Honoring Excellence: Class of 2026 Award Program
Feb 18, 2026It's that time of year when senior dental hygiene students are cramming for boards and day-dreaming about the career they are about to start. Educators are spending extra time with students who need it, and making sure everything is in order for pinning. National Network of Healthcare Hygienists (NNHH) is happy to be part of this exciting time, providing all dental hygiene programs in the US and Canada with a "Class of 2026 Oral Health Educator of the Year Award and Scholarship."
The program has been elevated for 2026, with a generous scholarship to the ANSI-Accredited Oral Systemic Educator Certificate Program and a vibrant, pre-printed award ready for one student's name. There are no emails to miss, or forms to fill out. Over $300,000 in scholarships are in the mail to be awarded to new graduates.
In the coming weeks, each dental hygiene program director will receive a packet containing one printed award and a scholarship for the Oral Systemic Educator Certificate Program, to empower the awardee to continue integrative education and practice in collaborative care environments. Faculty members at each institution will have the honor of selecting one outstanding student who embodies the description:
"This award recognizes a graduating senior who exemplifies a passion for educating patients and multidisciplinary providers on oral-systemic health."
In addition to this award and scholarship for one student from each graduating class, we are excited to offer a special free trial of the Oral Systemic Educator program to all faculty and students, along with a discount on enrollment. With students now welcome to enroll, and ESAs and 529 plans including ANSI accredited credentials, this is a fantastic opportunity for each school's hygiene community to explore the program and enhance their knowledge of oral-systemic health.
This award and scholarship are more than just a recognition of past achievements; they are an investment in the future of dental hygiene. By supporting the next generation of oral health leaders, we are helping to advance the profession and improve patient outcomes. We congratulate the Class of 2026 in advance and look forward to celebrating the exceptional individuals who will receive this honor.
If your school did not receive your packet, reach out to [email protected] to confirm your mailing address.
