I’m so excited to be able to give back to NNOHA by serving as an ambassador for California, sharing with other community health center leaders and dental professionals serving within them the incredible resources we have to offer and the advantages of being a member.

It is an honor to be an ambassador for my home state of Colorado. My goals as an ambassador will be to increase awareness to NNOHA to not only our community health dental professionals in the state but to dental/hygiene students who are the future of our profession. I didn’t understand the full scope of the incredible need for oral health access for underserved populations until, in 2019, I attended my first NNOHA conference. My outlook and motivation for my future in public health dentistry took a 180 degree turn. The training, networking, vision, and people who are a part of NNOHA is why my passion to support this organization grows year after year.

I have devoted my career to advocate for equitable oral health access for all. As a foreign-trained dentist from Venezuela and a dental public health leader, I understand the importance of being a NNOHA Ambassador. Linking underserved populations to oral health resources is what NNOHA does best. While attending a NNOHA conference, I had the opportunity to be surrounded with like-minded people committed to purpose- oriented ideals that elevate and saves lives… because teeth matter! My dream of pursing my degree in dental public health was because of NNOHA. So, now is time to give back what they once gave me. I’m happy to serve as an Ambassador in my state and be the voice to help close the gap in access to dental care services.

When I was a little kid I told my mom that I wanted to be the US Ambassador to Finland where she was born. Now being a NNOHA Ambassador lets me live a childhood fantasy and I'm stoked to build bridges with superheroes who are bringing health to the smiles of our island people!

I am grateful to be a NNOHA Ambassador because I get to help with the expansion of an organization that supports so many oral health professionals dedicated to serving unique, diverse communities. NNOHA offers a place where like-minded, mission driven individuals gather to learn from one another. When we better one another in this way, we expand access to oral health care and improve the quality of care for our patients.

Fifteen years ago, I was lost trying to learn about FQHCs and their role in public health. As a Chief Dental Officer, I needed help. I attended my first NNOHA conference and was immediately at ease knowing that I had so much support and education at my fingertips. Fast forward 15 years later, I have become the primary lead for NYS PCA and a member of the DOH Public Health Committee. This is all because of what I have learned from the NNOHA conferences and their continuing education. I now have the opportunity to help those by being an Ambassador and I am looking forward to it! Giving back to the community is what started NNOHA, and I am so very happy to be a part of it.

I am excited to be a NNOHA Ambassador to participate in the goal of expanding NNOHA’s mission of improving the oral health of underserved populations and to introduce other oral healthcare professionals to the incredible programs and resources NNOHA has to offer.

NNOHA has helped me grow professionally. It is a safe space to ask questions and get answers from others across the nation. Completing the NOHLI cohort gave me the confidence that I need to take on a role at a large health center. I am enjoying my job and I credit NNOHA with giving me the knowledge and the confidence to do so. I am excited to be an Ambassador and encourage other folks who may feel in a similar way as I did and encourage Health Centers to be part of the NNOHA family.

I am excited to become a NNOHA ambassador because to know NNOHA is to love NNOHA! I was made aware of all the NNOHA joy, benefits, and family by a beloved mentor of mine a few years ago and I want to do more of the same for others to be so blessed.

NNOHA is the gold standard for resources and networking for oral health professionals, especially those working in a safety net clinic environment. I am excited to share and build connections for oral health advocates in Virginia (and nationally) to improve access to care and instill confidence to manage challenges we face in Dentistry. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your state ambassador and look forward to building a stronger, healthier, and sustainable future for our field.

I am excited to join the NNOHA Ambassador Program and act a representative of the organization in my communities. NNOHA remains a driving force in my professional career, connecting me with a broad network of mission driven, community focused oral health professionals. The resources and network NNOHA brings me is invaluable. I hope to bring this mission to others as we continue to strive to achieve equitable oral health and overall health care through best practices and collaborative learning.

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