Donna Caminiti, RDH, receives Pros in the Profession Award

Caminiti has been practicing dental hygiene for more than 34 years and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in dental hygiene from Loyola University. She earned her license in 1977 with a focus in teaching and graduated in 1978. For several years, Caminiti taught at the student clinic at Loyola University, and has worked in various private practice settings, both general and periodontic. Deeply committed to the prevention of oral cancer, Caminiti founded a smoking-cessation program that motivates her patients to quit smoking and displays their success on a bulletin board in Caminiti’s office.

“Donna’s smoking cessation program is just one of the many things that makes Donna a true ‘pro’ and deserving of this recognition,” said Marni Baker, RDH, a close friend from Springfield who nominated Caminiti for the Pros in the Profession award. “Donna exudes understanding and the capability to go above and beyond the call of duty. Her genuine love for others is apparent in all she does, even outside of the professional realm.”

Caminiti is also an advocate for Oral-B power toothbrushes, and through another program she created, Caminiti displays photos of patients using their Oral-B power toothbrush in unique locations across the world.

Caminiti stated, “I have to admit, some of the power toothbrush photo entries get quite creative, but at least I have proof that the patients are brushing!”

Throughout the year, five other deserving professionals will join Caminiti as this year’s Crest Oral-B Pros in the Profession. Winners will receive a $1,000 monetary prize, recognition at a special award cocktail reception at RDH’s Under One Roof 2012 in Las Vegas, a recognition plaque, tribute in dental trade media news announcements and on www.dentalcare.com, and an exclusive trip to P&G headquarters. So those who know worthy “pros” like Caminiti should help give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them today.

Nominations will be accepted through April 2012 either online at www.prosintheprofession.com or at the Crest Oral-B booth at upcoming dental conventions. Nominations should be submitted by dentists, fellow hygienists, dental assistants, professional colleagues and collegiate colleagues, conveying why their nominee is a true “pro.” Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Registered dental hygienists with two or more years of practice experience after graduation from dental hygiene school.
• Registered dental hygienists with community service involvement.
• General volunteer/non-oral health-specific examples are welcome, but oral health-related volunteer experience is preferred.
• Registered dental hygienists with examples of work that go above and beyond the call of duty. Examples include: excellent patient relations/special care/retainment; involvement in research and/or clinical experience; published work(s); and the ability to generate additional business for their practice.

To learn more about Pros in the Profession, including how to nominate a “pro” for consideration, visit, www.prosintheprofession.com.