Katie Dawson, RDH, BS

CDHA and ADHA past President, Katie L. Dawson, RDH, BS, was the recipient of the prestigious UCSF Dental Alumni Association Medal of Honor on June 1, 2009. Established in 1981, the UCSF Alumni Association Medal of Honor recognizes dental alumni who have made the world a better place through their ongoing contributions to the school of dentistry, the dental profession and the community at large. Former faculty member and award presenter, Dr Norma Francisco, highlighted the many leadership roles that Katie has held throughout her career as being instrumental to advancing the profession of dental hygiene as well as promoting collaboration amongst all dental professionals. Also on hand as Katie received her award, was UCSF Dental School Dean, Dr John Featherstone. In the twenty eight year history of the award, Katie is the sixth dental hygienist to receive this honor which was presented at the annual dental alumni banquet held at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco.

Lisa Handa, BS, RDH, RDHAP

Hats off to Lisa Handa, BS, RDH, RDHAP, of San Mateo, CA who recently received a 2009 Hygienist Hero™ award at the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) annual session in Washington, DC. This recognition is sponsored by ADHA and Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products, Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. and is designed to salute dental hygienists’ outstanding commitment to promote oral hygiene in their local communities. Handa is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco and the University of the Pacific/Center for Special Needs, and is one of 260 Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) in California. She is the president and community health chair of the Peninsula Dental Hygienists’ Association and co-chair of the Public Health Council for the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA). As the community health chair, she spear headed a program to send 500 oral care kits to troops in Iraq and arranged for 1100 oral screenings for local children. She has led the way in the creation of a children’s library program which has provided fun education to parents and caregivers
and their families on Early Childhood Caries and its prevention. CDHA is lucky to have such a dedicated and committed member as
Lisa Handa.

Noël Kelsch, RDHAP

Congratulations to Noël Kelsch, RDHAP, of Moorpark, CA, on receiving the 2009 Master Clinician Award. This award is sponsored by Hu-Friedy and the ADHA and was presented to Noël at the recent ADHA annual session in Washington, DC. The Master clinician Award is presented to the dental hygienist who demonstrates outstanding clinical expertise in relating the interdependence of clinical practice and patient education for the improvement of patient compliance. This is the second year the award has been issued. There are several criteria a candidate must meet, including 10 years in clinical practice and current member of the ADHA. As an RDHAP, Noël has developed many programs that reach those who have no access to care. She delivers dental hygiene care in a wide variety of settings from homebound patients, children in school settings, Hospice, clients in residential care facilities and other institutions. Noël developed an educational system addressing the needs of end-of-life patients that educates the patients, caregivers, and community. Noël is the Immediate Past President of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association and a national speaker on subjects including infection control, the psychology of dentistry, and methamphetamine abuse. She is also a published writer, syndicated newspaper columnist, and freelance cartoonist. Noël can be found in the community with her “dental backpack” bringing preventive care to those who can not come to her. Noël’s patients have truly benefited from her care and CDHA salutes her accomplishments.

Toni Adams, RDH, MA

A round of applause for the 2009 Philips Sonicare RDH Mentor of the Year winner, Toni Adams, RDH, MA, of Rocklin, CA. Toni received this award at the recent ADHA meeting in Washington, DC. She graduated from Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA with an AS in Dental Hygiene in 1973, then practiced for 26 years before retiring due to repetitive stress injuries. Toni returned to school and earned bachelor and master degrees in Communication Studies. She is especially interested in health, instructional, and intercultural communication. She wrote a communication handbook for dental hygienists for her master’s project and is now in search of a publisher. Toni was nominated by Cathy Seckman, RDH, who wrote, “Toni’s advice has been valued and welcomed. She continually challenges my preconceptions, not only in speaking, but in practicing not only in dentistry, but in daily life. As a health communications scholar, Toni has insights few of us can match. Do I wonder how to handle my boss? I ask Toni. Can I
decide how to converse with a program chairman about a speech? Toni will know. Is there a better way to handle a fellow committee member? Of course, talk to Toni about it.” Toni is a well known mentor and regular contributor to the AmyRDH list online. Dental hygiene and CDHA is a better profession and organization because of people like Toni Adams.