The Oral Health Awareness Project Promotes the Role of Dental Hygienists
A new initiative is rallying dental hygienists nationwide to fund a campaign that elevates the profession’s role in healthcare. Through one-time membership contributions, supporters will help finance public relations efforts, legal compliance, and operational needs to safeguard the future of dental hygiene.
The Oral Health Awareness Project is bringing licensed, accredited dental hygienists together to launch a national campaign that secures recognition as essential healthcare providers. The goals of the organization include raising awareness by educating the public about the rigorous educational requirements needed to become a licensed dental hygienist, informing the public about the critical role dental hygienists play in delivering life-saving care, empowering dental hygienists with the tools and resources they need to advocate for their profession within their communities, and collaborating with public health entities to deliver educational programs that promote oral health and overall well-being.
Lisandra Maisonet, RDH, BS, PHDHP, EFDA, serves as executive director of the Oral Health Awareness Project and Donnella Miller, RDH, BS, MPS, is the treasurer. The group has nearly 6,000 members on its Facebook group.
Through a one-time tiered membership contribution, supporters can directly fund critical initiatives designed to protect and promote the profession. Funds raised will cover the hiring of a public relations firm specializing in healthcare, as well as necessary accounting and legal services to maintain 501(c)(4) compliance. Operational costs will also be supported, ensuring the nonprofit can run effectively while keeping its mission-focused promise: no one involved receives compensation: 100% of contributions fuel the campaign.
With an initial funding goal of $325,000, this project aims to sustain its first year of operations and outreach. Members will be updated before year’s end to determine next steps. Every contribution strengthens the collective effort to educate the public and policymakers on the vital importance of dental hygiene care. Click here to read more.
