Celebrating Excellence in Dental Hygiene: The 2026 GUM EDHF Award of Distinction Opens for Entries
In a significant move to honor exceptional contributions within the field of dental hygiene, GUM®, a renowned global brand under Sunstar, has officially announced the commencement of entries for the 2026 GUM EDHF Award of Distinction. This prestigious accolade is presented in collaboration with the European Dental Hygienists Federation (EDHF) and aims to spotlight the remarkable work undertaken by dental hygienists across Europe.
The award encompasses six specific categories, each designed to celebrate diverse aspects of the profession. These categories include Public Health, Full-time Clinician, Academia, Entrepreneur, New Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)—which is specifically for dental hygienists who graduated in 2021 or later—and Research. This structure not only acknowledges the varied roles that dental hygienists occupy within the healthcare landscape but also underscores the multifaceted nature of the contributions they make toward dental health and wellness.
To be eligible for nomination, candidates must hold registration as dental hygienists, with submissions aimed at recognizing their notable achievements across various spheres such as patient care, community outreach, education, and research initiatives. The nominating process is designed to be accessible, allowing for both self-nominations and nominations of colleagues. Entrants are required to provide a written response to a set of questions outlining their accomplishments in relation to the category they’re contesting.
All submissions will undergo an impartial review by an independent selection committee, which will consist of esteemed dental hygienists recognized for their influence in the field on an international scale. This blind judging process ensures that each nominee is evaluated purely on their merits, fostering a fair and equitable competition.
Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of €1,000 and will automatically qualify to be considered for Sunstar’s World Dental Hygienist Awards (WDHA). This global recognition will culminate with the announcement of winners at the 2028 International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates—a fitting backdrop for a gathering that celebrates excellence in oral health on such a significant scale.
Ellen Bol – van den Hil, the President of the EDHF, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “Every quiet breakthrough deserves a global stage. Whether dental hygienists are proving a clinical hypothesis or pioneering a new business model, their innovation is the future of dental hygiene. Let the GUM EDHF Award of Distinction celebrate their impact.” Bol – van den Hil’s remarks reflect the essential role that dental hygienists play in advancing healthcare practices and improving community health outcomes, reinforcing the importance of recognizing their contributions.
Adding to the excitement, Mayumi Kaneda, Director of the Sunstar Foundation, conveyed her enthusiasm, remarking, “Witnessing firsthand the dedication and expertise of dental hygienists is always inspiring. We encourage dental hygiene professionals throughout Europe to enter and look forward to celebrating the winners and their remarkable achievements.” This encouragement serves both to motivate industry professionals and to highlight the collective impact that dental hygienists have in elevating standards within oral health care.
The deadline for submitting entries is set for October 15, 2026. Following the conclusion of the entry period, the winners of the GUM EDHF Award of Distinction will be announced in November 2026, marking a significant moment in the dental hygiene community. Those interested in participating can find additional details and submission guidelines by visiting the official website dedicated to the award.
The GUM EDHF Award of Distinction is more than just a recognition program; it is a celebration of innovation, clinical excellence, and a relentless commitment to improving the health of individuals and communities. By bringing attention to the achievements of dental hygienists, this initiative contributes to elevating the profession and inspiring future generations of dental care providers.
As the dental hygiene landscape continues to evolve, platforms like these serve not only to honor past accomplishments but also to inspire ongoing advancements in the field, paving the way for a healthier future.
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