HYGIENIST HERO® ARCHIVE

Hygienist Hero

Read the stories of the 2008
HYGIENIST HERO^® Honorees

Who is a HYGIENIST HERO^®?

YOU are. Dental hygienists are an integral part of the dental team, and go above and beyond daily clinical practice. You are a dental hygienist who donates time to charities to enhance oral healthcare in your community. You are an inspiration to all.

In appreciation for your extraordinary efforts, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association has created a recognition program to honor your contributions. This program is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., maker of LISTERINE^® and REACH^® Products. The next round of honorees for the HYGIENIST HERO^® program will be recognized at the 2009 ADHA Annual Session, Washington, DC, June 16-24, 2009.

Congratulations 2008 HYGIENIST HERO^® Honorees!

HYGIENIST HERO^® Recognition Program from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc.

Carroll M. Shuttle Bains, RDH

Bristol, TN

For three years, Carroll has volunteered at Healing Hands, providing outstanding dental hygiene care—at no cost—to uninsured area residents. During that time, she has improved the oral health of individuals whose life circumstances have ranged from abusive relationships to financial misfortune. She not only lends a helping hand, but also a sympathetic ear, listening to stories and sharing advice with all she meets along the way. Carroll has truly touched the lives of hundreds of people, and doesn’t think twice about her caring efforts, saying that she is “just a person trying to give back to the community.”

Karen Essell, RDH, BSDH

Ann Arbor, MI

Nearly one full year of research and legislative correspondence spearheaded by Karen led to the application for Public Act 161 status, which allows Michigan dental hygienists to perform preventive interventions in underserved areas. Upon receiving this status, Karen and a team of volunteer hygienists were then able to create "Smiles for a Lifetime," a program aimed at serving underprivileged children at a local Head Start center. Through this program, Karen and other volunteer hygienists provide oral health education, screenings and fluoride varnish to all Head Start children in her county, at no charge, in their classrooms.

Erika B. Feltham, RDH

Fallbrook, CA

Erika’s passionate nature, combined with her volunteer efforts, have helped underprivileged communities. For almost 20 years, Erika has raised awareness about oral health, nutrition, and preventive dental care at hundreds of daycare, kindergarten, and nursing/retirement facilities. She has instilled the benefits of proper oral health through dental screenings, illustrating proper oral hygiene techniques, providing educational/fun oral healthcare packets, and leading interactive projects. Erika’s outstanding volunteerism has made a difference for countless numbers of people over the decades.

Michelle A. Frushour, RDH

Hagerstown, MD

Michelle’s dedication to teaching children early preventive methods has inspired and guided many. This motivated woman taught herself American Sign Language in order to volunteer her time with hearing-impaired children, teaching them the benefits of developing a good oral health routine. Michelle also volunteers her time, participating in “Sealant Saturday” efforts, where she engages in public awareness efforts aimed at bringing free oral exams, sealants, and dental health education to children in need.

Theresa M. Granatella, RDH

Delray Beach, FL

When her nephew, to whom she always provided dental care, unexpectedly passed away, Theresa set up her own dental clinic in 2002 as a way to continue helping others without insurance. She continues to this day, also volunteering her time at the Mission Medical Center, a nonprofit organization patients, who do not have healthcare coverage. There, Theresa provides oral hygiene instruction and establishes regular recall visits, always stressing the sense of pride she feels when helping such special patients.

Donna Marie Grzegorek, RDH, EC

Algonquin, IL

Nothing says oral healthcare commitment like striving to get the benefits of flossing noted in the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2001, Donna did just that, spearheading a successful effort to get 297 teenagers on a 1500-foot, single strand of custom-made floss. The Guinness Book of World Records established “The Most People Dental Flossing Simultaneously on One Single Strand of Dental Floss” as the first dental flossing record of its kind. Donna also volunteers her time educating young children about dental health, and talks to many others about the importance of oral cancer screenings.

Leslie Kahn, RDH

Roslyn, NY

Leslie’s dedication to spreading the word about oral care is perhaps most evident in the disk and interactive coloring book she created, “My Dentist Makes Me Smile,” designed to introduce children to the dental environment. Leslie also volunteers her time as a lecturer, outlining the benefits of a proper oral health routine to both underprivileged children and teenagers, as well as those with special needs.

Patricia Michelle Vacha, RDH, BS

Colorado Springs, CO

The growing elderly population is where Patricia focuses her volunteer efforts, tirelessly providing dental cleanings, oral evaluations, and fluoride treatments to nursing home residents. She works closely with each patient, bringing mobile dental equipment to each nursing home. Patricia’s mission to help an often overlooked population has sparked much appreciation and interest in her community.

Emma Violante, RDH

Glendale, AZ

Emma has literally taken her passion for oral health to the streets, getting its message out with parade floats and at festival booths. Additionally, she has spoken at various Head Start programs and other schools in an effort to raise dental education awareness. Emma has also volunteered her time raising money to build the St. Vincent de Paul Free Medical/Dental Clinic, where she provides dental hygiene treatment for the uninsured.