CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Crest^® + Oral-B^® continues to recognize Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) who go above and beyond the call of duty with the third year of the Pros in the Profession^® awards program. These awards acknowledge the pivotal role hygienists play in their patients’ lives in addition to their unwavering personal commitment to promoting good oral health.

“We have seen extraordinary entries over the past several years, which is why we must continue to honor those hygienists whose passion shine through in their everyday work,” said John Scarchilli, Scientific Communications for P&G Oral Care. “These individuals dedicate countless hours to furthering the oral health cause, so we are pleased to be able to applaud them publicly.”

Throughout the year, Crest + Oral-B will reward four exceptional RDHs who consistently display dedication towards both their patients and their craft. Winners will receive:

• An all-expense paid trip to visit the Procter & Gamble German Innovation Center at Kronberg, Germany
• A $1,000 USD monetary prize
• A recognition plaque
• Recognition in dental periodicals and announcements on Crest + Oral-B for Dental Professionals Facebook page and Dentalcare.com.

From September 2013 until March 2014, nominations can be submitted via a nomination tab on the Crest + Oral-B for Dental Professionals Facebook page. For the first time in the program, hygienists may nominate themselves for this coveted honor. Nominations can also be submitted by dentists, fellow hygienists, dental assistants, professional colleagues and collegiate colleagues, conveying why their nominee is a Pro in the Profession. Additionally, Crest + Oral-B will be present at dental conventions throughout year where applications can be submitted on-site.

In order to be considered for the program, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• RDHs with two years or more of clinical/professional experience after graduation from dental hygiene school.
• RDHs who participate in community service.
• RDHs with examples of work that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

“It is an honor, as a previous recipient of the award, that Crest + Oral-B has decided to continue rewarding those in our profession,” said Ann Benson Ross, Pros in the Profession winner. “I’ve learned an immense amount from the experience and have been afforded so many new opportunities, so I encourage all to take part as I know so many of us out there deserve the honor.”

To learn more aboutPros in the Profession, including how to nominate yourself or a Pro for consideration, along with rules and regulations, please visit facebook.com/professionalcrestoralb or prosintheprofession.com. For information about Crest + Oral-B products and resources, visit the updated dentalcare.com website.

About Crest

A trusted leader in oral health, Crest was the first oral care brand to secure the ADA Seal of Acceptance for a clinically proven fluoride toothpaste. Since first introducing fluoride toothpaste 54 years ago, it is estimated that Crest has helped prevent more than half a billion cavities in the United States. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Crest is owned and distributed by Procter & Gamble.

About Oral-B

Oral-B is the worldwide leader in the over $5 billion brushing market. Part of the Procter & Gamble Company, the brand includes manual and electric toothbrushes for children and adults, oral irrigators and interdental products, such as dental floss. Oral-B manual toothbrushes are used by more dentists than any other brand in the U.S. and many international markets.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ace®, Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Fusion®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Iams®, Lenor®, Mach3®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Prestobarba®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.