Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | February 2012XX XXXXX A4 Dental Tribune U.S. Edition | March 2014 educate | inspire | connect April 30 - May 3, 2014 30th Annual AACD Scientific Session Visit www.AACDconference.com • Be part of a cosmetic dentistry evolution spanning 30 years • Tap your inner overachiever with AACD’s high-level, hands-on learning • Get social and re-energize in the Florida sunshine 30years of Making Smiles Ad Crest Oral-B names four as ‘Pros in the Profession’ In the third year of its Pros in the Profes- sion awards program, Crest + Oral-B has recognized four registered dental hygien- ists who demonstrate excellent patient care, a passion for the profession and a dedication to learning. The awards acknowledge the pivotal role these hygienists play in their patients’ lives — and their unwavering personal com- mitment to promoting good oral health in their communities. “We have seen extraordinary entries over the past several years, which is why we must continue to honor those hygien- ists whose passion shine through in their everyday work,” said John Scarchilli, global scientific communications director, Proct- er & Gamble Oral Care. “These individuals dedicate countless hours to furthering the oral health cause, so we are pleased to be able to applaud them publicly.” The winners in this third year of the award are Michelle Vacha, Heather Steich, Mallory Edmondson and Amy Kinnamon. Whileearningthehonorinherownunique way, each winner shares the same devotion topromotingandparticipatingingoodoral care for patients. More about the winnners: Michelle Vacha, RDH, BS, received her degrees from Northern Arizona Univer- sity and has been practicing in Colorado Springs, Colo., for the past 24 years. “I am so honored to be receiving this award,” said Vacha about being named a winner for year three. “I am hoping the attention from it will bring awareness to the public and other hygienists who care for older adults. Through my work, I help seniors deal with specific health factors they face due to lack of dental support. We want to ensure that all of the good work that has been done to maintain oral health throughout life is also preservedonceinsuranceisnolongeravail- able through retirement or fixed income.” Heather Steich, RDH, received her degree at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and has been practicing in San Francisco for the past five years. “I will be taking my second oral health service/mission trip to Hondu- ras this year,” said Steich about winning $1,000. “Last year I used my own funds for the trip, but this year I plan on using the award toward the expenses of the trip. In effect, the award will be going back to the community I love to serve.” Mallory Edmondson, RDH, BS, received her BSDH from Indiana University South Bend and is currently at the University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene for her MSDH. She has been practicing in Merrillville, Ind., for the past two years. “My favorite aspect of dental hygiene is the limitless opportunities available within the profession,” said Edmondson about be- ing an RDH. “We are educators, managers, practitioners and much more. Hygienists are able to adapt to any given situation and apply their knowledge and skill sets far be- yond the dental chair.” Amy Kinnamon, RDH, received her de- gree from Shawnee State University and has been practicing in Athens, Ohio, for the past 17 years. “Last year I was invited to the U.S. National Oral Health Alliance because ofmyresearchconcerningwaystoincrease compliance in dental care amongst Appala- chian children. This year, I have the honor of giving a continuing education course concerning my research at Ohio’s ‘dental hygienist total development’ weekend. This has been a career goal of mine since returning to my hometown in Appalachia almost 20 years ago.” About Pros in the Profession Crest + Oral-B has rewarded the four RDH winners with: • An all-expense paid trip to visit the Procter&GambleGermanInnovationCen- ter at Kronberg, Germany • A $1,000 monetary prize • A recognition plaque • Recognition in dental periodicals and announcements on Crest + Oral-B for Den- tal Professionals Facebook page and www. dentalcare.com. Each year Crest + Oral-B looked for new Michelle Vacha Heather Steich Amy Kinnamon HINMAN BOOTH 1419 Mallory Edmondson Hygiene Industry News ” See PROS, page A6