Prof. Marion Manski Awarded the Sunstar GUM | RDH Award of Distinction in Academia

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on May 12, 2026

Marion C. Manski, M.S., RDH, Director and Associate Professor of the Division of Dental Hygiene at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, was awarded with a GUM RDH Award of Distinction in Academia.

Marion C. Manski, M.S., RDH

The Sunstar GUM | RDH Award of Distinction, now in its 25th year, is a prestigious honor celebrating exceptional registered dental hygienists in North America and Europe who make significant contributions to their communities and profession.

Six winners are recognized annually across various categories, including academia, public health, clinical practice and education, with accolades presented at the 2026 RDH Under One Roof conference. 

The purpose of the award is to honor dental hygienists who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and dedication to improving oral health.

Categories for the award include:

  • Public health: Community-focused programs.
  • Full-time clinician: Direct patient care.
  • Academia: Educators in dental hygiene programs.
  • Entrepreneur: Business founders in oral health.
  • New RDH: Graduates from 2020 or later.
  • Research: Published, peer-reviewed contributors.

Published on May 13, 2026