“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another.” —Luciano De Crescenzo
One of our greatest rewards as hygienists is the gratitude that patients express for healthy and clean mouths. But has a patient ever called you an angel?
Well, whether or not a patient actually calls you an angel, you can become one—or at least do angels’ work—with Hygienists for Humanity. Hygienists for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded in 2017 by Alicia Murria, MSc, RDH. Its mission is to connect underserved communities and those experiencing homelessness with oral hygiene products and services. That sure sounds like the work of angels to me!
Hygienists for Humanity “angels” collect unused toothbrushes and other product samples that vendors are unable to distribute and find vulnerable communities that can benefit from quality oral hygiene products. They host mission trips, sponsor volunteer opportunities and outreach programs, and help local dental professionals promote oral health in their communities.
Hygienists for Humanity has teamed up with Crest + Oral-B, Young Dental, and Sunstar to ensure that Richmond, Virginia, public elementary school students and Head Start students are able to develop healthy habits. They donate toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste for the children and one parent as well as educational materials supporting healthy habits.
Hygienists for Humanity has also partnered with Katie Melko, dental hygienist and author of the Paw Elementary series of books, including Roxy’s Adventure to the Dentist. Teachers of first-graders and Head Start students receive a copy of the book to read to their students to prepare them for what they can expect from public dental services offered at their schools. You can learn more about the Paw Elementary books at katiemelko.com.
Here are some of the ways you can do angels’ work with Hygienists for Humanity.
Volunteer. This could include packing and sorting inventory, helping on a committee, or providing your professional services. Everyone’s gift is different. Sign up to provide an act of service today.
Donate. Hygienists for Humanity will have a greater impact with monetary support to help accomplish its mission and broaden its reach. Be sure to save your receipt for a tax deduction at the end of the year.
Shop. You can purchase logo apparel to show your support and promote the mission. Also, when you shop on AmazonSmile, you can select Hygienists for Humanity as your charity, and they will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases, at no cost to you!
Become a member. Subscribe to become a member and stay current with upcoming missions, events, opportunities to volunteer, updates on contests and giveaways, and a free quarterly newsletter, The Halo.
To learn more about Hygienists for Humanity and how you can become an angel, please visit their website at hygienistsforhumanity.org.
