JoAnn R. Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, alongside premier sponsor Colgate and supporting sponsors Patterson Dental and Straumann, is pleased to announce that JoAnn R. Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, is the 2015 recipient of The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, alongside premier sponsor Colgate and supporting sponsors Patterson Dental and Straumann, is pleased to announce that JoAnn R. Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, is the 2015 recipient of The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor is presented annually to recognize the distinguished career of a worthy individual who has consistently and effectively contributed to the enrichment of the dental hygiene profession.
Dr. Gurenlian has held many prestigious appointments throughout her career, including president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (1990 to 1991) and president of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (2013 to present). She also is a professor and graduate program director in the dental hygiene program at Idaho State University in Pocatello. Dr. Gurenlian’s efforts extend into small business, as she is president and CEO of Gurenlian & Associates—a professional seminar and consulting firm specializing in health care.
Named after its inaugural recipient and inspirational dental hygiene leader Esther M. Wilkins, BS, RDH, DMD, The Esther Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award was first presented to its namesake in 2010. Subsequent award winners include: Maxine Alper Tishk, RDH, MS (2011); Gail N. Cross-Poline, RDH, MS (2012); Michele Leonardi Darby, BSDH, MS, and Margaret Walsh, RDH, MS, MA, EdD (2013); and Juanita S. Wallace, RDH, PhD (2014). Dr. Gurenlian will be presented with the award at a reception during the American Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Session on June 19 in Nashville.
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. June 2015;13(6):12.