BCDHA is celebrating two dental hygienists whose contributions to the profession have earned them recognition through the Association’s 2026 awards.
Linda McKay (L) is this year’s recipient of the Dianne Gallagher Inspiration Award, which recognizes a dental hygienist who inspires others to support and advance the profession. Linda’s nominator shared that “throughout her career, Linda has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the dental hygiene profession through mentorship, leadership, advocacy, and ongoing commitment to supporting others. Linda’s passion for dental hygiene and genuine care for both colleagues and students have inspired many of us to become stronger advocates for our profession and for the clients and communities we serve.” We couldn’t agree more!
Leah Thomson (R) is the recipient of the Barbara J. Heisterman Award for Outstanding Innovation and Commitment to Care, which celebrates innovation and dedication to improving access to dental hygiene care. Leah was recognized for her commitment to improving the lives of others, her outstanding promotion of oral health in Long-term Care, and for providing access to care for underserved and vulnerable populations since 2010. For many years, Leah has been providing inclusive dental hygiene care to people who have been otherwise ‘forgotten’ due to institutionalized culture. Because of Leah’s pursuit or professional dental hygiene values along with the constant collaboration with nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians and families, she has changed the trajectory of oralh health in Long-Term Care. Well done, Leah!
Congratulations to Linda and Leah on this well-deserved recognition and their contributions to the dental hygiene profession!