Mary Ann Pederson, RDH, MOL

October 13, 2026

Dear Members of the Award Committee,

It is my honor to nominate Professor Mary Ann Pedersen, RDH, M.A., for the Heart to Hand Award. When I learned of this opportunity to recognize a dental hygiene educator who exemplifies compassion, service, and transformative leadership, Professor Pedersen immediately came to mind. Her impact on our students, our program, and the communities we serve is profound, sustained, and unmistakably heartfelt.

Professor Pedersen shines a brilliant light that inspires those around her. Through her passion for developing the next generation of dental care providers, she instills in students a deep sense of empathy and responsibility toward underserved populations. As the Community Dental Health Project course director, she has built a robust curriculum that not only educates but empowers students to understand the community as their patient. She often shares, “It means the world to me as we strive to make our students professionals, seeing the community as our patient. Seeing the community in their environment helps the student realize the level of need in those that aren’t always able to make an appointment as they struggle with barriers to care.” This philosophy guides her work and shapes the mindset of every student she teaches.

Her dedication is evident in the extraordinary scope of community engagement she coordinates. Professor Pedersen has organized and escorted more than 600 dental hygiene students to service-learning events across Southern California, including Eli Home, WIC, the Adult Education Center in Santa Ana, a special needs facility, Evans Elementary School in Garden Grove, Boys and Girls Club Manzanita Park in Anaheim, No Limits in Brea, Arbor Palms senior center, and Head Start headquarters—where she leads an annual staff meeting every December. She also maintains ongoing partnerships with Kid Works in Santa Ana and, in recent years, Sunburst Youth Academy in Los Alamitos. Her ability to adapt to diverse environments, build trust, and create meaningful learning experiences has left a lasting positive impact on both students and community members.

Her peers consistently affirm her exceptional commitment:

“Truly passionate about giving back to the community, and she puts her heart and soul into it.”

“The time, energy, and coordination it takes to make student engagement in our community happen is mind-boggling. Our students are so fortunate to have such a dedicated, hardworking, and empathetic course director.”

“Your passion and hard work did not go unrecognized. Our students are truly lucky to have you.”

“Our students are so lucky to be able to serve the community with you.”

“Your passion for the students and the community is such a blessing.”

These reflections capture what we witness daily: a leader whose work ethic, interpersonal skills, and genuine compassion elevate everyone around her.

Professor Pedersen is an invaluable asset to our dental hygiene program and to the countless community partners who rely on her leadership. Her unwavering dedication to service, education, and community health embodies the very spirit of the Heart to Hand Award. It is with great pride that I nominate this phenomenal individual.

Sincerely,

Annette Stelter, RDH, Ed.D.