SADHA Community Service Award 2005

Representatives from Idaho State University accept the $5000 grant during the Student Reception with: Susanne Kuehl, RDH, Professional Advocacy Team Leader, Tom’s of Maine (left);  Wendy St. Cyr, RDH, BS, Professional Advocacy, Tom’s of Maine (right); and  2004-05 ADHA President Helena Gallant Tripp, RDH (second from right).

(2005) Tom’s of Maine was host for the Student Reception for the second year in a row at the 82nd Annual Session of ADHA held June 23, 2005 in Las Vegas. In this relaxed setting, students from across the country are recognized as leaders in training as they network with the ADHA officers and board of Trustees while simultaneously learning about Tom’s of Maine’s values.

This year our Professional Advocacy division added a $5,000 donation to the Student American Dental Hygiene Association (SADHA) Community Service Award, which recognizes a significant contribution made by an outstanding SADHA chapter to their community. The 2005 winner, Idaho State University, received the award for their work with underserved children and their efforts to raise public awareness about the dental health needs of children in the community. More than $15,000 worth of dental treatment was donated to the 90 children who received care, including radiographs, dental exams, amalgam and composite restorations, stainless steel crowns, pulpotomies, simple extractions of primary teeth, dental sealants, fluoride varnish application, and distribution of oral health education.

During opening ceremonies at the Annual Session, special recognition was given to Idaho State University and Tom’s of Maine as an Honorary Corporate Member. According to SADHA, "This was a valuable opportunity for [students] to discover that there is a lot more going on outside the walls of the dental hygiene school. Other volunteers also commented that this service project was a beneficial experience for the clinicians as well as the children, and plans are already underway to improve and expand the project for next year."