Dental News - Final winners of Pros in the Profession are named

Dental Tribune USA

Thu. 29 May 2014

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NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: Crest + Oral-B has recognized four outstanding registered dental hygienists (RDHs), who demonstrate excellent patient care, a passion for the profession and a dedication to learning, with the third year of the Pros in the Profession awards program. The four winners are Michelle Vacha, Heather Steich, Mallory Edmondson and Amy Kinnamon.

These awards acknowledge the pivotal role hygienists play in their patients’ lives, in addition to their unwavering personal commitment to promoting good oral health in their communities.

“We have seen extraordinary entries during the past several years, which is why we must continue to honor those hygienists whose passions shine through in their everyday work,” said John Scarchilli, global scientific communications for P&G Oral Care.

Michelle Vacha, RDH, BS, received her degrees from Northern Arizona University 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 because of lack of dental support. We want to ensure that all of the good work that has gone to maintain oral health throughout life is also preserved once insurance is no longer available 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 Honduras this year,” said Steich, about winning $1,000 for the award. “Last year I used my own funds for the trip, but this year I plan on using the award to put 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,” Edmondson said. “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 beyond the dental chair.”

Amy Kinnamon, RDH, received her degree from Shawnee State University and has been practicing in Athens, Ohio, for the last 17 years. “Last year, I was invited to the U.S. National Oral Health Alliance because of my research concerning ways to increase compliance in dental care amongst Appalachian children,” Kinnamon said. “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.”

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