Celebrating Excellence With the Sunstar World Dental Hygienist Awards

Sunstar’s World Dental Hygienist Awards are a prestigious recognition of dental hygienists who have made significant contributions to the field of dental hygiene. These awards celebrate excellence across multiple categories, including public health, full-time clinician, academia, entrepreneur, new RDH, and research. By acknowledging those who have positively impacted patients, communities, and the public, these awards shine a spotlight on the vital role dental hygienists play in global health.

This year, six remarkable individuals have been honored for their outstanding work in dental hygiene, each making a lasting impact in their respective fields.

Federica D’anteo: Public Health Champion

Federica D’anteo, a dedicated dental hygienist from Cavaria con Premezzo, Italy, received the public health award. Her commitment to community well-being extends beyond her role at Il Centro Dentale s.a.s. Federica is also an accomplished author, having penned La cura dei denti senza barriere, a groundbreaking book that breaks down communication barriers between dental teams and patients who don’t speak the language. Her work fosters collaboration among dental hygienists, dentists, and assistants, promoting a culture of oral health and contributing to stronger, healthier communities.

Thérèse Elkerbout: Research Pioneer

Thérèse Elkerbout, originally from the Netherlands, was honored in the research category. A dental hygienist and clinical epidemiologist at the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam, Thérèse has dedicated her career to advancing dental science. She also leads the Help-Uganda-Foundation, combining her passion for oral health with humanitarian efforts. Her outstanding contributions, including her recent PhD, have solidified her reputation as a leader in the field of dental hygiene research.

Lee Juhwa: Entrepreneurial Visionary

Lee Juhwa, a clinical dental hygienist at Yonsei Mirae n Miseo Dental Hospital in Korea, received the award in the entrepreneur category. Known for her innovative approach, Lee manages an online store named 홉HOHB, inspired by the Korean proverb, “If you know yourself and your enemy, you’ll win every game.” Her entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her dedication to oral health, has made her a trailblazer in promoting accessible and effective oral health solutions.

Lorella Mengarelli: Full-Time Clinician

Italy’s Lorella Mengarelli received the full-time clinician award. As a dental hygienist at Studio Tiozzi Ferroni in Cesenatico, she specializes in providing oral healthcare for patients with Alzheimer disease and dementia. Lorella’s work goes beyond clinical practice as she educates family members and caregivers on managing their loved ones’ oral hygiene, emphasizing the importance of holistic care in maintaining overall health.

Brittany Glauz: New RDH Leader

Brittany Glauz, representing the United States, was honored in the New RDH category. As a dental hygienist, Brittany has excelled not only in clinical practice but also as a podcast host, speaker, and writer. Through her platform, BrushwithBritt, she shares her expertise and passion for dental hygiene. Brittany’s leadership and dedication to her community have earned her recognition as a rising star in the dental hygiene field.

Gianna Maria Nardi: Academic Trailblazer

Gianna Maria Nardi, an associate professor at Sapienza University of Rome, received the academia award. A pioneer in dental hygiene education in Italy, Gianna founded the country’s first association of dental hygienists and played a key role in organizing the first International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) congress in Italy. Her work in academia has significantly shaped dental education and care, leaving a lasting impact on the profession.

Dental hygienists interested in applying for Sunstar’s World Dental Hygienist Awards must submit written responses detailing their contributions to the dental hygiene profession, along with a 1-minute video explaining their nomination. Click here to learn more about the application process.

The awards are given every 2 years and celebrated at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH), a prestigious event that brings together dental professionals from around the world. This year’s ceremony took place in Seoul, South Korea, highlighting the global impact and significance of the awards. The 2026 award ceremony will be held during the ISDH from July 9 to 11 in Milan, Italy.

These six winners exemplify the spirit of innovation, dedication, and excellence that Sunstar’s World Dental Hygienist Awards aim to celebrate. Their achievements underscore the vital role dental hygienists play in advancing public health and improving lives globally. Click here to learn more about the 2024 World Dental Hygienist Award Winners.