Criteria
1. Clinical Excellence and Patient Care
Description: This criterion evaluates the nominee’s skill, expertise, and commitment to delivering the highest quality of patient care in their role as a dental hygienist.
Examples: Consistently demonstrating best practices in patient care, providing exceptional prophylaxis and preventive treatments, and maintaining high standards in clinical techniques and patient safety.
2. Commitment to Continuing Education and Professional Development
Description: This criterion recognizes the nominee’s dedication to staying current with advances in dental hygiene, continuing education, and professional growth.
Examples: Actively participating in continuing education courses, obtaining certifications or specialized training, or contributing to the education of peers or students through workshops, mentoring, or leadership roles.
3. Community Engagement and Advocacy
Description: This criterion highlights the nominee’s efforts to improve public oral health in their community, particularly through outreach, education, or volunteerism.
Examples: Organizing or participating in free dental screenings or educational programs for underserved populations, advocating for oral health awareness, or contributing to local health initiatives or public health campaigns.
4. Leadership and Collaboration
Description: This criterion recognizes the nominee’s leadership abilities, including their contribution to team dynamics, mentorship, and collaboration with other dental professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
Examples: Leading a dental hygiene department, mentoring new hygienists, contributing to interprofessional teams, or taking on leadership roles within professional associations to advocate for the profession.
