International oral healthcare company Sunstar has announced the return of the World Dental Hygienist Awards (WDHA), after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. First established in 2007, the WDHA recognises and honours the work and accomplishments of dental hygienists who have made significant contributions to the dental hygiene field.

Wanda Fedora, President of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), said: 'IFDH is proud to continue its involvement with Sunstar since the very beginning of this valuable programme in 2007. The only global meeting place for dental hygienists - the International Symposium of Dental Hygiene (ISDH) - has provided a unique and appropriate setting for the excitement when these distinguished awards are announced.'

Ahead of the WDHA, which will take place in 2024, a new regional Award of Distinction has been created in partnership with the European Dental Hygienist Federation (EDHF) to celebrate the achievements of European dental hygienists. The European Award of Distinction is now open for nominations with Sunstar and the EDHF calling for entries from qualified dental hygienists. Hygienists can either nominate themselves or a colleague, as long as they, or the person they are nominating, are officially registered dental hygienists.

Dr Gitana Rederiene, President of the EDHF said: 'This award recognises and honours the work and accomplishments of dental hygienists who have made significant contributions to the dental hygiene field and the impact on promoting oral health to society.'

The deadline for the Award of Distinction programmes is 31 March 2023. All nominations across six categories will be judged by independent selection committees; details on the prizes can be found on the website. Each winner will automatically qualify for the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) in Seoul, South Korea, in 2024 where the WDHA ceremony will be held.

Dental hygienists can find out more by visiting https://www.sunstar-foundation.org/en/awards/world-hygienist.