College of Dentistry receives ‘Employer of the Year’ award

The UNMC College of Dentistry was recognized as the “2021 Employer of the Year” by the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA). Criteria for the award includes creating and maintaining a supportive workplace for dental hygienists, displaying respect and recognition of the dental hygiene profession and serving as a mentor and advocate to dental hygienists.

Lisa Moravec, assistant professor and site coordinator for the UNMC West Division Dental Hygiene program, nominated the college for the award.

“Gwen Hlava, chair of the department of dental hygiene, is a mentor to all hygienists within the department. She, along with Dean Janet Guthmiller, have encouraged and supported faculty involvement within our professional associations,” Moravec said. “We are proud to have several faculty in national and state leadership positions, including Heather Hessheimer, assistant professor, who served as the president of the NDHA, and myself, serving as president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Without employer support, it would not be possible to serve in these positions.”

The College of Dentistry was honored to receive the award, Hlava said.

“We are proud to support our faculty members as they serve and lead professional associations and we are proud of the important work they do for our profession,” she said.