3M ESPE Introduces 2003 Dental Hygiene Advisory Panel

Feb. 10, 2003
Advisory panel will work with 3M ESPE on dental hygiene issues.

3M ESPE has named its 2002 Dental Hygiene Advisory Panel, a group of hygienists from across the country that work with 3M ESPE to improve the practice of dental hygiene.

"The dedication of these individuals to their profession is inspiring," said Ellen Neuenfeldt, professional relations manager, 3M ESPE. "From current members to panel alumni, each person involved with this group has brought something special to her fellow hygienists."

The second year of the panel brings new members including: Kimberly Nimmons, RDH, of Smyrna, Ga., received her dental hygiene degree at Midlands Technical College in 1978. She currently practices general and periodontal dental hygiene. Nimmons is a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and is affiliated with her state dental hygiene association. Nimmons is interested in esthetic and cosmetic treatment recommendations and co-authored an article for CERP on the maintenance of esthetic restorations in February 2002.

Karen Robinson, RDH, of Denver, Colo. has been practicing dental hygiene for 16 years. She received her dental hygiene degree in 1986 from Pueblo Community College and has been working for Santa Fe Dental ever since. Her areas of interest include periodontal assessment and treatment plan development. She enjoys volunteering for community outreach programs to educate children about oral care and promoting dental hygiene as a career for women.

Jane Townsend, RDH, BS, of Hilton Head, S.C. received her dental hygiene degree from Ohio State University in June 1983. She also has obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Debra Mills, RDH, of Melville, N.Y. completed her dental hygiene degree in 1989 at the State University of New York College of Technology in Farmingdale. While at SUNY, Mills assisted in a toothpaste research project. She continues her education by attending state level dental association meetings, dental hygiene school programs and distributor-sponsored programs.

Members continuing their second year on the panel include:

Amy Nieves, RDH, Henderson, Nev. received her dental hygiene degree from Middlesex County College in Edison, NJ, in May 1999. Nieves works as an adjunct faculty member at the Community College of Southern Nevada while also practicing clinical dental hygiene full-time. As secretary and Web master of the local Southern Nevada Dental Hygienists' Association, Nieves takes an active role in her field. She regularly hosts a column in Contemporary Oral Hygiene called "Hygiene Solutions."

Shirley Gutkowski, RDH, BSDH, of Sun Prairie, Wis. received her dental hygiene degree from Madison Area Technical College in 1986 and a B.S. degree from Marquette University in 1999. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and is actively involved in her state dental hygiene association as Component President and State Component Trustee. She has authored articles in RDH magazine, Diabetes Self-Management and Nursing Case Management.

Kendra Haynes, RDH, BS, of Omaha, Neb. received her dental hygiene degree at University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1991. She has since completed a B.S. degree and an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology. Haynes worked as a clinical instructor at the UNMC College of Dentistry from 1992-93. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and is extremely active in her state dental hygiene association, serving as state president, vice president, legislative chair, delegate component president and fundraiser chair. In 1998 she was awarded the Nebraska State Hygienist of the Year and Component Hygienist of the Year.

Kelly Kennedy, RDH, of Los Angeles, Calf. is a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the California Dental Hygienists' Association. She received her degree from West Los Angeles College in 2000. She now practices clinical dental hygiene in Los Angeles, focusing on both general and periodontal work. Kennedy has authored articles in CE Home Study and The Journal of the California Dental Hygienists' Association.

Yvette Walker, RDH, of Rockford, Ill. received her Associate Degree in Applied Science in 1986 from Lake Land College in Mattoon, Ill. She enjoys working on the Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee at Rock Valley College and is currently a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. Walker is also an active member of the Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association and the President of the Winnebago Dental Hygienists' Society. She is serving as the IDHA Mid -Winter Chairperson for 2003 and the IDHA Vice-President for 2002-03.

Karen Kaiser, RDH, of Waterloo, Ill. has been in the dental field since 1987. She received her dental hygiene degree from Forest Park College in St. Louis, Mo., in 1994. She enjoys promoting dental hygiene in her community by attending health and science fairs, educating groups of children on oral care, and speaking at career days to promote dental hygiene. Kaiser is a 2002 Award of Distinction recipient from the John O. Butler Company and RDH magazine.

"3M ESPE is very fortunate to be assisted by a group of such talented professionals to address the needs of the hygiene community," continued Neuenfeldt. "We're excited to welcome our new members, as well as our continuing panelists. And, of course, we can't thank the panel alumni enough for their continued support."

Dental Hygiene Advisory Panel Alumni include: Arlene Cates, RDH, Duluth, Ga.; Joyce Smallcomb, RDH, W. Newton, Mass.; Tracy Hooker, RDH, New Braunfels, Texas; Linda Swarts, RDH, BHS, Jacksonville, N.C.; and, Rachelle Anne O'Brien, RDH, Bay City, Mich.

Started in 2001, this panel is comprised of 10 dental hygienists from across the United States, all selected for the varied dental hygiene practice experiences they bring to the group. The panel meets annually, with the next meeting set for Sept. 26-29 in Las Vegas. Panel members are responsible for working with 3M ESPE in the following areas: product research, idea generation and discussion of dental hygiene practice trends.