In a group photo taken at the Colgate Palmolive Technology and Research Center in Pittscataway, NJ, the board members are: (front row, from left) Shelley Johns, Jeri Lynn Coenen, Tabbatha “Shae” White, Davina Craig, (second row, from left) Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, Laura Giusti, Dianne Glasscoe Watterson, LaHoma Martin, (back row, from left) Chrisitina Saraceno, and Karen Raposa, Sr Professional Relations Manager, Colgate Palmolive Co.
As part of its longstanding commitment to improving oral health, Colgate-Palmolive Co. has established an Oral Health Advisory Board comprised of dental hygienists in the United States. Dental hygienists are critical partners for Colgate because they interact frequently with patients and are trusted advisors on oral health, disease prevention and daily oral care.
The board is comprised of eight dental hygienists and two hygiene students from a wide range of communities across the United States and will work with Colgate to find ways to more effectively reach patients in their communities. The inaugural meeting with the 10 founding members was held in New York City in October, providing the board with the opportunity to share their ideas on providing optimal oral care to patients. The board members met with top Oral Care leaders at Colgate in New York City, as well as at the company’s global Colgate Research and Technology Center in Piscataway, N.J.
The six practicing hygienists on the board were selected to be on the board based on the recognition submitted by their patients, volunteer outreach efforts, and commitment to dental hygiene. The two dental hygiene students were selected based on essays submitted on the topic “The value of a specific toothpaste recommendation for your patients’ home care regimen.” Two dental hygiene author/lecturers complete the board composition.
The board members are as follows:
- Jeri Lynn Coenen, Rogers, AR
- Davina Craig, Seattle, WA
- Laura Giusti, Commack, NY
- Shelley Johns, Beavercreek, OH
- Beatriz Lefran, Miami, FL
- LaHoma Martin, Hattiesburg, MS
- Christine Saraceno, West Haven, CT
- Tabbatha “Shae” White, Colorado City, TX
- Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, Cave Creek, AZ
- Dianne Glasscoe Watterson, Frederick, MD
This board is part of a broader program that recognizes the importance of dental hygienists. Earlier this year Colgate launched its Oral Health Advisor program. This complimentary, innovative program offers educational benefits exclusively for the dental hygienist and partners with the leader in oral care. For more information, please visit www.colgateoralhealthadvisor.com/.
Colgate is the world leader in oral care. In the United States, Colgate partners with dental schools and academia, students, practicing dentists and hygienists on a variety of programs to help improve oral health.
