By Organ Mountain News on Aug 21, 2026

DACC professor Elmer González receives international dental hygiene award

Doña Ana Community College professor Elmer González received the World Dental Hygienist Award during an international symposium in Milan, Italy.

Recognitions DACC Education Local News Community

Doña Ana Community College Dental Hygiene Professor Elmer González holds the World Dental Hygienist Award alongside an event representative during the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Milan, Italy. (Courtesy photo / Doña Ana Community College)

González is the first New Mexico recipient of the World Dental Hygienist Award and the first honoree in its Academia category

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana Community College Dental Hygiene Professor Elmer González has received an international award recognizing contributions to oral health, education and community impact.

González received the World Dental Hygienist Award during the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene in Milan, Italy.

The awards recognize dental hygienists from around the world for outstanding contributions to oral health, including clinical care, research, education and community impact. They are presented by the Sunstar Foundation and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists.

González is the first recipient from New Mexico and one of six professionals selected for the award series. He is also the first recipient in the Academia category.

González currently serves as interim dean of DACC’s Business and Public Services Division. He previously served as department chair for Dental Programs.

The award gives González international recognition and connects him with a global network of dental hygiene professionals.

Keep Reading

Las Cruces cooling stations to remain open through Aug. 12 — City facilities are offering relief from near-100-degree temperatures, though no cooling stations will operate Sunday.

LCPS seeks volunteers for budget survey committee — The 16-member committee will review community survey data that will help shape the district’s proposed budget.

Deming man sentenced to more than eight years for machine gun, cocaine trafficking offenses — Federal prosecutors said Gerald Anthony Lopez sold cocaine and a converted handgun before fleeing a Border Patrol checkpoint at about 140 mph.