Dental News - Grant will help hygienist advance oral health in local nursing homes

Dental Tribune USA

Wed. 28 March 2012

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CINCINNATI, OH, USA: Crest Oral-B has announced that Ann Benson Ross, RDH, BS, of Phoenix, Ariz., is the recipient of the brands’ first-ever Pros in the Profession grant for “Advancing Oral Health in the Community.” Together with her fellow staff at Mobile Dentistry of Arizona, Ross plans to utilize the $5,000 grant toward delivering onsite oral health services to nursing home residents who are in critical need of care but unable to obtain such services.

Due to financial reasons, physical immobility of patients, and lack of proper training among staff, oral health care tends to lag behind other forms of care in nursing homes.

To continue supporting the work that the Pros in the Profession year one winners are doing in their community, Crest Oral-B called for grant proposals from these dental hygienists earlier this year. Each unique application centered on a common theme and outlined ways in which the $5,000 funds would be used to improve the state of oral health within each winner’s community. Ross was selected based on her compelling demonstration of the urgent need for financial support to help bring oral health care to nursing home residents that are at a clear disadvantage in her community.

“It is estimated that only 50 percent of people with a significant disability are able to find access to professional dental care,” Ross said. “At Mobile Dentistry of Arizona, it is our priority to close this oral health gap in our community’s nursing homes by bringing dental care access to residents with mobility challenges — a mission that is greatly enhanced and supported with the help of the Crest Oral-B grant.”

Ross’s goal through the grant is twofold: Along with delivering oral health services to nursing home residents, her team will provide the necessary training to nursing home staff so they may continue to help maintain residents’ oral health care routine, including assistance with brushing and flossing.

“Crest Oral-B is proud of dental hygienists like Ann who are truly making an impact in patients’ lives, and we are committed to helping further their impact on oral health beyond their daily practice,” stated Wendy Bebey, RDH, BS, P&G dental hygienist relations manager. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Ann through the Pros in the Profession grant and provide her with the means to help fulfill our joint-mission of ‘Advancing Oral Health in the Community.’”

The Crest Oral-B Pros in the Profession program recognizes Registered Dental Hygienists who go above and beyond the call of duty every day. Throughout the year, Crest Oral-B rewards a selection of deserving professionals, as nominated by their peers, who truly make an impact on patients and for the oral health cause.

(Source: P&G)

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