AADHA Announces Recipient of 2006 Irene Newman Professional Achievement Award

Chicago-July 31, 2006 – The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has named Joan I. Gluch RDH, Ph.D., of Hockessin, Del., as the recipient of the 2006 ADHA Irene Newman Professional Achievement Award.

The award, sponsored by Oral-B Laboratories, recognizes a current ADHA member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in advancing the field of dental hygiene. Irene E. Newman served as the first dental hygienist under Alfred C. Fones who was credited with coining the term “dental hygiene” and pioneering the corresponding movement. Newman performed the first prophylaxis for the public in 1907.

Gluch received her associate degree in dental hygiene from Temple University in Philadelphia, her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in New York, her master’s degree from Temple University, and her doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She is currently employed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine as an adjunct professor and Director of Community Health. Gluch has served as Chair of the Committee on Research for ADHA.

She was honored during the opening ceremonies at ADHA’s 83rd annual session in Orlando, Fla., on June 24. She received $1,000, a commemorative award, as well as round-trip transportation and two nights lodging at the session.

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of more than 120,000 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.

Oral-B, a brand of the Gillette Company, is a leader in the oral health industry, marketing power toothbrushes for adults and children, as well as interdental products such as irrigators, and oral care centers.

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