Sunstar, in partnership with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), has announced the recipients of the 2026 World Dental Hygienist Awards. Now in its seventh iteration, the program—presented by the Sunstar Foundation with support from GUM—recognizes contributions to clinical practice, education, research, public health, and innovation within the dental hygiene profession.
The 2026 award recipients are as follows:
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Public Health: Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA (United States), dental educator, co-owner of Hygiene EdgeUCATORS, and adjunct faculty at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene
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Full-Time Clinician: Stefania Morittu (Italy), Studio Dentistico Morritu
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New RDH: Janet Williams Oshun (Ireland), graduate of Trinity College Dublin, practicing across private, orthodontic, implant, and hospital settings
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Research: Andrea Butera (Italy), Unit of Dental Hygiene, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia
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Academia: Dr. Elmer E. González, MBA, PhD, RDH, CDA (United States), New Mexico State University/Doña Ana Community College
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Entrepreneur: Whitney DiFoggio, MA, RDH (United States), founder of TeethTalk.com and creator of “Teeth Talk Girl”
Mayumi Kaneda, Director of the Sunstar Foundation, commented: “The World Dental Hygienist Awards showcase the vital role dental hygienists play in advancing preventive care, research and patient education worldwide. This year’s winners reflect the diversity, innovation and clinical excellence that are shaping the future of oral health. We’re proud to recognize their impact on the profession and the public. Congratulations to all the winners and I look forward to meeting them at the International Symposium of Dental Hygiene in Milan.”
Jill Rethman, President of the IFDH Awards Committee, added: “The World Dental Hygienist Awards are a prestigious and meaningful recognition of our colleagues who have achieved professional distinction. The IFDH is honored to be part of this award and event since its inception.
"Each recipient inspires, motivates, and encourages us to achieve excellence in our chosen area of dental hygiene, including academia, being an entrepreneur or clinician, working in public health or research, or just starting out as a new RDH. These outstanding individuals represent the very best of us in spirit and dedication and we salute them. As Margaret Mead once said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ Congratulations to all the winners!"
Recipient selection was based on two equally weighted components: evaluation by an international panel of dental hygienists and engagement metrics from one-minute candidate videos published on the GUM Pro Hub YouTube channel. The review panel included representatives from professional organizations and academic institutions across multiple regions.
The awards will be presented on 10 July 2026 during the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Milan. Each recipient will receive a trophy designed by Italian architect Mario Bellini, a monetary award of USD 1,500, and funded attendance at the symposium.
In addition to this program, the Sunstar Foundation supports initiatives such as the World Perio Research Awards and the Perio Link Award, along with research and innovation grants focused on advancing oral health awareness and supporting oral healthcare professionals.
Further details about the World Dental Hygienist Awards are available here.
