Sunstar Foundation Launches the 7th World Dental Hygienist Award Nominations

Sunstar Foundation Announces World Dental Hygienist Award Nominations

The Sunstar Foundation, located in Takatsuki, Osaka, is proud to announce the commencement of nominations for the prestigious 7th World Dental Hygienist Award. This award, created in 2004, aims to honor dental hygienists who have made significant contributions to dental hygiene, patient care, and community health. The deadline for nominations from Japan is set for January 16, 2026, at 8 AM JST.

About the Award

The World Dental Hygienist Award is an initiative by the Sunstar Foundation in collaboration with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists. The award is distinctively recognized for its unbiased selection process, with a panel of independent professionals judging the nominees. This seventh iteration seeks to acknowledge dental hygienists globally, celebrating achievements across six categories, including Public Health and Clinical Practice.

Categories of Nomination

Eligible candidates must hold an official certification as a dental hygienist. The award encompasses six categories:
1. Public Health – For those who enhance community health through organized programs aimed at preventing and managing dental diseases.
2. Clinical Practice – Full-time practitioners engaged in various dental services at least 32 hours a week, involved in general dentistry, periodontal therapy, geriatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and home care.
3. Academia – Educators engaged in full-time roles focused on dental hygiene education.
4. Entrepreneurial – Individuals running businesses that benefit dental professionals or patients.
5. New Dental Hygienists – Recent graduates since 2020 focusing on innovation and community impact.
6. Research – Lead authors of peer-reviewed papers published within the last three years.

Nomination Process and Criteria

Nominations are open not only for self-nomination but also for nominations by others. However, it's essential that the nominee possesses a valid dental hygienist qualification. Each category awards one winner, totaling six recipients. The deadline for submission is January 16, 2026, by 8 AM JST. Each winner will receive a $1,500 cash prize, along with coverage of their participation and travel expenses to the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) to be held in Milan, Italy, in July 2026.

Eligible candidates can submit their nominations through the Sunstar Foundation's official website: Sunstar Foundation. Each participant may only enter one category. Detailed application instructions are available under 'How to Apply'.