CINCINNATI--()--Crest® Oral-B® is proud to recognize the recipients of the brands’ second annual Pros in the Profession® awards program. The award acknowledges deserving Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) whose excellence in education, volunteerism and treatment enhance the public’s oral health with the ultimate goal of improving overall health.
Dental hygienists have one of the most hands-on jobs in the healthcare profession. They are essential members of the oral healthcare team, with a unique ability to motivate and educate diverse patient populations about oral health and oral disease prevention,” said Wendy Bebey, RDH, BS, P&G Dental Hygienist Relations Manager. “Crest Oral-B salutes this year’s winners who have used their knowledge, skills and passion to improve oral care both locally and abroad.”
This is the second year of the Pros in the Profession program, which recognizes RDHs who go above and beyond the call of duty every day to advance oral health. The six winners will be recognized at a special ceremony on July 31st at RDH Under One Roof 2012, in Las Vegas. RDH Under One Roof is an annual continuing education dental conference that attracts some of the most recognized dental hygienists in the field.
About the 2012 Pros in the Profession Winners
The award-winners for year two of the program are Donna Caminiti, RDH; Julie Wells Kroeker, RDH; Kareen Wilson, RDH; Kasha Lower, RDH; Olga Torres, RDH; and Hayley Wood-Klauer, RDH.
- Donna Caminiti, of Springfield, IL, was selected for her dedication to improving many of her patients’ lives through her “I Quit Tobacco Wall of Fame” and other in-office initiatives. Donna started a smoking-cessation program that teaches patients about the effects of smoking on overall health and oral health. She motivates patients to quit smoking and honors their success by posting their photos on a bulletin board in her office.
- Julie Wells Kroeker, of McAllen, TX, was selected for her commitment to the oral health of her patients and those with special needs. She hosts a series of oral health presentations at local elementary schools and role plays with high school-age special education students to help them feel good about visiting the dentist. In her practice, Julie has also mastered the Spanish language in order to communicate with her largely Hispanic patient demographic.
- Kareen Wilson, of Bloomfield, CT, was selected for her work in starting Bethesda Medical Mission, a nonprofit organization that offers free health services to less fortunate people around the world. In 2004, Kareen joined mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Peru and witnessed a drastic need for better oral health care in these countries. After that experience, she realized her true calling and continues to educate patients back home about the connection between oral health and overall health.
- Kasha Lower, of New Port Richey, FL, was selected for her community service as an active volunteer for the Great American Teach-In, a program that teaches students in local schools about the importance of oral health. She also contributes her time to the Smile Faith Foundation, an organization that combines life-coach counseling with dental care to help patients with severe dental problems restore their smiles, regain their confidence and venture into new career opportunities.
- Olga Torres, of Clewiston, FL, was selected for her extensive work with pediatric patients, which has ultimately led her to become a widely recognized role model for many kids and adolescents throughout her community. Olga uses her bilingual skills to communicate with Hispanic patients, as well as the migrant parents and guardians of her pediatric patients, many of whom face language barriers. When she is not at work or studying part-time for her Bachelor’s Degree, Olga often volunteers her time giving in-depth presentations to parents and their children on how to maintain their oral health.
- Hayley Wood-Klauer, of South Bend, IN, was selected for her commitment to the profession in both the clinical and academic settings. Just three years after graduating dental hygiene school, Hayley splits her time working in private practice while serving as a full-time clinical instructor in the dental hygiene program at Indiana University South Bend. On top of her busy work schedule, Hayley is pursuing a Master’s Degree to enhance her capabilities and takes every opportunity she gets to give back to her community through volunteerism.
Ongoing Partnership with First-Year Winner
Crest Oral-B continues to support the community work of Pros in the Profession year-one winners. The program also recently awarded Ann Benson Ross, RDH, BS, of Phoenix, AZ, the first-ever Pros in the Profession grant for “Advancing Oral Health in the Community.” Ann is utilizing the $5,000 grant to improve oral health services for nursing home residents. The oral health needs of this population are not being adequately met, compared with other forms of care, due in part to a lack of financial resources, lack of proper training and difficulty in self-care. The financial support will help Ann and her fellow staff close the gap by improving dental care access to nursing home residents in the community.
To learn more about the Pros in the Profession program and winners, please visit www.prosintheprofession.com. For information about Crest Oral-B products and resources, visit www.crest.com and www.oralb.com, and dental professionals may visit www.dentalcare.com.
About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves approximately 4.4 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Fairy®, Gain®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun®, Fusion®, Ace®, Febreze®, Ambi Pur®, SK-II®, and Vicks®. The P&G community includes operations in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
About Crest
A trusted leader in oral health, Crest was the first oral care brand to secure the ADA Seal of Acceptance for a clinically proven fluoride toothpaste. Since first introducing fluoride toothpaste 54 years ago, it is estimated that Crest has helped prevent more than half a billion cavities in the United States. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Crest is owned and distributed by Procter & Gamble.
About Oral-B
Oral-B is the worldwide leader in the over $5 billion brushing market. Part of the Procter & Gamble Company, the brand includes manual and power toothbrushes for children and adults, oral irrigators and interdental products, such as dental floss. Oral-B manual toothbrushes are used by more dentists than any other brand in the U.S. and many international markets.
