Grants & Awards
Discover North America’s Sunstar GUM| RDH Award of Distinction
What is the Sunstar GUM | RDH Award of Distinction?
Since its launch in 2002, the Sunstar GUM | RDH Award of Distinction has stood as one of the most respected honors in the dental hygiene profession across the United States and Canada. Over the years, 149 registered dental hygienists have been celebrated for their remarkable contributions to their communities and the profession at large.
In 2027, six outstanding professionals will be recognized in the categories of Public Health, Full-Time Clinician, Academia, Entrepreneur, New Graduate, and Research. Winners will be honored during the RDH Under One Roof 2027 conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
Discover the 2026 Sunstar GUM | RDH Award of Distinction Winners
Winner of Public Health Category
Kaila Mooney
BS, RDH, CDIPC, OMT
Rogers, Arkansas
Winner of Entrepreneur Category
Karen Davis
RDH, BSDH
Richardson, Texas
Winner of New RDH Category
Richard Robinson
BS, RDH
Little Rock, Arkansas
Winner of Research Category
Melissa Calhoun
MSDH, RDH
Keller, Texas
Winner of Full Time Clinician Category
Lisa Curbow
BAAS, RDH, CDP
Tyler, Texas
Winner of Academia Category
Marion Manski
MS, RDH
Chesterfield, Virginia
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