2024 ODHC Speaker Information
Salem Convention Center
200 Commercial Street - Salem, Oregon 97301
Get to Know This Year's ODHC Speakers!
Alicia Moore, RDH, Restorative Hygienist
Alicia joined the World of Smiles team in 2023 as a Restorative Dental Hygienist. She earned her bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from Clark College in Vancouver, Washington in 2022. She decided to go into dental hygiene with the intention of working with children to help with dental anxiety. She then fell in love with restorative dentistry while getting her degree. She has worked and volunteered with children in many different capacities for over 15 years and has always enjoyed spending time teaching children. In her time outside of work she loves being in the outdoors with her two sons. As an Oregon native, she loves all of the activities the PNW has to offer, rain or shine.
Anne Eshenaur Spolarich, RDH, PhD, FSCDH
Ann Eshenaur Spolarich is an internationally recognized author and speaker on pharmacology and the care of medically complex patients. She has presented over 1,100 invited lectures and has over 125 professional publications. She is Professor, Course Director of Pharmacology, and Assistant Dean for Research at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, A.T. Still University (ATSU), where she teaches part-time in the Special Care Clinic. Ann is also a faculty member in the NYU Langone AEGD residency program at ATSU. Ann received the Education Award in 2021 from the Special Care Dentistry Association. Ann currently serves as Vice-President of the Arizona Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and President of the Oral Health Group for the International Association for Dental Research (IADR). Her research interests include best practices and interventions for the care of medically complex patients, especially patients with head and neck cancer, older adults, and those with disabilities, as well as dental product and device testing.
Ashley Danielson EPDH
Ashley Danielson is an accomplished Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist based in Oregon. With a clinical career that began in 2010, Ashley has developed a profound passion for dental hygiene, dedicating herself to the well-being of her patients for over a decade. Her expertise in the field took an exciting turn in 2013 when she ventured into the world of minimally invasive care, a move that aligns with her commitment to gentle and patient-centered treatment approaches. Beyond her professional life, Ashley is a devoted mother of two who treasures quality time outdoors with her family. Whether it’s camping or exploring nature, Ashley finds joy and relaxation in the great outdoors. She believes in the philosophy that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life, a principle that is evident in her dedication to her practice and her patients.
Barbara Sigurdson, CDA, EFDA, BSDH, EPDH
Barbara Sigurdson is an instructor at Chemeketa Community College. She teaches courses in Dental Materials, Dental Sciences and Dental Radiology to dental assisting and dental hygiene students. She worked as a dental assistant after graduating from Chemeketa’s Dental Assisting program in 1990. She later attended Oregon Tech to earn her BSDS and became an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist. She has been educating dental assisting and dental hygiene students since 2015.
Brittany Fox, DMD
Brittany Fox, DMD, is a graduate of Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. She has been with Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center in different roles since 2012. Her current role is serving as the Associate Dental Director. This role includes maintaining the dental EHR for the health center as an Epic provider builder. She also trains and supervises dentists, dental therapists and dental students. To help continue the mission of the health center, she has also participated in integration efforts across the organization aimed to improve the oral and overall health of the community.
Brooke Hein, EPDH
Brooke Hein is an accomplished Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist (EPDH) dedicated to enhancing oral health and overall well-being, with a diverse background in dental hygiene and a passion for serving underserved populations. Her dual Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences supports her comprehensive understanding of oral health care and human behavior. Brooke's career is defined by her commitment to making a positive impact, seen through her work providing hygiene services to underserved communities, including individuals with disabilities. Inspired by experiences in Thailand and Oregon, she advocates for equitable dental care and educates on oral hygiene practices, driven by empathy and compassion. Outside of work, Brooke is a devoted mother and aunt, known for her nurturing spirit and community support.
Carrie McHill. MPH, EPDH
Carrie McHill, MPH, EPDH, is a hygienist who lives and works in the beautiful Willamette Valley in Oregon. She has a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Master of Public Health. Her main goal as a hygienist is to promote full-body health by bridging the gap between dental care and other health professionals, encouraging an overall wellness approach to dental care. She currently works in a hospital promoting integrative efforts by working alongside various healthcare professionals to include the mouth as part of the comprehensive care patients receive and provides oral health services and education to admitted patients. When she’s not practicing hygiene, she loves to do anything outside, travel around the world, and play music with her husband.
Cherie Wink, BS, RDHMP, CHEP
Cherie Wink, BS, RDHMP, CHEP has been a dental hygiene educator specializing in instrumentation and oral pathology for over12 years. Passionate about improving oral cancer outcomes through early detection and advanced periodontal instrumentation, she is currently a researcher at the University of California, Irvine. There she collaborates with a team of scientists, dentists, neurophysiologists, and hygienists to study and develop methods for reducing musculoskeletal disorders and repetitive stress injuries in the dental profession. Ms. Wink’s work has been widely published in multiple scientific journals. She is also a contributing author to the upcoming ninth edition of Jell Gehrig’s “Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation” scheduled for release in early 2025.
DeAnn Dardis, EPDH
DeAnn Dardis is an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist with 25 years of experience. She is currently working as an EPDH for Capitol Dental Care, providing oral health services to members of the Oregon Health Plan. DeAnn is committed to increasing access to quality dental care, preventing dental disease, and improving the oral and systemic health of children and low-income patients. DeAnn is also a part-time Dental Hygiene Instructor at Portland Community College. DeAnn has served as ODHA Northwest Component Director and continues to collaborate with leadership on the ODHA Professional Development Committee. DeAnn is a graduate of Portland Community College’s Dental Hygiene Program and received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at Oregon Institute of Technology. DeAnn enjoys spending summer with family and friends in her back yard, and winters on the slopes of Mt. Hood.
Holly Erenfeld, MSDH
Holly Erenfeld graduated from the Oregon Health and Sciences University and completed her Masters of Dental Hygiene degree from The Ohio State University, focusing on education and leadership. She has been an instructor at Pacific University’s Dental Hygiene clinic since 2010 and joined as a full-time faculty member in 2018.
Holly strives to create a positive learning experience for her students and is committed to be a lifelong learner so she can deliver the most updated material to the students. It is important for her to connect with each student as they work towards their goal of being dental hygienists. She is an active member of the two national associations, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA). This year she will serve as the Chair of ADEA’s Section on Dental Hygiene Education, a national leadership role.
 Ilya Babiy, RDH, MS, EPP
Ilya Babiy is a dental hygiene instructor at Mt. Hood Community College. Ilya also serves seniors and people with special needs with his mobile business, On-Site Oral Health Care, and co-founded Good News Dental, an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist brick-and-mortar cooperative clinic in Rockwood. He earned his A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene at MHCC, B.S. in Dental Hygiene at OIT, and M.S. in Education from PSU. Ilya enjoys inspiring students to fulfill their dreams and make a difference in our world. Together with his wife and three children, he loves to travel, entertain family and friends, and explore the great outdoors.
 Jen Hawley Price, MAS, MS
Jen is Chief Partnership and Engagement Officer at Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation. She oversees the design, implementation, and management of DALE Foundation educational products and supports DANB and DALE Foundation in strategic initiatives, including collaborative work with key partners in the dental industry. Jen earned a Master of Applied Science in Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality from Johns Hopkins University.
Jessica August, MSDH, CDA, RDH, FADHA
Jessica is a dedicated educator, administrator, and longtime member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), where she has volunteered and served at the local, state, and national levels. She currently holds the position of ADHA Vice President. Professionally, Jessica is the Program Dean of Dental Sciences at Portland Community College (PCC) in Portland, Oregon, where she provides leadership and direction for the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs as well as oversees the community-based onsite dental clinic.
Before joining PCC, Jessica held full-time teaching positions at the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Idaho State University, and Quinsigamond Community College. With over 15 years of clinical experience in dentistry and allied dental education, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her roles.
Jessica earned her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene, with an emphasis in education, from the University of Bridgeport, Fones School of Dental Hygiene, and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene. Her academic and clinical experiences have fueled her passion for research, particularly in preventive dentistry, clinical education, interprofessional education, and student learning.
Jill Lomax, CDA, EFDA-RF, FADAA
Jill Lomax is the Program Chair of the Dental Assisting Program at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon and serves on the Oregon Dental Assisting Association Executive Board. Before becoming an educator, Jill worked as a chairside dental assistant in both a general and orthodontic office. Jill has her master’s degree in Adult Education from Oregon State University and truly enjoys working with students in pursuit of a rewarding career in dental assisting. Jill teaches CE courses for dental assisting and is passionate about life-long learning.
Kari Hiatt, CDA, EFDA, EFODA, MS
Kari Hiatt is a dental assistant instructor and program director at Clackamas Community College. Kari is also an active member of the Oregon Dental Assistants Association (ODAA). She earned her M.S. in Education Leadership and Policy from PSU. Kari is devoted to educating future dental assistants and values growth mindset and lifelong learning. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband and two young daughters.
Kimberly A. Perlot, DT, MS, BSDH
Kimberly Perlot is a Dental Therapist and Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist with Capitol Dental Care. Kim is the provider on a mobile dental unit in Central Oregon. She opened and operated the first Gentle Dental EPDH tele-dentistry office in Madras, Oregon. She was key in the setup of multiple medical dental co-location and trained expanded practice dental hygienist to collaborate with medical heath care providers. She is the 2024 President for the Oregon Dental Hygiene Association. She serves on the Oregon Institute of technology Dental Hygiene Advisory Board, and the Central Oregon Health Collation. She has a history of community outreach collaboration, program partnering, mentoring and leadership. Kim’s community involvement stretches from dental care and treatment, oral health education, child car seat safety, teen drinking awareness and prevention. In her free time Kim enjoys raising her chickens, paddle boarding, hiking, camping, and archery, or most any activity with her family and friends.
Kim Pratt, RDH
Kimberly is a practicing registered dental hygienist in Oregon. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from the Oregon Institute of Technology in 2009 and her master’s degree in Allied Health in 2015. Kim had the opportunity to work in specialized laser dental hygiene practice and has taught laser assisted hygiene for the Academy of Laser Dentistry. She is currently an adjunct instructor for Rogue Community College’s dental hygiene program. She speaks nationally to advocate for improved oral care for oncology patients.
Kristin Hockema
Kristin Hockema graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and then from Pacific University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Health Sciences/Dental Hygiene in 2013. She has spent her career working in Public Health, and is passionate about serving the underserved. She works for Capitol Dental Care, providing dental hygiene services to members of the Oregon Health Plan, bringing dental care to the patient. Over the past 11 years, Kristin has worked in medical/dental colocations, visited foster families at their homes, worked in elementary schools and head start programs, and provided oral health presentations to medical clinics, teachers, and families of Head Start. She currently serves as the Oregon Head Start Dental Hygiene Liason, offering support and resources to Head Starts across the state. Kristin loves working with children and their families to prevent disease, increase access to care, and create positive first dental experiences. Kristin has three young children and enjoys spending Summers at Detroit Lake and getting together with family as often as she can.
Kyle Isaacs, EPDH, RDHEP, BHS, QOM
Sponsored By: CariFree
Kyle Isaacs is an expanded practice dental hygienist (EPDH) working for Benton County providing dental hygiene care for low-income patients. She started a mobile dental hygiene business in 2014 taking care of low-income patients in a local church, long-term care facilities, schools, adult foster care homes, and private residences for patients who are not ambulatory. Kyle is an orofacial myofunctional therapist and started her business MyO2 Breathe to assist people on their journey to health. She writes a monthly dental blog for a local organization supporting families of young children and teaches the oral health unit for certification for community health workers. In addition to speaking, she is a published author and a recipient of the 2017 SUNSTAR Award of Distinction, the 2018 HuFriedy/ADHA Master Clinician Award, and was recognized as One of the Six Dental Hygienists You Want To Know for 2023 in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.
Lisa Balint, MPH, EPDH
Lisa Balint, MPH, EPDH, is an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist working on Capitol Dental’s community outreach team. Lisa obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene from Oregon Institute of Technology in 2021 and her Master’s in Public Health Practice at Oregon State University in 2023. She is committed to enhancing oral health in underserved rural communities by providing evidence-based care, medical-dental integration, and applying principles of public health. Fun fact: a lesser-known fact about Lisa is her passion for ceramics, as she spends her free time crafting pieces in her home pottery studio.
Lisa J. Rowley, RDH, MS
Lisa J. Rowley has been a dental hygienist for more than 40 years and has dedicated her career to dental hygiene education and advocating for the dental hygiene profession. Lisa has been an active member of the Oregon Dental Hygienists' Association (ODHA) for 24 years. She currently serves as ODHA Advocacy Director, and served as a liaison to ODHA's Council on Government Relations for 8 years. Lisa represented ODHA on the Licensing, Standards & Competency Committee of Oregon Board of Dentistry for 5 years, and she chaired ODHA's Council on Administration for 4 years. Lisa is committed to protecting and expanding the scope of practice for dental hygienists in Oregon, and she believes that everyone should play an active role in promoting health equity and increased access to health care.
Marti Santizo, RDH, MBA, FADHA
Marti Santizo, RDH, MBA, FADHA is a Professional Education Manager for Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals covering the Western United States. She joined Colgate following a diverse career as a private practice clinical hygienist, a corporate regional manager, and a dental hygiene program director. Marti graduated from the University of Louisville, School of Dental Hygiene with her Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. She received her Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix. Marti has over 25 years of experience in private practice; 17 years were spent working with Dr. Gordon Christensen, where she sat on the board of Clinicians Report (CR, formerly known as CRA). Marti is an active member of ADEA and a Fellow of the ADHA. She served on the Utah Oral Health Coalition, Utah Dental Hygiene Educators’ Consortium, the Board of Directors for Clinicians Report (CR Foundation), and the Ethics Committee for the Utah Board of Dentists and Dental Hygienists. As a Corporate Regional Manager and Dental Hygiene Program Director, she has educated dental hygiene students, territory managers, and practicing dental professionals on best products and practice techniques. Her ability to speak Spanish has been utilized to help with the translation of educational media, and improve patient communication both in the operatory and in her humanitarian efforts in Latin America. Marti is an avid walker and on weekends she can be found walking through the beautiful Wasatch Mountains near her home.
Maryam Motlagh, DMD, FICCMO
Dr. Maryam Motlagh has dedicated her professional life to helping patients improve, not only their smiles but their overall health. After graduating with honors from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry, Dr. Motlagh sought extensive postdoctoral training in occlusion, sleep dentistry and complex restorative dentistry at the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Spear Institute, Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, the International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics(ICCMO), and the Epigenetic Orthodontic Program taught by Dr. Dave Singh DMD, PhD. During her time as a Fellow of ICCMO, Dr. Motlagh developed a patented TMD treatment protocol to make treatment accessible to patients by empowering dentists. Dr. Motlagh enjoys collaborating with her colleagues through presentations at study clubs and dental seminars while practicing TMJ and Sleep dentistry in Portland Oregon.
 Megan Van Noy, RDH, Myofunctional Therapist
Megan Van Noy was the first Registered Dental Hygienist specializing in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Portland, OR. She founded NW Myofunctional Therapy in 2016 and has been working with patients locally as well as across the globe via telehealth. Megan collaborates with specialists in all areas of airway health including ENTs, sleep apnea specialists, pediatric dentists, holistic dentists, orthodontists, and orthodontists to address all functional underlying causes of sleep apnea, mouth breathing, clenching/grinding, orthodontic relapse, and tongue tie restrictions. Megan has studied with and completed training through the AOMT. She has implemented training protocols through The Breathe Institute and became an Ambassador for their programs, as well as audited the Tongue-Tied Academy of Richard Baxter (author of Tongue-Tied and leader in the field). She has taken courses specializing in TMJ/D pain with the Fast and Functional team. She is also a Munchee Educator with Myo Munchee based out of Australia and studied Buteyko breathing re-education courses. She attends continuing education through the American Laser Study Club Symposiums, Biolase Conferences, and more. Megan hosts an educational podcast called The Munch Bunch Podcast that features many thought leaders and researchers in the field. NW Myofunctional therapy has five associates and Megan mentors other myofunctional therapists in the field as well as has a program to help implement myofunctional therapy and airway protocols into dental offices.
Melody McGee, MBA, RDH, EPDH
Melody McGee graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science from Pacific University’s Dental Hygiene program in 2013 and obtained her Master’s in Business Administration in 2022 from Colorado Tech University. Melody spent nine years in clinical hygiene, working for a large managed care organization. Her patient panel consisted primarily of moderate to severe periodontal patients, where she worked closely with the periodontist to manage care for these delicate patients. Beyond her clinical care role, she has been adjunct faculty in Pacific University’s dental hygiene senior clinic since 2018 and joined as full time faculty in 2022. She is drawn to Pacific University by their mission committed to outstanding education and service to the community. In her current role as an Assistant Professor she is the course instructor for Dental Science, Periodontology, Pain Management, and Dental Specialties, along with helping students with patient care as a clinical faculty in multiple clinics. Melody is excited to be a part of developing new leaders in the dental hygiene profession by bringing real-world experience, empowering students to be active participants in their education, and being a dedicated compassionate mentor.
Michelle Stafford, DDS, Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Michelle Stafford founded World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry in July 2008. She chose pediatric dentistry because she believes every child deserves to have a positive experience going to the dentist.
Her love for dentistry started as an intern in her childhood orthodontist’s office. She continues to pass it forward by offering this experience in her own practice. In her free time Michelle can be found hiking, crafting, traveling the world, and camping in National Parks with her family. She especially loves experiencing the world through the eyes of her two sons and nurturing through inquisitive brains.
Mónica Sarmiento, DT, RDH, EPDH, MNL
Mónica Sarmiento graduated from Pacific University with a Bachelor’s in Science in Dental Hygiene and joined her alma mater as a full-time faculty member in July 2018. Prior to her role as an educator, she worked in private practice and a federally qualified health center, providing care to underserved and uninsured populations. Her interests include interprofessional collaboration, public health, outreach, and diversity, equity, inclusion, & belonging (DEIB) initiatives. As an educator, she strives to provide students with a supportive and collaborative environment where students can learn and grow into compassionate healthcare professionals.
Mónica is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), American Dental Education Association (ADEA), and of the national dental hygiene honor society, Sigma Phi Alpha. In her free time, Mónica enjoys being out in nature and spending time with family and friends.
Munib Y. Derhalli, DMD, MS, MBA
Dr. Derhalli has been practicing since 1989. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1985 and received his Doctorate from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry in 1989. While serving as a General Dentist in the military, he completed a Masters in Business Administration and then a three-year Masters of Science residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He has Authored and Co-Authored several papers associated with Implants and bone regeneration and currently lectures nationally and internationally on all aspects of Periodontal Plastic Surgery, Practice Management, Bone Regeneration and Dental Implants. Dr. Derhalli has held teaching appointments at the University of Oklahoma Graduate Periodontics Department and at Oregon Health Sciences University Graduate Periodontics Department (Associate Professor) with an emphasis on surgical implantology in the post-doctorate program. Dr. Derhalli is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology Boarded in Periodontics and Implants and is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association and the Seattle Study Club.
Renee Alexandre, RDH, BS
Renee Alexandre is a dental hygiene instructor at Mt. Hood Community College. Renee has over 20 years of clinical experience in private and nonprofit settings. She earned her A.A. in Dental Hygiene at Rio Salado Community College, B.S. in Dental Hygiene at EWU, and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Dental Hygiene from UTSCSA. A long-time resident of N. Portland, Renee enjoys working on home improvement projects with her husband and comparing college notes with her daughter currently attending U of O.
Tina Clarke, RDH, ME.d
Tina Clarke RDH, ME.d is an educator at her heart. She is a consultant, speaker, nationally published author, and continues to provide clinical care and educate dental hygiene students at Lane Community College in the state of Oregon. With over 2O years as a practicing clinician, Tina has become a leading voice on topics related to local anesthesia, medical emergencies and head and neck anatomy. She regularly mentors new and seasoned hygienists from across the nation on clinical and workplace issues. Tina is recognized by the Oregon and Georgia Board of Dentistry as a provider for local anesthesia permit certification, is a certified CPR/BLS instructor, and an approved continuing education provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene. She is a member of ADHA, ADEA and ASA. Her upbeat and fun personality is palpable, creating an environment you just can’t help but enjoy.
Yadira Martinez, RDH, EPDH, Dental Therapist
Yadira Martinez, RDH, EPDH, Dental Therapist, began her public health career in 2000 when she joined Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center as a dental assistant. She graduated from dental hygiene school in 2008 and was then selected by the Governor to join the Oregon State Board of Dentistry in 2014, where she concluded her 8-year appointment serving as President. Most recently, thanks to a statewide pilot, Yadira became the ninth licensed Dental Therapist in Oregon. In her current role at Virginia Garcia, Yadira oversees the dental hygiene program, which includes dental hygienists at all dental clinics as well as a dental sealant program, primary care embedded dental hygiene models, and activity in the migrant camps. Yadira maintains a clinical practice of dental hygiene and dental therapy in the dental clinics and serves in integrated hygiene roles in the Reproductive Health clinic and Hillsboro primary care clinic, paving the road for integrated care models at Virginia Garcia. Yadira has a passion for public health and brings this commitment and passion to her patients every single day.
|
