Ann will utilize a $5,000 grant to deliver oral health services to nursing home residents with mobility challenges
CINCINNATI, March 27, 2012 – Crest Oral-B is thrilled to announce that Ann BensonRoss, RDH, BS, of Phoenix, AZ, is the recipient of the brands’ first-ever Pros in the Profession grant for "Advancing Oral Health in the Community." Together with her fellow staff at Mobile Dentistry of Arizona, Ann plans to utilize the $5,000 grant towards delivering onsite oral health services to nursing home residents who are in critical need of care but unable to obtain such services. Due to financial reasons, physical immobility of patients, and lack of proper training among staff, oral health care tends to lag behind other forms of care in nursing homes.
To continue supporting the work that the Pros in the Profession year one winners are doing in their community, Crest Oral-B called for grant proposals from these dental hygienists earlier this year. Each unique application centeredon a common theme and outlined ways in which the $5,000 funds would be used to improve the state of oral health within each winner’s community. Ann was selected based on her compelling demonstration of the urgent need for financial support to help bring oral health care to nursing home residents that are at a clear disadvantage in her community.
"It is estimated that only 50% of people with a significant disability are able to find access to professional dental care1," stated Ann. "At Mobile Dentistry of Arizona, it is our priority to close this oral health gap in our community’s nursing homes by bringing dental care access to residents with mobility challenges – a mission that is greatly enhanced and supported with the help of the Crest Oral-B grant."
Ann’s goal through the grant is twofold: along with delivering oral health services to nursing home residents, her team will provide the necessary training to nursing home staff so they may continue to help maintain residents’ oral health care routine, including assistance with brushing and flossing.
"Crest Oral-B is proud of dental hygienists like Ann who are truly making an impact in patients’ lives, and we are committed to helping further their impact on oral health beyond their daily practice," stated Wendy Bebey, RDH,BS, P&G Dental Hygienist Relations Manager. "We are excited to continue our partnership with Ann through the Pros in the Profession grant and provide her with the means to help fulfill our joint-mission of ‘Advancing Oral Health in the Community.’"
The Crest Oral-B Pros in the Profession program recognizes Registered Dental Hygienists who go above and beyond the call of duty every day. Throughout the year, Crest Oral-B rewards a selection of deserving professionals, as nominated by their peers, who truly make an impact on patients and for the oral health cause. To learn more about the program, please visit www.prosintheprofession.com. For information about Crest Oral-B products and resources, visit www.dentalcare.com.
