Mary Layher

Ann Arbor, MI - June 23, 2008 - Mary Layher, a senior research lab specialist in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, has been nominated by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) to receive the organization's top award for outstanding achievement that affects the dental hygiene profession.

Layher received the 2008 Johnson & Johnson/ADHA Excellence in Dental Hygiene Award during the ADHA's annual session in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To be nominated, recipients must have been ADHA members for at least 10 years, be active in the association, and must be nominated by a colleague.

"It's a huge honor to be recognized by my peers on a national level," said Layher, a 1981 graduate of the U-M dental hygiene program. "This award would never have been possible without the educational opportunities and inspirational colleagues that surround me here at Michigan." She acknowledged Drs. Hom-Lay Wang, William Giannobile, her father, C. Mark Gilson, and Prof. Wendy Kerschbaum "for their inspiration and professional encouragement."

Since becoming a staff dental hygienist in the Dental Faculty Practice at the School of Dentistry in 1990, Layher has been active as an educator, researcher, clinician, and health promoter. She has also served in leadership roles with local, state, and national dental hygiene organizations.

Layher was president of the Washtenaw District Dental Hygienists' Society (1984-1986, 1995-1997); chaired the Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association (MDHA) Scientific Session Task Force (1992), was the organization's vice president (1998) and president (2000-2001), continues to be a liaison to Michigan legislators; and was appointed to the ADHA Council on Research (2005) where she is currently serving her third term. Layher is a co-advisor to the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA) at the School of Dentistry.

In 2006, MDHA presented Layher with the Frances Shook Award for her contributions to the profession. That same year she was inducted into the School's honorary dental society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.

In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree, Layher became one of the first dental hygienists in the U.S. to obtain the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) designation. She obtained the standing by documenting practice in the field of clinical research for several years before taking a certification examination administered by the Society of Clinical Research Professionals.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation's leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit us on the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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