December 30, 2024
Dear Philips and RDH 2025 Committee,
When I saw this opportunity to nominate a fellow dental hygiene educator for the Heart to Hand Award, I immediately thought of highlighting Professor Mary Ann Pedersen, RDH, M.A. Professor Mary Ann Pedersen shines a brilliant light that impacts our students and the community we serve. Through Mary Ann's passion for developing the next generation of dental care providers, she has instilled in them the compassion to impact a community that would not have opportunities for dental hygiene services and education. Through her robust curriculum, as the Community Dental Health Project course director, students demonstrate exceptional dedication and commitment to serving the community.
Mary Ann says, "It means the world to me as we strive to make our students professionals, seeing the community as our patient. As you know, 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".
She consistently displays a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for helping others. Professor Pedersen possesses remarkable interpersonal skills, which have contributed significantly to the success of our community projects. Some notable achievements include coordinating and escorting over 600 dental hygiene students to community events such as Eli Home, WIC, 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, a senior center, Head Start headquarters completing a staff meeting every December. She also coordinates visits with Kid Works in Santa Ana, and in the last few years, she has been working with Sunburst Youth Academy in Los Alamitos. These examples showcase Mary Ann's ability to adapt to various situations and make a lasting positive impact. Please read below what our fellow peers say about Mary Ann's passion for community service.
Comments from Mary Ann's peers:
"Cheers Maryann! 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 to me! I'm not sure everyone is aware of how much it takes to get these visits scheduled. Our students are so fortunate to have such a dedicated, hardworking and empathetic course director. Cheers to you, MaryAnn!"
"Mary Ann! Your passion and hard work did not go unrecognized. Our students are truly lucky to have you! Well done!"
"Our students are so lucky to be able to serve the community with you, Mary Ann."
"Mary Ann, Your passion for the students and the community is such a blessing!"
Professor Mary Ann has been an invaluable asset to our dental hygiene program and to all the community service initiatives she coordinates on behalf of West Coast University, and it is my honor to nominate this phenomenal individual.
Sincerely,
Annette Stelter, RDH., Ed.D.