Jackie Sanders, RDH, who is the dental education program director for Sunstar Americas, recognized the eight recipients for the Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction during a ceremony at the August 2010 RDH Under One Roof conference in Orlando, Fla.
Here is the text of her presentation:
Nancy Alleman, Steilacoom, WashingtonNancy has tirelessly advocated for the underserved populations in Washington state. Her innovative education program, which is delivered to low-income students in her elaborate Toothfairy costume, has touched the lives of hundreds of Head Start and Early Child Education and Assistance Programs. By introducing these children to oral health education in a fun and engaging way the students hear and understand the difference between good snacks and sticky, sugary items.Working at the grassroots level, Nancy has made a huge impact on how Washington dental hygienists perceive the needs in their communities and how they can make a difference. Nancy has motivated many hygienists to consider community based practice in schools, nursing homes, senior centers, and hospitals and as a result more underserved and ignored populations have received dental disease prevention services and necessary restorative treatment.As president-elect of the Washington State Dental Hygienist Association, Nancy stepped up to the plate to challenge the status quo and engaged more of her fellow hygienists to think outside the box. She has been active in advocating for legislation that would allow dental hygienists to serve more of those who cannot afford dental care.Nancy strives to find common ground and recognizes that helping patients to achieve and maintain good oral health is an attainable goal and one that is shared by all dental professionals.Nancy, thank you for your community service.
Lauren Gueitis, Great Neck, New York Lauren has taken the initiative to raise awareness of the oral/systemic link to her local community as well as to the medical/dental community. Her philosophy is that the most efficient way to educate patients is to “educate the educators”. She has organized and facilitated lectures for dental professionals; round table discussions for endocrinologists, cardiologists, and internists; as well as volunteering to present her “Healthy Mouth – Healthy Body” lecture for diabetes support groups.Lauren’s comprehensive care and empathy for patients concerns has resulted in improving her patients overall health and well-being. She received national attention via NBC and other internet media sites which resulted in a guest appearance on ABC’s Sunday morning program “Viewpoint”. During the show, she discussed the implications periodontal disease has on diabetes and vice versa.Lauren’s passion for her patient’s has led her to meet with Dr Loren Golub, the inventor of Periostat. Through Dr. Golub’s support, Lauren spoke to his students at SUNY Stonybrook on the subject of periodontal disease and diabetes. In August 2011, she will present on the subject alongside Donna Jornsay, a nurse and diabetes educator at the National Diabetes Educators’ Conference. Lauren will also be conducting a study on HBA 1c levels and coauthoring an article.Lauren’s drive, passion, and enthusiasm will continue to benefit patients and make the dental hygiene profession proud. Lauren, thank you for educating the public and the medical community.
Dee is a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice. This California based career option has allowed Dee the opportunity to serve people who are really in need of care but haven’t had access. Dee reached out to care givers and developed a program that educated them and desensitized the client. Overcoming many obstacles and people who said it couldn’t be done…Dee made care for these needy individuals happen by educating and training the staff involved with client’s daily oral care. Her patients vary from the homebound to developmentally disabled, seniors in assisted living and skilled nursing. The programs that Dee spear-headed in the Regional Centers have improved the oral health of developmentally disabled clients living in their own home, group homes, intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities. As we all know, the connection between good oral health and good overall health, results in clients having a better overall quality of life. Dee has been an advocate for those in need and has brought this message to a broad audience.Dee’s program is now being duplicated by other oral health care professionals and she is always more than willing to share the programs designed to make sure everyone has the right to access to care.Dee, thank you for bringing more access to your community.Please join me in congratulating the 2010 Award of Distinction Recipients.
