthcare and PennWell Corp. (publisher of RDH magazine).
Gwozdek is the director of the dental hygiene degree completion program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. She was nominated for the award by four dental hygienists who she has mentored: Elizabeth Easter of Detroit, Kathy Yee of Troy, Mich., Karen Essell of Ann Arbor, and Mary Gilson Layher of Ann Arbor. Essell and Layher are colleagues of Gwozdek at the University of Michigan, while Easter and Yee are former students.
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Consider reading: Our photo coverage of the 2012 Mentor of the Year award ceremony
Gwozdek was selected out of a pool of mentors in dental hygiene by a panel of judges coordinated by Philips Oral Healthcare and RDH magazine. The two companies have collaborated on honoring mentoring in the dental hygiene profession every year since 2004.
“Every dental professional fondly remembers a mentor who made a difference in their lives, someone who acted as a trusted and loyal adviser and friend, who motivated, inspired and supported our personal and professional growth,” said Gail Stoops, RDH, the senior manager of professional relations at Philips Oral Healthcare. “The Philips Sonicare/RDH Mentor of the Year award annually recognizes outstanding dental hygienists who have positively impacted the lives of other professionals.
“Philips is very proud to announce the 2013 winner, Anne Gwozdek. Anne is a clinician, educator, researcher, published author and leader. Let’s celebrate excellence in dental hygiene by recognizing the accomplishments of this exceptional individual — congratulations Anne!”
Gwozdek will be featured in the April 2013 issue of RDH magazine, and will be toasted for her mentoring achievements during an award ceremony at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s annual session next June in Boston.
