Grants & Awards
Sunstar World Dental Hygienist Awards
Leading the way in oral hygiene
What are the World Dental Hygienist Awards?
Sunstar’s World Dental Hygienist Awards recognize dental hygienists who have made significant contributions to the field of dental hygiene. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in research, education, patient care, and public health. They honor those who have positively impacted patients, the community, and the general public through their dedicated work and achievements
How do the World Dental Hygienist Awards Work?
Choose & Apply
Pick a category and submit some written questions and a 1-min video.
Regional Qualifications
Candidates from Europe and North America will be eligible for the Regional Awards of Distinction.
Selection Process
The six winners from each region plus nominees from Africa, Asia, LATAM and Oceania will compete at the WDHA
Awards & Recognition
Each winner receives a trophy, $1,500, and travel reimbursements for the WDHA ceremony at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene.
A trophy as meaningful as the award itself
When the first Sunstar Foundation Award was presented in 2003, the Foundation Chairman, Hiroo Kaneda, envisioned a trophy as meaningful as the award itself. Mr. Kaneda commissioned the famous Italian architect, Mario Bellini to materialize this vision. Bellini's artistic contributions to society include Olivetti's typewriter and calculators, now found at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and his latest architectural work is found at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
At the base of the trophy, is the following inscription in Italian: "Nell'albero infinito della ricerca scientifica è racchiuso il mistero dell'evoluzione dell'umanità." Translated in English, it means: "The mystery of human evolution is enclosed within the infinite tree of scientific research."
When viewed from the front, the trophy is shaped like the symbol for infinity and infers a quantity without bound or end. The "S" shape of the symbol is also meant to embody science and the Sunstar company. It is a fitting tribute to the Sunstar Foundation Award recipients.
Discover the winners from other editions
FAQs
What categories can I apply for?
You can choose from six categories: Public Health, Full-time Clinician, Academia, Entrepreneur, New RDH, and Research.
How often are the World Dental Hygienist Awards held?
Though the awards were previously presented every 3 years, from now on they will be held every 2 years and celebrated at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH), which varies location.
What are the application requirements for the World Dental Hygienist Awards?
Applicants must submit written answers to specific questions about their contributions to the dental hygiene profession and a 1-minute video explaining their nomination.
Are there regional qualifications before the global awards?
Yes, applicants from North America and Europe must first go through Regional Awards of Distinction before qualifying for the Global World Dental Hygienist Awards.
What prizes are awarded to the winners?
Winners receive a trophy, $1,500 cash prizes, and reimbursement for participation and travel to the ISDH.
How is the winner selected?
Selection involves a panel of independent dental hygienists reviewing submissions. Public voting on SUNSTAR's YouTube channel can also influence the outcome.
Can I nominate myself, or does someone else need to nominate me?
You can either nominate yourself or be nominated by someone else, as long as the entry meets all the eligibility criteria.
What should be included in the nomination video?
Your video should highlight your achievements and explain why you or your nominee deserves the award, while adhering to the guidelines for effective presentation.
How can I make my nomination video stand out?
Use clear, high-quality visuals and sound. Present in landscape mode, ensure good lighting, and keep the background professional and distraction-free.
What is the deadline to apply for the next awards?
The 2024 awards edition is now closed. The 2026 edition of the World Dental Hygienists Awards and the Awards of Distinction (for participants in North America and Europe) will start accepting applications in January 2025.
Request more information
Are you a journalist or do you work for a media outlet?
If you'd like more details about the World Dental Hygienist Awards, please contact us at global.pr@sunstar.com. We'd be delighted to provide additional information or answer any questions you may have.