ADHA Announces Recipient of 2004 Distinguished Service Award-Patricia Osuna

Chicago-August 5, 2004 – The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has named Patricia Osuna, RDH, BS, of Redondo Beach, Calif., as a recipient of the 2004 ADHA Distinguished Service Award.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement and dedication to the profession of dental hygiene.

Over the course of a 25-year membership in the California Dental Hygienists’ Association, Osuna has held numerous offices including constituent and component presidencies, as well as ADHA annual session delegate, and chair of a committee to review proposed association policy and other relevant information facing the dental hygiene profession. Osuna has served as the registered dental hygienist on the Dental Board of California since 2002.

Osuna has dedicated much of her time to coaching Special Olympics sports such as volleyball, softball and basketball. She also organizes annual dental screenings for the participants and has previously worked with dental students to help fabricate mouth guards for Special Olympic athletes. Her devotion to the athletes led her to fundraising efforts to ensure the athletes have transportation to the events, as well as uniforms and athletic equipment.

Osuna was honored during the opening ceremonies at ADHA’s 81st annual session in Dallas on June 3.

ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of more than 120,000 dental hygienists across the country. Dental hygienists are preventive oral health professionals, licensed in dental hygiene, who provide educational, clinical and therapeutic services that support total health through the promotion of optimal oral health. For more information about ADHA, dental hygiene or the link between oral health and general health, visit ADHA at http://www.adha.org.

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