NNHH Announces Award Program for New Dental Hygiene Graduates

Preparing the Next Generation of Hygienists with the Skills Needed for Medical Integration

As new dental hygiene school graduates across the US and Canada pass their boards and complete their pinning ceremonies, more will be required of them than past generations. They are the future of oral-systemic disease prevention, and as such, need to be proficient in working collaboratively alongside healthcare providers from all areas of medicine.

That is a tall order for a new clinician still gaining confidence in their dental abilities, but educators have known this shift was coming and have already been preparing their students for collaborative care.

“We have been focused intently on the connection with oral and systemic health in our dental hygiene program. The 2023 graduates had the opportunity to teach the entire division on this subject. They rocked their presentation!” 

Marisha Singleton, Atlanta Technical College Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator

The National Network of Healthcare Hygienists (NNHH) has been preparing for the shift as well. They offer a network of passionate hygienists working collaboratively in integrative oral health positions, as well as self-paced online certificate programs that focus on oral-systemic education and integration in areas of medicine. 

“I felt I had a good understanding of the oral systemic link previously, but after completing this certificate course I have a greater and more in depth understanding and realized there was so much information and knowledge to dive into.” 

Wendy Dull, Oral Systemic Educator Certificate Program Graduate

This year, to help new hygienists continue to build their confidence and experience working collaboratively, NNHH is awarding $25,000 (US Dollars) in grants to 100 students with their new “Future Healthcare Hygienist” Award Program.

Dental hygiene school faculty can nominate a student who exemplifies strength and confidence in interdisciplinary care for this award beginning March 21, 2023. They will accept nominations until April 15th.

Awardees will receive special recognition at their pinning ceremony, as well as a certificate and $250 grant that can be used for membership or certificate programs at NNHH.

“We have been working on creating this award program for two years. It’s exciting to see the nominations pour in, and hear the stories of this year’s passionate class as the project comes to fruition.”

Carla Watts, NNHH Board Member & Award Coordinator

All dental hygiene program coordinators in the US and Canada have been emailed with the application form. For more information, email [email protected].