Get recognized! Apply for the Clinical Recognition Program Award

Being a dental hygienist is not easy. I spent 14 years as a clinician, so I know the physical stamina, mental acuity, and emotional resilience the job requires. Add to the mix a fast-paced work environment where you are expected to do it all and do it well every single day. Moreover, recognition and appreciation for these heroics are rare and often completely lacking.

And yet, despite the daily challenges, dental hygienists never cease to humble and amaze me with their commitment, passion, and dedication to this profession. Whether at a tradeshow or continuing education course, I’ve heard so many stories that warm my heart. I’m awed by how your acts of presence and kindness in listening to tales of joy and sorrow make patients feel seen and heard. I’m also moved by how despite the grueling work you do each day, so many of you still find time to volunteer at schools or in your community.

The Clinical Recognition Program

At Waterpik, we know how wonderful you are, and we want to make you feel seen and heard. That’s why we are proud to sponsor the Clinical Recognition Program. Dental hygiene clinicians are the foundation of our profession. It is our wish through this program to recognize and honor you for all the ways you help people have better oral health.

There is something else I know about dental hygienists. We often don’t see how special we are, or we believe others are so much more qualified or deserving than we might be. Not true. I know that our profession is full of unsung heroes. Is one of them you?

Whether you have been practicing for five years or 45 years, apply. If you have previously applied and were not selected, apply again. Uncomfortable tooting your own horn? Ask a friend to help you or have them read the application before you submit.

How to enter

Let me walk you through what you need to do. First, to be eligible, you must be a clinician who works chairside at least three days per week. You are required self-nominate, and the application has to be submitted electronically. Here is a link to the online application.

You will need to answer three questions. The first two are written (no more than 250 words) and the last will be a 30-second video.

1. Explain your dedication to achieving clinical excellence in dental hygiene and discuss the positive effects it has had on you, your patients, and the dental practice.
2. Explain how you increase oral health awareness and make a positive impact in your community through outreach programs, advocacy efforts, or volunteer activities.
3. Record a short video telling us why you feel you should be recognized for this award.

Hints and help

Here are some hints to help you with the questions. Share a short story for each question. It is the easiest way to demonstrate what you do. Don’t be daunted by community work or the video. I know many hygienists have given oral health presentations to grade schoolers or volunteered at free clinics. As for the video, if you are struggling or are not tech savvy, Endeavor will help you. Simply email Lauren Mogelnicki at [email protected] for assistance.

Reading your applications is a joy. Your stories make me proud to be dental hygienist, and they give me hope for our future. I know one of our 2026 winners is reading this right now.

What you’ll receive

Our four honorees will receive free tuition to RDH UOR, recognition in RDH and Waterpik social networks, as well as in RDH print and the online magazine. And at RDH UOR, we host an exclusive celebratory dinner for all four winners with the RDH and Waterpik teams.

We look forward to hearing about your love for our profession, your patient stories, and all the amazing work you are doing.

Sincerely,

Carol

Carol A. Jahn, RDH, MS | Director of Professional Marketing & Relations | Waterpik

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in RDH eVillage newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.