DHPAG Awards Page
Candace Jones Award Nomination Form Junior Dental Hygienist Officer Award Nomination Form
Importance of Awards: It is important that Commissioned Corps dental hygienists are recognized for all their accomplishments. Awards are more than just measuring success. Awards have significant impact on an officer’s career and allow you and your accomplishments to stand out and be more visible. They speak volumes about an officer’s service, impact, and accomplishments. Dental hygiene awards are a testament to an officer’s work ethic, dedication, and unique specialty. Every year the Dental Hygiene Professional Advisory Group recognizes two dental hygiene officers for their outstanding contributions and significant impact in the advancement of public health. Listed below are details regarding the DHPAG awards and eligibility requirements.
Candace M. Jones Dental Hygienist of the Year Award
The Candace M. Jones Dental Hygienist of the Year Award is presented annually to a dental hygienist who has demonstrated accomplishments in career progression, contributions to the agency as demonstrated by awards, leadership, and continued learning and education.
The Candace Jones Award was named in honor of Captain Candace Jones for her service and commitment to improving the oral health of underserved populations as well as her dedication to the USPHS. Captain Jones was the first dental hygienist to be commissioned in the USPHS. She began her career working with Indian Health Service and then served a short detail to the Health and Resource Service Administration. CAPT Jones was instrumental in establishing dental hygiene as a profession in the USPHS. She developed the commissioning standards and billets for dental hygienist under the HSO category. She has served as the chair for HSOPAC, chair of the Council on Public Health for the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and elected President of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry.
Eligibility requirements for the Candace Jones Award include at least one year of service in the USPHS and require that you be a non-voting member of the DHPAG. Nominees are evaluated on four categories: Career Progression, Award History, Leadership Attributes, and Certifications/Continuing Education. Applicants should demonstrate a history of increasing job responsibilities. This may include dental hygiene related responsibilities, contributions to the local, regional, or national level, or other collateral duties that enhance the mission of the agency and the USPHS. The candidate should have a PHS Training ribbon and at least one other Commissioned Corps individual honor award. Nominees that have other Agency/PHS awards or other professional awards are encouraged. The candidate should have strong leadership qualities demonstrated by membership or leading committees, task forces, or other groups that enhance Agency and/or USPHS mission. The candidate should demonstrate continuous learning evidenced by continuing education in the profession. This can include education in clinical hygiene, public health, program management or other topics that advance the goals and mission of the USPHS.
Nomination criteria:
Curriculum vitae and a narrative explaining the nominee's contributions, demonstrated leadership, and national impact.
Past Awardees
| Year |
Recipients |
| 2023 |
LCDR Cynthia Chennault |
| 2022 |
LCDR Emily Warnstadt |
| 2021 |
LCDR Jennifer Curtis |
| 2020 |
CDR Kelly Moore |
| 2019 |
LCDR Sean Mcmahan |
| 2018 |
CDR Stacy Harper |
| 2017 |
CDR Mylene Santulan |
| 2016 |
LCDR Amy Strain |
| 2015 |
LCDR Dorinda Ball |
| 2014 |
LCDR Shelia Weagle |
| 2013 |
LCDR Joseph Shurina |
| 2012 |
CDR Travis L. Fisher |
| 2011 |
LCDR Michelle BlethWeber |
| 2010 |
LT Charles Brucklier |
| 2009 |
CDR Karen Sicard |
| 2008 |
CDR Beth Finnson |
| 2007 |
LCDR Lori Goodman |
| 2006 |
CDR Denise Goudelock |
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Junior Dental Hygienist of the Year
This award is granted annually to any Commissioned Corps dental hygienist at the rank of O-4 and below who demonstrates a significant contribution to the advancement of oral health. The awards are evaluated for excellence in the core dental hygiene functions: clinical, education, advocacy, and administration or leadership.
Eligibility requirements include at least one year of service in the USPHS, be a non-voting member, and must not have applied for the Candace Jones Award in the same year that they are applying for the Junior Dental Hygienist of the Year Award to meet eligibility requirements. The Junior Dental Hygienist of the Year applicant is evaluated on four criteria: Contributions, Responsibilities, Leadership, and Professionalism. Contributions are measured on impact, either on a local or national level. The candidate must have demonstrated noteworthy contributions to the advancement of public health. Nominees are evaluated on responsibilities by their accomplishments that are above and beyond their usual day-to-day duties. The applicant must also exemplify leadership skills by motivating others towards agency goals and mission or developing new programs or work initiatives. Also, candidates need to maintain professional credentials and demonstrate involvement within the dental hygiene profession and/or community organizations.
Past Awardees
| Year |
Recipients |
| 2023 |
LT Cindy Pallack |
| 2022 |
LCDR Andrew Felix |
| 2021 |
LCDR Keasha Myrick |
| 2020 |
LCDR Cynthia Chennault |
| 2019 |
LCDR Jamie Martinez |
| 2018 |
LT Latasha Turner |
| 2017 |
LCDR Jennifer Huff |
| 2016 |
LT Sean McMahan |
| 2015 |
LCDR Amy Strain |
| 2014 |
LT Angelica Chica |
| 2013 |
LTJG Oliva Barrow |
| 2012 |
LTJG Nicole Glines |
| 2011 |
LTJG Melissa Reese |
For current Award information please contact:
Click here for Additional HSO Awards
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