Sunstar, in partnership with the International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH), has announced the 2026 winners of the 7th World Dental Hygienist Awards.

They include Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Janet Williams Oshun, of Bray, County Wicklow, in the New RDH category.

Presented by the Sunstar Foundation and supported by GUM, Sunstar’s global oral health brand, the awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements by dental hygienists worldwide.

Janet’s work is centred on the management of periodontal disease and dental anxiety, with a strong focus on prevention and patient education.

Passionate about creating positive change in oral health, Janet’s career extends beyond the clinical setting into research, education, public speaking, and community outreach. Her work has explored the impact of ethnic and cultural oral practices on oral health, helping to highlight the importance of culturally inclusive approaches to dental care. She shares her insights through professional presentations, published writing and educational initiatives aimed at improving oral health awareness.

Janet is committed to widening access to oral healthcare through advocacy and voluntary work with the Irish Dental Hygienists Association. Alongside her professional involvement, she has delivered oral health presentations to a wide range of vulnerable communities and collaborated with dental brands to provide take-home educational resources and samples.

Through her clinical leadership, community engagement and dedication to advancing the profession she continues to make a meaningful impact on patients, colleagues and the wider dental hygiene community.

“I am truly honoured and grateful to receive the Sunstar World Dental Hygienist Award,” said Janet. “To be recognised on a global level so early in my career is incredibly meaningful and it inspires me to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the advancement of our profession. I’m deeply thankful to the Sunstar Foundation, the IFDH jury, and to all of my family, friends and patients for their votes and support along the way.”

The winners will receive their awards at the World Dental Hygienist Award Ceremony on 10 July, at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Milan. Each winner will be presented with a trophy originally designed by the renowned Italian architect Mario Bellini, a cash prize of $1,500, and a fully funded trip and registration to the symposium.

Tags: Awards, hygienists