Doing good for goodness' sake: 2008 SADHA Community Service Award

(2008) Since 2005, Tom’s of Maine has sponsored the SADHA Community Service Award, which outstanding student member community service projects that bring oral health care to those in need. Over these past years, we’ve seen some amazing results: 30 dental hygiene programs (comprised of 1500 student dental hygienists) have submitted applications, and as a result of their community service projects, 15,000 patients have been seen and $350,000 in oral health services provided.

In 2008, we expanded our sponsorship so that three outstanding programs could receive $3000 each and recognition at ADHA’s Annual Session. We’re excited to share the inspiring work of our three winners!

Palm Beach Community College
Sara Bibbo and Lisa Scahettie developed and implemented a dental hygiene education program for mentally and physically challenged high school students. The program consisted of four lessons taught at the high school and a culminating visit to the dental hygiene clinic.

Bluegrass Community and Technical College
For three days, the student hygienists turned their clinic into a kid-friendly place where they provided patient education, dental examinations, and patient referrals when needed to children from low-income families. The children got to meet the Tooth Fairy and also received goody bags containing education materials, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

SUNY Canton Dental Hygiene Program
Students developed a partnership with a cerebral palsy center, where they presented oral health care lessons, supervised teeth cleaning ,and presented a lesson on foods that promote good oral health. They also researched all of the medications taken by the children and presented an informational session for parents and care-providers.

We want to congratulate our 2008 winners and their commitment to community service, and invite applications for the 2009 award! Visit the ADHA website for information on how to apply.