Raquel Rico, MS, RDH

 Philips Heart to Hands Award 

It is with great admiration that I nominate both Angela Villarreal and Raquel Rico as a team of educators for the Philips Heart to Hands Award. Throughout each of their career, in practice and as educators, each has exemplified the highest standards of clinical excellence, patient care, and professional leadership. Their dedication to advancing oral health, educating patients, and uplifting colleagues makes each of them an outstanding representative of the dental hygiene profession. 

Angela and Raquel as a team approach every patient interaction with compassion, respect, and genuine concern while guiding students during their clinical sessions with patients. Moreover, each takes the time to listen and educate, empowering patients to take control of their oral health through prevention and consistent care. Their gentle chairside manner consistently earns high praise from patients who appreciate their collective ability to make dental visits a positive experience. Beyond clinical skill, each has a remarkable ability to build trust and rapport, turning even the most anxious patients into lifelong advocates for their oral health. 

Within the TSTC dental clinic, each in their respective positions serves as a leader and mentor. As a team, they both regularly supports new hygienists and dental assistants, offering training and encouragement to help them grow in skill and confidence. 

Community engagement is also at the heart of both Angela and Raquel’s work. Both volunteers at local health fairs, school programs, and community clinics, providing free oral health screenings and education to underserved populations. The program’s outreach efforts have reached hundreds of children and families, many of whom had never seen a dental professional before. Through these initiatives, the TSTC program demonstrates that oral health is not just a profession, but rather a passion and a mission for both educational leaders. 

Angela and Raquel have both maintained a commitment to professional growth which is equally impressive. Both continually pursues advanced certifications, attends professional conferences, and contributes to discussions on best practices in dental hygiene. Each are respected by their peers for their integrity, professionalism, and forward-thinking approach. Whether either is mentoring 

a student, leading a professional meeting, or comforting a nervous patient, both Angela and Raquel consistently exemplifies the values and spirit of the dental hygiene profession. 

In every aspect of their work collectively, clinical excellence, community service, leadership, and lifelong learning, Angela and Raquel have made a lasting impact on their patients, colleagues, and community. Both are not only an outstanding dental hygienist, but each is a true a role model and advocate for oral health equity. Please accept this dual nomination for the Philips heart to hand awards for both educators. 

Respectfully submitted,