I am honored to submit my nomination for the Heart to Hand Award, a recognition that celebrates dedication to enhancing the lives of others through healthcare and education. As a registered dental hygienist practicing for over a decade in Las Vegas and Chicago, my journey has been defined by an unwavering passion for disease prevention, elevating patient care, and professional mentorship.
Throughout my career, I have strived to be more than a clinician. My work reflects a commitment to empowering my patients and peers. In my role as a proud SDA trainer for EMS, I educate fellow hygienists and dentists on incorporating Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) into their practices, ensuring they provide comprehensive care with cutting-edge technology. As an educator with RiseWell and the president-elect for the Southern Nevada Dental Hygiene Association, I actively advocate for elevating our profession and fostering a deeper connection between oral health and systemic well-being.
Growing up overseas with limited access to dental care instilled in me a profound appreciation for health and a drive to serve others. This personal experience shaped my passion to be a provider who not only treats disease but prevents it—helping patients achieve improved health outcomes. I firmly believe we as dental hygienists are the front line of disease prevention, playing a vital role in our patients’ oral and overall wellbeing. I feel incredibly fortunate to be practicing clinical hygiene with access to cutting edge technologies and techniques like guided biofilm therapy and salivary testing. This truly allows me to practice to my full protentional as a prevention specialist, providing care that encompasses oral-systemic health while empowering patients to take control of their well-being.
It is truly an honor and profoundly rewarding and humbling experience to witness the positive changes in my patients’ oral health and habits, to feel their appreciation, and to know I’ve been a part of their journey toward better health.
My dedication to advancing the profession extends beyond patient care. Mentoring fellow and aspiring hygienists is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. I guide them to excel clinically, advocate for themselves, and embrace their roles as prevention specialists. I aim to inspire other professionals to elevate their practices and prioritize education and innovation to better serve our communities.
Receiving the Heart to Hand Award would be a tremendous honor, symbolizing a culmination of my efforts to connect my heart, hands, and knowledge to serve patients and support my colleagues. I am committed to making a meaningful impact on our community’s health and the dental profession for years to come.
Thank you for considering my nomination.
With appreciation,
Maryam Shamuel, RDH