2022 Hygiene Excellence Awards

Celebrating Those Going Above and Beyond at DCA

DURING NATIONAL HYGIENE MONTH, we are proud to honor all our outstanding hygienists as integral healthcare providers, removing barriers between patients and care. We are truly fortunate to have the industry’s best dental hygienists at DCA! They serve on the front lines, improving lives and creating healthy smiles, living our USMILE values each day. In partnership with preferred partners, DCA was pleased to award six prestigious 2022 DCA Hygiene Awards in the month of October. Join us in celebebrating these outstanding hygienists! We thank everyone for the inspiring and meaningful nominations throughout Hygiene Month 2022! You can read all the Hygiene Month nominations

Sarah Balaster, DMD

Chief Dental Officer

Ally Since 2017 and messages of gratitude by clicking here. Check out our virtual Dental Hygiene Neighborhood on smile! today! This platform will enable us to learn from and share with one another and grow stronger together. I encourage you to visit the neighborhood and take advantage of all the resources and unparalleled information at your fingertips here at DCA.

Tonya Denicola, RDH

Imagix of Norcross, Ally Since 2020

Unleash Potential Award

Presented in partnership with Philips

“Tonya is an exceptional Dental Hygienist. Over the last year Tonya has integrated GBT into her clinical setting and has helped train other hygienists on Guided Biofilm Therapy. No matter the task Tonya is always willing to help her coworkers and patients succeed. Patient care is her main concern, and she uses every minute of her time educating patients on the oral systemic link. Tonya is an inspiration to her fellow Dental Hygienists here at DCA.”

- Nominated by Katie Schiller, RDH

Toni McIver, RDH

Gentle Dental of Collingdale, Ally Since 1999

Serving First Award

Presented in partnership with Colgate

“Toni has been employed with Gentle Dental since 1999. She has volunteered with the Public Citizens for Children and Youth for Give Kids A Smile sponsored during the month of February. She donates her services by having children come into the office on a Saturday for prophylaxis and fluoride. She solicits donations of toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste from various companies for the children. The program has been dormant since COVID, but she hopes to reinstate for 2023.”

– Nominated by Barbara Lutz, RDH

Ziamara Berrios, RDH

Baystate Dental of Chicopee, Ally Since 2020

Forward Thinker Award

Presented in partnership with Biolase

Ziamara is an excellent hygienist and someone whom I am lucky to have a colleague. Ziamara is extremely well rounded having come to us with a front desk and assisting background. Ziamara is always at the front of the line when it comes to new equipment, adjuncts or services we can offer our patients, and the laser was no different. She believes in the benefits and results that the laser provides her patients and regardless of insurance or any other factors, Ziamara never takes the power away from the patient and explains to them the importance and benefits of this treatment so the patient is able to make an informed decision when it comes to having the laser therapies performed. Ziamara is a hygienist whom I know is always doing the best by the patient, and this is why I have new hires shadow Ziamara in their first few days with us because Ziamara embodies how we want patients to be treated.”

– Nominated by Stacy Haluch, RDH

Ashley McClain, RDH

KDA of Shore Drive, Ally Since 2010

Improving Lives Award

Presented in partnership with Overjet

“Ashley has been employed with DCA/KDA since October 2010. Ashley was always taken amazing care of her patients! She goes above and beyond for each patient as if they were a family member. She is a meticulous in her progress notes so much so that she enables doctors, hygienists, and other team members to be able to better deliver care and services to our patients. An example of Ashley’s exemplary work ethic is her calling her patients after Laser assisted perio treatment and printing a copy of a child’s panorex because the child was so excited and curious to see an x-ray of their skull. During the Christmas holidays, she sends all the hygienists a personal Christmas Cards and even makes handmade ornaments for those she works with personally! Before the Pandemic, Ashley participated for 3 consecutive years in a mission trip to Jamaica to participate in a sealant project for many underserved townships in the poorest parts of Jamaica. These trips were self-funded. She worked hard to get donations from the community, as well as dental suppliers. Most recently she was selected to participate in a 24-week unpaid teaching project in Romania which will begin January 2024. While there she will assist teacher as well as teach independently, helping with all aspects of schooling for children ages 6 to 16. Ashley is a perfect candidate to receive to be considered for the Overjet Serving First award. She is truly a servant of all people and of all walks of lives.”

– Nominated by Wendy S. Steward, RDH

Alishia Sledge, RDH

Imagix of Norcross, Ally Since 2020 Clinical Leadership Award

Presented in partnership with PerioProtect

“Alishia has worked with our organization for over 10 years. Alishia started as a dental assistant, left and went to hygiene school, and has returned as a hygienist in our Winter Haven branch. Along with her dedicated years of service with us, she is a single mother of 2 teenage children. Alishia has taken a lead role in her position as a hygienist. Alishia assists new hires and employees in getting acclimated with office operations and protocol without hesitancy. Alishia is a team player who is looking to do the best for her office and coworkers.”

– Nominated by Valerie Davis, RDH

Cheryl Tragesser, RDH

The Dental Center of Granger, Ally Since 1990

Clinical Excellence Award

Presented in partnership with vVardis

“Cheryl has been a loyal hygienist with the DCA family at The Dental Center of Granger. Cheryl has a long-standing following of patients from pediatric to adult. She is always willing to go above and beyond for her patients and fellow employees from providing optimal patient care, to coming in on her scheduled day off. Cheryl has been known to help not just her fellow hygienists; she also helps the doctors when they need same day care for their patients. It doesn’t matter if she must redo a sealant or take an x-ray all that matters to Cheryl is to providing quality care to patients to improve their lives and health. Cheryl has proven repeatedly to be a hygienist who values her patients care and is a vital part of the DCA family at The Dental Center of Granger.”

– Nominated by Michelle Pass, RDH