Paige Tscherpel, BSRDH

November 5, 2026

Selection Committee

2027 Philips Heart to Hands Award

Re: Nomination of Paige Tscherpel, BSRDH, for the 2027 Philips Heart to Hands Award

Dear Selection Committee,

I am happy to nominate Paige Tscherpel, BSRDH for your consideration of the 2027 Philips Heart to Hands Award.

I have known Paige for well over 10 years, and 8 of those as her manager. Paige graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2009 and has dedicated the last decade of her career to be a fierce advocate of public health, and more specifically pediatric patients- those who are most vulnerable and cannot advocate for themselves. Paige practices at Denver Health, the largest health care provider in Colorado.

Paige has quietly and steadily worked behind the spotlight to help plan, develop, execute and evaluate all areas of pediatric dental care that has changed the way competent, compassionate care is delivered to those who are not able to get wrap-around services from conventional dental clinics. It is rarely just a case of accessing traditional care, but addressing diabetes resources, airway and sleep disorders and profound poverty. She also helps secure respite care for people who cannot be released to a shelter, or the street post hospital stays- no easy task. Her ability to communicate with Spanish speaking populations without a translator helps her deliver culturally competent care. Patients are very appreciative that they have a partner in their oral health.

Paige researched relevant products and created sustainable minimally invasive dental care and marry that with integrated care in the medical clinics in which she has worked. She has developed processes that are workable in brick-and-mortar clinics, outreach sites, mobile sites and major medical clinics. She is a highly regarded and respected member of the medical and dental teams and people from physicians, dentists and all care providers and works with them to solve complex dental cases. She advocates and navigates barriers to care to get her patients the care that helps complete their treatment plans.

She thinks outside the box and does not seek spotlight or credit for the amazing work that she has done and currently does. Often these ‘boots on the ground’ hygienists and their amazing contributions to our profession get overlooked.

Sincerely,

Carol S. Rykiel MS, BSRDH

RDH Manager of Integrated Dental Services

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless