Carissa Regnerus, RDH MA FADHA

Dear Nomination Committee,

Below is my humble submission for the Heart to Hands Award. Being surrounded by so many compassionate, accomplished hygienists across the country who inspire me everyday, it feels a bit strange to nominate myself- but the spirit of this award is about courage, connection, and honoring the quiet work we do every day. So, I share my story with gratitude and hope.

My work in dental hygiene has never been about procedures- it has always been about people. Over the years, I’ve learned that the smallest moments often carry the greatest weight: placing a toothbrush into someone’s hands for the very first time, helping a patient overcome dental anxiety, creating a space where they feel comfortable and leave with a genuine smile, or watching a student discover how meaningful it is to serve their community. These moments remind me that oral health is deeply personal, and that trust is something earned gently, one interaction at a time.

Some of my most impactful experiences have happened far beyond the walls of a clinic. On medical mission trips to Guatemala, I witnessed how oral health can restore dignity and hope in ways that transcend language. I will never forget the gratitude in the eyes of individuals who had never held a toothbrush before, or the relief of a mother who finally understood how to care for her child’s oral health. Those experiences shaped my belief that prevention is not just a clinical concept- it is an act of compassion, a way of saying, “Your health matters. You matter.”

In my own community, I’ve led students through service‑learning projects that connect them to the people they will one day serve. Whether we are partnering with elementary schools, centers for people with disabilities, or other outreach initiatives, I want students to understand that hygiene is not simply a profession- it is a calling rooted in empathy, advocacy, and human connection. Watching them discover the joy of giving back, seeing their confidence grow as they educate and uplift others, continues to inspire me year after year.

One of the most humbling moments of my career happened recently when a former patient reached out to tell me that I had inspired her to become a dental hygienist. I had no idea the impact I made on her life. Her words reminded me that the heart behind our work often reveals itself quietly, long after the appointment ends- in the confidence we help build, the fears we help ease, and the dignity we help restore. Knowing that a single interaction could influence a person’s life path is something I will never take for granted.

For over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving patients, mentoring students, and building programs that bring prevention and compassion into the heart of communities. Whether I’m supporting a nervous patient, teaching in the classroom, or guiding students through public health projects, my purpose has always been the same: to help people feel seen, valued, and cared for.

The heart of hygiene is service- one person, one moment, one act of care at a time. That is what inspires me, sustains me, and keeps me grateful for the opportunity to make a difference through empathy, advocacy, and connection.