Carol Martin of Lititz, Pa., recently received the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Humanitarian Award from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Martin, a dental hygienist and hygiene trainer at Smilebuilderz in Lancaster, Pa., and a volunteer at Water Street Health Services dental clinic in Lancaster, is one of eight 2016 alumni award winners. She was honored at an April 15 ceremony hosted by the Minnesota State Mankato Alumni Association. A YouTube video about Martin’s career is available online. Humanitarian awards go to Minnesota State Mankato graduates whose lives exemplify service to humankind, and who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to humanitarian causes. Like many hygienists, Martin’s start in the dental profession began as an assistant. Her experience as an assistant led her to earn an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and in 2013, a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Minnesota State Mankato. Today, Martin continues to practice dental hygiene in a number of different capacities. In addition to working and volunteering in Lancaster, Pa., Martin also devotes her time to organizing and participating in a dental mission in Honduras through the Central American Relief Efforts (CARE). She has used her own vacation time to complete seven trips to Honduras to provide dental care to more than 650 children and their teachers in rural areas. While in Honduras, Martin has offered nutritional and dental education and performed teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and fluoride varnish applications. Martin has received several awards for her care and service to others. Included are the Social Responsibility Award from the International Federation of Dental Hygienists and Global Child Dental Fund (2014), the Young Dental Brand Ambassador (2013), Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction (2013) and the Community Dental Health Award from the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association (2004, 2011). Martin is also a distinguished member of the Academy of Dental Hygiene Studies, and has served in various chair positions within the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association, including her current role as parliamentarian. Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,193 students, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, which comprises 31 state institutions.For the most current dental headlines, click here.
