Long-Time Dental Public Health Advocate Retires

Helene Bednarsh, BS, RDH, MPH, a Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Editorial Advisory Board member and dental public health advocate who dedicated her career to improving the health of those living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has retired as director of the Ryan White Dental Program at the Boston Public Health Commission after 31 years of service. She is also vice president of HIVdent, a not-for-profit coalition of concerned health care professionals committed to assuring access to high-quality oral health care services for people living with HIV disease.

Throughout her career, Bednarsh endeavored to ensure access to oral health care for Massachusetts’ most vulnerable citizens. In fact, the Ryan White Dental Program—established by Bednarsh—was the first HIV oral health program at the Boston Health Commission.

On her retirement announcement, Bednarsh reflects, “I’ve devoted my career to dental public health—-education, advocacy, and through my work. I’ve been so fortunate to have so many wonderful colleagues and friends to share this journey with. This is not because I had to but because I wanted to, and that has made all the difference.”

Over the past 30 years, she has published more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals; 46 columns on infection control, exposure management, and HIV-related issues; 16 chapters/ modules in textbooks; and co-authored three editions of the Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention “Interact: Infection Control and Safety Training System and Videos.”

In 2019, Bednarsh received one of public health’s highest honors, the John W. Knutson Distinguished Service Award from the American Public Health Association.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. October 2020;18(9):10.