LIT Dental Hygienist student wins coveted state award

3/17/2021

attachment image-LIT Dental Hygienist student wins coveted state award

BEAUMONT Brittany Stollsteimer, a Lake Charles resident and Lamar Institute of Technology Dental Hygiene student, recently received state recognition at the virtual state convention of the Texas Dental Hygienists' Association’s (TDHA). 

She was nominated by LIT faculty members Michelle DeMoss and Dr. Kristina Mendoza. Stollsteimer was selected by the organization’s leaders to receive the 2021 TDHA Student of Compassion Award' for her exceptional compassion and ethics demonstrated while treating patients.

DeMoss said, “With 25 other dental hygiene schools in the state of Texas, who also nominated students--to have one of our students selected for this award is a true honor and speaks volumes of the ethical values of our students. We are super proud and excited!”

Stollsteimer, a mother of three and former dental assistant, has been commuting daily from Lake Charles to Beaumont for two years to receive her hygienist certification. She graduates this year from the program, and hopes to continue her education with the possibility of teaching someday--at LIT.

“This program has been amazing at helping us through these difficult times the past two years: From COVID to hurricanes, to ice storms, they have been here for us and continue to try to do as much as they can,” she said. “The instructors are here for you to help you graduate.”
Demonstrating why she received the Compassion accolade, Stollsteimer effused, “This award is the greatest achievement I’ve ever received. Knowing I was recognized throughout the entire state of Texas is a huge honor.  Many patients have hardships that most people don’t know about. Being able to be a friendly face or even just someone to talk to, can make a difference in someone else's life. Being compassionate is not a job; it’s a blessing.

“I want others to know that going back to school is doable. It may be hard, but it’s all worth it in the end.”