ADHA Announces Recipient of 2008 Johnson & Johnson/ADHA Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award

Chicago, August 12, 2008—The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has named Irene Connolly, RDH, MS, of Norfolk, Va., as a recipient of the 2008 Johnson & Johnson/ADHA Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award. She was honored during the President’s Luncheon at ADHA’s 85th Annual Session in Albuquerque, N.M., on June 22nd.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement and dedication to the profession of dental hygiene. With this award, ADHA and Johnson & Johnson recognize individual dental hygienists who have made “outstanding accomplishments that have a significant impact on the practice and future of the dental hygiene profession.” The recipients have at least 10 years of membership in ADHA, demonstrate an active involvement in the association, and were nominated by a colleague for their outstanding accomplishments.

Connolly, who has served in a number of positions in both ADHA and at the state and local levels, was honored for her efforts in protecting both the public, and the profession of dental hygiene by delivering testimony to the Virginia Board of Dentistry against the implementation of preceptorship.  Connolly continues her positive influence on the profession by teaching and mentoring students at Old Dominion University, where she encourages involvement in both state, and national leadership roles.

Award recipients received a $2,500 check awarded at the President’s Luncheon in Albuquerque, N.M., complimentary round trip airfare and meeting registration, two nights' lodging, two days' per diem, and two complimentary tickets to the luncheon which was held on Sunday, June 22, 2008. The gifts were provided through the generous support of Johnson & Johnson.

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of more than 150,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at http://www.adha.org

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