Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award

The Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award was established in 1994 to honor an ODHA member who makes an outstanding contribution to the dental hygiene profession in Oregon. Lois Whitford was a very influential leader within the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.  She graduated in 1957 from the University of Oregon Dental Hygiene School and taught there several years before establishing the dental hygiene program at Mt. Hood Community College in 1970.  Lois retired in 1984 and continued her spirited leadership through various ODHA activities.  She was the first recipient of the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Outstanding Dental Hygienists’ Award 1983.  In June of 1994 she passed away and the name of the award was changed in honor of her. This award is not related to the Lois Whitford Memorial Scholarship. 

The purpose of this award is to honor members of ODHA who have made exceptional contributions to dental hygiene on the local, state, and national levels for an extended period of time; and who are known widely for their achievements and service. It is a prestigious award, which will be presented only when warranted by the accomplishments of an Oregon dental hygienist.

Criteria for Nomination:

The following criteria should be met by any individual considered for the nomination:

1. Be a dental hygienist residing in Oregon,
2. Have graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program and hold licensure in Oregon,
3. Have held ADHA and constituent (and component is appropriate) membership contiguously with active practice since entering dental hygiene,
4. Have actively participated in Association programs for a minimum of fifteen years.
5. Have demonstrated professional ideas and characteristics in practice (e.g. clinical, public health, education, etc.),
6. Be a recognized leader in the profession (e.g. held office, committee appointments, special assignments or appointments),
7. Have made significant contributions to:
   1. The advancement and recognition of dental hygiene as a profession,
   2. Oral health service programs/projects, community clinics, migrant workers programs),
   3. The professional development of dental hygiene colleagues (e.g. mentoring),
   4. Have continued to advance her/his knowledge base for practice,
   5. Have gained recognition:
      1. In the community at large,
      2. In dental hygiene at the state level,
      3. In dental hygiene at the national level (e.g. committee member, trustee, officer).

This award is presented at the Oregon Dental Hygiene Conference. Nominations should be received by October 16. Self-nominations are encouraged.

Nominate Here

Lois Whitford Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award Recipients:

2022 - Gail Aamodt

2021 - Lisa Rowley

2020 - Jan Young

1993 - Lynn Ironside

1987 - Marge Reveal

1985 - Audrey Dickson

Unknown Year - Margaret Ryan