Carrol M. Shuttle Bains, RDH
Bristol, TN

For three years, Carrol has volunteered at Healing Hands, providing outstanding dental hygiene care—at no cost—to uninsured area residents. During that time, she has improved the oral health for individuals whose life circumstances have ranged from abusive relationships to financial misfortune. She not only lends a helping hand, but a heartfelt ear, listening to stories and sharing advice with all she meets along the way. Carrol has truly touched the lives of hundreds of people, and doesn’t think twice about her caring efforts, saying that she is "just a person trying to give back to the community."

Karen Essell, RDH, BSDH, Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor, MI

Nearly one full year of research and legislative correspondence spearheaded by Karen led to the application for Public Act 161 status, which allows Michigan dental hygienists to perform preventive interventions in underserved areas. Upon receiving this status, Karen and a team of volunteer hygienists were then able to create "Smiles for a Lifetime," a program aimed at serving underprivileged children at a local Head Start center. Through this program Karen and a team of volunteer hygienists provide oral hygiene education and fluoride varnish applications-to name just a few areas- to all Head Start children in their classrooms at no charge.

Erika B. Feltham, RDH
Fallbrook, CA

Erika's passionate nature, combined with her volunteer efforts, have helped underprivileged communities blossom. For almost 20 years, Erika has raised oral health, nutrition, and preventive dental awareness at hundreds of daycare, kindergarten, and nursing retirement facilities. She has instilled the benefits of proper oral health through dental screenings, illustrating proper oral hygiene techniques, providing educational/fun oral healthcare packets, and leading interactive projects. Erika’s outstanding volunteerism has made a difference for countless numbers of people over the decades.

Michelle A. Frushour, RDH
Hagerstown, MD

Michelle's dedication to teaching children early preventive methods has inspired and guided many. This motivated woman taught herself American Sign Language in order to volunteer her time with hearing-impaired children, teaching them the benefits behind developing a good oral health routine. Michelle also volunteers her time participating in "Sealant Saturday" efforts, where she engages in pubic awareness efforts aimed at bringing free oral exams, sealants, and dental health education to children in need.

Theresa Granatella, RDH
Delray Beach, Florida

When her nephew, to whom she had always provided dental care, unexpectedly passed away in 2001, she was inspired to give something back. Theresa started at the Mission Medical Center, a non-profit organization serving low income patients without healthcare coverage.

Donna Marie Grzegorek, RDH, EC
Algonquin, IL

Nothing says oral healthcare commitment like striving to get the benefits of flossing noted in the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2001, Donna did just that, spearheading a successful effort to get 297 teenagers on a 1500-foot, single strand of custom-made floss. The Guinness Book of World Records established "The Most People Dental Flossing Simultaneously on One Single Strand of Dental Floss" as the first dental flossing record of its kind. Donna also volunteers her time educating young children about dental health, and talks to many others about the importance of oral cancer screenings.

Leslie Kahn, RDH
Roslyn, NY

Leslie's dedication to spreading the word about oral care is perhaps most evident in the disk and interactive coloring book she personally created, "My Dentist Makes Me Smile," designed to introduce children to the dental environment. Leslie also volunteers her time as a lecturer, outlining the benefits of a proper oral health routine to both underprivileged children and teenagers, as well as those with special needs.

Patricia Michelle Vacha, RDH, BS
Colorado Springs, CO

The growing elderly population is where Patricia focuses her volunteer efforts, tirelessly providing dental cleanings, oral evaluations, and fluoride treatments to nursing home residents. She works closely with each patient, bringing mobile dental equipment to each nursing home. Patricia's mission to help an often overlooked population has sparked much appreciation and interest in her community.

Emma Violante, RDH
Glendale, AZ

Emma has literally taken her passion for oral health to the streets, getting its message out with parade floats and at festival booths. Additionally, she has spoken at various Head Start programs and other schools in an effort to raise dental education awareness. Emma has also volunteered her time raising money to build the St. Vincent de Paul Free Medical/Dental Clinic, where she provides dental hygiene treatment for the uninsured.