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Each October, America’s ToothFairy celebrates the vital role dental hygienists play in helping children grow up healthy and confident. During our My Smile Matters campaign—the official Dental Hygiene Month celebration of America’s ToothFairy—we recognize five outstanding dental hygienists who go above and beyond to serve underprivileged kids in their communities.
This year’s winners embody compassion, innovation, and leadership in advancing children’s oral health. Each will receive a prize package, a certificate of recognition and other fun stuff!
Mentone, California — Self-Nominated
Few dental hygienists embody the spirit of compassion and accessibility like Sade Morel, RDHAP. As a registered dental hygienist and alternative practice owner, Sade’s passion for equitable care shines through her commitment to removing barriers for families with limited access to dental services.
“I believe every child—regardless of their background or abilities—deserves the chance to experience compassionate care in a safe environment,” Sade shared in her nomination.
At her Southern California practice, she specializes in treating children, including those with special needs, in a calming, sensory-friendly environment. Each appointment is adapted to meet her young patients’ unique needs—whether that means adjusting the lighting, allowing extra time for acclimation, or creating a peaceful setting that helps kids feel at ease.
Understanding that not every family can reach a dental office, Sade also launched a mobile hygiene service, bringing preventive care directly to children’s homes. By accepting state medical assistance, she ensures affordability for low-income families and those who might otherwise delay or forgo essential oral healthcare.
Her compassion and flexibility make each visit more than a cleaning—it’s a confidence-building experience. “When a child smiles at the end of a visit and says, ‘That wasn’t scary,’” she said, “that’s how I know I’ve done my job.”
Peoria, Arizona — Nominated by Alana Sanaphay
For nearly two decades, Christine Sanaphay has been a force of compassion, dedication, and global service within the dental hygiene community. Her impact reaches far beyond Arizona—stretching across continents to children and families who might otherwise never see a dental professional.
“Christine’s commitment to service is extraordinary,” said her nominator, Alana Sanaphay. “She doesn’t just talk about helping others—she’s out there doing it, again and again.”
In Arizona, Christine volunteers extensively with TeamSmile events hosted by the Arizona Coyotes and Arizona Cardinals, helping provide dental care to hundreds of local children. She also partners with Special Smiles at the Special Olympics, making oral care accessible and joyful for athletes with disabilities.
Her compassion doesn’t stop at home. Christine has participated in international missions in the Philippines, where she provided local anesthesia for children needing extractions, and in Cambodia, where she helped treat survivors of human trafficking through Agape International Missions (AIM).
“She leads with empathy and humility,” Alana said. “Whether she’s in a school gym or halfway across the world, Christine treats every child as if they were her own.”
Through her ongoing volunteerism, Christine continues to transform lives—one smile at a time—and exemplifies the heart of the Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award.
Bozeman, Montana — Nominated by Nanette Tomlin and Lori McNamara
Growing up on Montana’s Fort Peck Reservation, Crystal Spring understood early on the devastating effects of limited access to dental care. Rather than accept those inequities, she devoted her career to changing them.
As the founder and executive director of Smiles Across Montana (SAM), Crystal leads a nonprofit mobile and teledental organization that delivers preventive and diagnostic care to schools, Head Start programs, nursing homes, and tribal communities across the state. Since its founding in 2018, SAM has served more than 12,000 patients—a testament to her vision and perseverance.
“Crystal’s leadership and heart are unmatched,” said Nanette Tomlin, one of her nominators. “She has built a model that doesn’t just treat people—it restores dignity and ensures that even the most remote communities feel seen and cared for.”
Co-nominator Lori McNamara added, “Crystal is a mentor and role model for hygienists across the country. Her mobile and nonprofit work demonstrates that access to care is achievable when compassion meets determination.”
Crystal’s motivation is deeply personal. “I wanted to make sure no one—child or elder—has to suffer in silence because they can’t find or afford dental care,” she said. “Smiles Across Montana is proof that we can meet people where they are and change their health outcomes.”
Her passion, innovation, and unyielding drive make Crystal a true changemaker and a shining example of why My Smile Matters.
Denver, Colorado — Nominated by Teresa Ramirez
With more than 30 years in the dental hygiene field, Lisa Valdez has touched thousands of lives—and smiles—through her work with Kids In Need of Dentistry (KIND) in Denver. For 13 of those years, she served as RDH Manager, overseeing outreach to more than 160 schools through KIND’s sealant program while personally visiting classrooms to provide sealants and oral health education.
“Lisa is one of the most selfless and dedicated professionals I’ve ever met,” said her nominator, Teresa Ramirez. “Even through her own personal battles—fighting cancer and coping with profound loss—she never stopped caring for others.”
Lisa’s empathy is her superpower. Her colleagues describe her as the person who always shows up, no matter what. Whether coordinating school-based screenings, volunteering in shelters, or mentoring young hygienists, she brings warmth and resilience to every interaction.
“Lisa’s unwavering positivity inspires everyone around her,” Teresa said. “She has turned hardship into hope, using her own strength to uplift others.”
Now, as she heals from hand surgery, Lisa continues to channel her nurturing spirit into caring for her grandchildren and exploring new ways to advocate for children’s health. Her decades of devotion to underserved families make her a beacon of service and compassion in Colorado’s oral health community.
Rancho Cucamonga, California — Nominated by Terri Pina, Debi Riechle, and Dr. Dan Jenkins
Known affectionately as “The Friendly Flosser,” Jennifer Nowotney, RDHAP, has built her career around one mission: ensuring every child feels valued, safe, and confident in the dental chair.
“Jennifer has a gift for turning fear into joy,” said Terri Pina, one of her nominators. “You can actually see the moment a child realizes that taking care of their teeth can be fun—and that’s all because of her.”
Through her nonprofit and mobile outreach work, Jennifer provides oral hygiene education, screenings, and preventive services at schools and community events. For many children, she’s the first hygienist they’ve ever met—and the first to give them their very own toothbrush.
“She doesn’t just clean teeth; she builds trust,” Terri added. “I’ve watched children walk away smiling proudly, showing off their ‘sparkly’ teeth and newfound confidence.”
Debi Riechle praised Jennifer’s entrepreneurial spirit in founding her nonprofit organization, which brings care directly to communities in need. And Dr. Dan Jenkins, who worked with Jennifer for more than a decade, described her as “outgoing, gentle, and deeply skilled. Every patient loved her—and every child felt seen.”
Upon learning she had been selected as a 2025 Outstanding Dental Hygienist, Jennifer said, “I don’t do this work for recognition, but out of love for helping children get the care they deserve. Being recognized is humbling—and reminds me how important it is to keep going.”
Jennifer’s empathy and dedication continue to ripple across California communities, changing young lives one smile at a time.
Congratulations to this year’s Outstanding Dental Hygienists!
We received an overwhelming number of inspiring nominations this year, making it difficult to choose just five winners. We are proud to recognize three additional hygienists whose dedication, leadership, and compassion are making extraordinary differences in their communities.
Waukesha, Wisconsin — Nominated by Tammy Cantillon
For more than 13 years, Jennifer “Jenny” Reyes has been a cornerstone of Community Smiles Dental, a nonprofit clinic dedicated to serving children with Medicaid or no insurance. From her early days as a registered dental hygienist to her current role as Clinical Manager, Jenny has combined technical excellence with heartfelt compassion.
Her nominator, Tammy Cantillon, described her as “the glue that holds the clinic together.” Jenny balances administrative leadership with direct patient care, often stepping in to treat her long-term patients herself. She is known for her calm, reassuring demeanor and for mentoring younger hygienists with the same empathy she extends to her patients.
At a time when many hygienists pursue higher-paying private practice positions, Jenny has chosen to stay in public health. “She could easily go elsewhere,” said Tammy, “but she stays because she believes in our mission and the kids we serve.” Her commitment ensures continuity of care and reinforces the message that every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and cared for.
Cashton, Wisconsin — Nominated by Samantha Knutson
With 25 years of experience—16 of them at Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers—Terri Komay exemplifies dedication and joy in her work. Known for her boundless energy and problem-solving mindset, Terri brings positivity to every patient interaction and every staff meeting.
Her nominator, Samantha Knutson, praised Terri’s ability to connect with families beyond the dental chair. “Terri doesn’t just clean teeth,” she said. “She helps connect families with resources for transportation, food, and housing—whatever it takes to help them live healthier lives.”
Terri also leads the clinic’s Read to Me program, ensuring each child leaves with a book to build their home library. Her innovation and compassion have made her a trusted leader in the clinic and the broader community. “Terri’s laughter fills the office,” Samantha shared. “Her joy is contagious, and her care for our patients is unmatched.”
Goodyear, Arizona — Nominated by Isela Leavitt
A true “rock star” hygienist, Kathleen (Kathy) Luisi has dedicated more than 15 years to delivering preventive dental care to underserved children through Mass Kidz Healthy Smiles in Massachusetts and now AZ Kidz Healthy Smiles Foundation in Arizona. Her work brings vital mobile dental services directly into schools and community spaces where they are needed most.
“Kathy is more than a hygienist—she’s an advocate and educator,” said Isela Leavitt, her nominator. “She has the biggest heart and never stops finding ways to help children who might otherwise be forgotten.”
Through compassion, expertise, and innovation, Kathy has touched thousands of young lives. Her energy and commitment have inspired colleagues and families alike to see oral health as a foundation for lifelong well-being.
Congratulations to our 2025 Outstanding Dental Hygienists! Your passion, creativity, and commitment to improving children’s health exemplify the very best of dental hygiene. Because of you, more kids can smile with confidence—and that’s something worth celebrating every day.
