DENTAL HYGIENE

Karen Essel shows her delight after being presented with the Outstanding Dental Hygiene Alumnae Award.

"When I think of out-standing dental hygiene alumnae, I think of people who are authors or instructors or program directors or presidents of professional organiz-ations. I don't think of someone like myself," said Karen Essel after receiving the Out-standing Dental Hygiene Alumnae Award during the School's commence-ment program in May.

Jemma Allor, president of the U-M Dental Hygiene Alumnae Asso-ciation, presented the award.

"Karen has proven to be a brilliant representative and true champion for the University of Michigan dental school," Allor said.

She cited Essel's involvement in dental hygiene organizations and her leadership roles, including serving as president of Sigma Phi Alpha, the U-M honorary society, and the Washtenaw District Dental Hygienists' Society. Essel also represented Michigan during the American Dental Hygiene Association's annual meeting in 2005.

A clinical dental hygienist since graduating in 1969, Essel told graduates, "Participate in your professional organization. It is your voice and your network."

She also urged volunteering. "There is a huge access to care crisis that only the profession can begin to solve."