Sunstar and International Federation of Dental Hygienists Unveil the Distinguished Winners of the 2026 World Dental Hygienist Awards
Sunstar, a global leader in oral healthcare, in strategic partnership with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), has officially announced the laureates of the 7th World Dental Hygienist Awards for 2026. This prestigious global program, presented by the Sunstar Foundation and supported by Sunstar’s flagship oral health brand GUM, serves as the definitive platform for recognizing the exceptional contributions of dental hygienists. These awards celebrate professionals who have demonstrated unparalleled dedication to preventive care, clinical innovation, academic rigor, and public health advocacy on an international scale.
The 2026 awards highlight a diverse cohort of professionals whose work spans continents and specialties, reflecting the evolving nature of the dental hygiene profession. As oral health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of systemic health—linked to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes—the role of the dental hygienist has transitioned from a supportive clinical function to a frontline pillar of public health.
The 2026 Laureates: A Profile of Excellence in Oral Health
The selection process for the 7th World Dental Hygienist Awards identified six individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their respective categories. Each winner represents a unique facet of the profession, from the digital entrepreneurship of the modern era to the traditional rigors of academic research.
Public Health: Shelley Brown (United States)
Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA, has been recognized for her transformative work in expanding access to care. As a dental educator and co-owner of Hygiene EdgeUCATORS, Brown has bridged the gap between clinical practice and professional development. Her most notable contribution is the founding of "Homebound Smiles," a mobile dental practice specifically designed to serve underserved and medically fragile populations in Utah. By bringing preventive care directly to those who cannot visit traditional clinics, Brown addresses a significant health equity gap. Her digital presence as "Shelley the Hygienist" further extends her reach, utilizing YouTube and TikTok to democractize dental education.
Full-Time Clinician: Stefania Morittu (Italy)
Operating out of Studio Dentistico Morittu, Stefania Morittu exemplifies the high-level specialization now possible within clinical hygiene. Her career is marked by an intensive focus on vulnerable patient groups, including those undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, pregnant women, and patients with fibromyalgia. Morittu’s creation of specialized oral hygiene guides for these populations has set a new standard for personalized patient protocols. Her work extends into the community through school prevention projects and volunteer work at anti-violence centers, proving that the clinician’s role extends far beyond the dental chair.
New RDH: Janet Williams Oshun (Ireland)
The "New RDH" category recognizes emerging talent, and Janet Williams Oshun, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, has made an immediate impact. Working across private practice, orthodontics, and hospital settings, Oshun has focused on the intersection of culture and oral health. Her research into how ethnic and cultural practices influence dental outcomes is vital in an increasingly globalized world. Furthermore, her advocacy work with the Irish Dental Hygienists Association highlights her commitment to the professional advancement of her peers.
Research: Andrea Butera (Italy)
Representing the University of Pavia, Andrea Butera has been honored for his extensive contributions to dental science. With a PhD in Health Sciences and a prolific record of published research, Butera’s work focuses on translational research—moving scientific discoveries from the laboratory into clinical practice. As an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, he plays a crucial role in vetting the science that guides the profession. His recognition underscores the importance of evidence-based practice in modern dentistry.
Academia: Dr. Elmer E. González (United States)
Dr. Elmer E. González, a Professor and Department Chair at New Mexico State University/Doña Ana Community College, represents the academic backbone of the profession. His career is a testament to the power of education as a tool for social mobility. Having immigrated to the United States from Mexico, Dr. González has dedicated his life to empowering the next generation of dental hygienists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. His leadership ensures that the curriculum remains responsive to the public health needs of diverse communities.
Entrepreneur: Whitney DiFoggio (United States)
Whitney DiFoggio, known globally as "Teeth Talk Girl," has redefined how oral health information is consumed. As a health communication specialist and founder of TeethTalk.com, she has leveraged digital platforms to reach millions. By translating complex clinical concepts into engaging, evidence-based content, DiFoggio has bridged the communication gap between the dental profession and the general public. Her work highlights the growing importance of the "dental influencer" in promoting preventive behaviors.
The Evolution and Significance of the World Dental Hygienist Awards
The World Dental Hygienist Awards were established to elevate the status of dental hygienists and to provide a global stage for their achievements. The Sunstar Foundation, which administers the awards, was founded in 1977 with a mission to improve overall health by advancing oral health science. The foundation’s philosophy is rooted in the "Sunstar Global Oral Health" vision, which emphasizes the "Mouth-Body Connection."
The 7th edition of these awards comes at a time of significant change for the industry. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently adopted a landmark resolution on oral health, urging member states to integrate oral health into their universal health coverage models. Dental hygienists are central to this integration, as they are the primary providers of preventive services that can reduce the global burden of oral diseases, which currently affect nearly 3.5 billion people.
Selection Methodology and Global Participation
The 2026 winners were selected through a rigorous, two-tiered evaluation process designed to ensure both professional validity and public engagement. This hybrid model reflects the modern dental landscape, where clinical expertise must be paired with the ability to communicate effectively with the public.
- Professional Peer Review (50%): An international panel of independent dental hygiene experts evaluated the technical merits of each nominee. This panel included distinguished leaders such as Tayyaba Fiaz (Quebec CDHA), Wanda Fedora (IFDH), and Ellen Bol (European Dental Hygienist Federation). The criteria included clinical impact, innovation, contribution to the profession, and alignment with public health goals.
- Public Engagement (50%): In a move to involve the broader dental community and the public, the remaining half of the score was determined by the number of "likes" received by the nominees’ one-minute introductory videos. These videos were hosted on the GUM Pro Hub YouTube channel, creating a digital gallery of excellence that served as an educational resource in its own right.
This dual-pronged approach ensures that the winners are not only respected by their peers but also have the ability to inspire and engage a wider audience.
The 2026 International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Milan
The culmination of this award cycle will take place on July 10, 2026, in Milan, Italy. The winners will be officially honored during the World Dental Hygienist Award Ceremony, held in conjunction with the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH).
The prizes awarded to the winners are substantial, reflecting the prestige of the honor:
- The Mario Bellini Trophy: A custom-designed trophy created by the world-renowned Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini. Bellini, a eight-time Compasso d’Oro winner, is known for his ability to blend functional design with artistic expression, making the trophy a significant work of art.
- Financial Grant: Each winner receives a cash prize of USD 1,500 to support their ongoing projects or professional development.
- Educational Support: The award includes a fully funded trip to Milan, covering travel, accommodation, and registration for the ISDH symposium, allowing the winners to network with international colleagues and present their work.
Leadership Perspectives on the 2026 Awards
Mayumi Kaneda, Director of the Sunstar Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance of these awards in the context of global health. "The World Dental Hygienist Awards showcase the vital role dental hygienists play in advancing preventive care, research, and patient education worldwide," Kaneda stated. "This year’s winners reflect the diversity and innovation shaping the future of oral health. We are proud to recognize their impact on the profession and the public."
Jill Rethman, President of the IFDH Awards Committee, highlighted the inspirational nature of the program. "These outstanding individuals represent the very best of us in spirit and dedication," Rethman remarked. She invoked the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead, noting that a small group of committed individuals—such as these winners—truly has the power to change the world. Rethman’s comments underscore the IFDH’s long-term commitment to the awards, which have been a cornerstone of the organization since their inception.
Broader Implications for the Dental Industry
The recognition of these six individuals has implications that extend far beyond their personal careers. The awards serve as a barometer for the dental industry’s priorities.
First, the inclusion of an Entrepreneur category reflects the shift toward dental professionals taking ownership of their brands and utilizing technology to drive patient outcomes. As telehealth and digital health literacy become more prevalent, the "Teeth Talk Girl" model of education is likely to become a standard part of the professional toolkit.
Second, the focus on Public Health and Specialized Clinical Care (as seen in the work of Shelley Brown and Stefania Morittu) points to a future where dental hygienists are integrated into multidisciplinary medical teams. Whether it is managing the oral health of a cancer patient or providing mobile care to the elderly, the scope of practice is expanding.
Finally, the emphasis on Research and Academia ensures that the profession remains grounded in science. By honoring individuals like Andrea Butera and Dr. Elmer González, Sunstar and the IFDH are signaling that the future of dental hygiene must be built on a foundation of rigorous inquiry and inclusive education.
As the dental community looks toward the 2026 symposium in Milan, the stories of these winners serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated oral health professionals can have on global wellness. The 7th World Dental Hygienist Awards do more than just hand out trophies; they provide a roadmap for the future of a profession that is essential to the health and dignity of people everywhere.
