Greetings from SDDHA! President My name is Tasha Wendel. I am married with three children. Between children and work, I don't have a lot of free time, but when I do, I enjoy golfing, gardening, binging a good series on Netflix, and reading. I have been in the dental field since 2005. I began my career as a dental assistant and fell in love with dentistry. I became a hygienist in 2009, graduating from the University of South Dakota (go Yotes!) and received my Masters of Public Health in 2017. I am currently working toward a PhD in Health Sciences. I have experience working clinically, in public health, and in education. I joined the SDDHA board in 2019 and served my first role as Legislative Chair. This year will be my second year serving as your President. I hope to continue to serve others and move our profession forward.
Past President My name is Tia Meyer, and I am the Clinical Director for Neighborhood Dental in South Dakota. Part of my role is to help manage the clinical aspect of our offices. Our mission is to ensure we deliver a high standard of care to our patients. I've served in a variety of different roles on SDDHA board and am excited to lead our IOH efforts.
President-Elect Hello! My name is Hailey Bruggeman. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene in 2018 and received my Master of Public Health degree in 2020. I’m also an adjunct professor at the University of South Dakota in the Health Sciences department. Kody, my husband, and I have been married since 2019 and recently had our first child, Henry. I’ve been on the SDDHA board since 2018! I started as Membership chair and then moved to Secretary. I’m so excited to serve as the President Elect again this year.
Vice President Cori Jacobson received her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of South Dakota in 2006. She has practiced in private dentistry, as well as a collaborative dental hygienist for a public health program and currently is the Oral Health Education Coordinator for Delta Dental of South Dakota Foundation. Her current focus is on public programs that emphasize prevention of dental diseases in South Dakota. In 2020 she received her Master of Public Health Degree from University of South Dakota. Cori is currently the VP for SDDHA. She is also the state representative for the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN). She is a member Oahe Childhood Development Center health board, The South Dakota Oral Health Coalition Steering Committee and member of the Pierre Area Homelessness Concerned Work Group. She enjoys camping, baking, and traveling with her family. She currently resides in Pierre, with her husband Kevin and daughter Julia and two cats. She looks forward to visits from her adult son that lives in Des Moines Iowa. 
Legislative Chair Krysta Novak is serving as our legislative chair and is a great advocate and a hard worker. She plans Lobby Day and has helped on many different committees. Eastern CE Coordinator Jenny DeJong graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. I currently practice as a Registered Dental Hygienist and Clinical Coordinator at Willow Creek Dental in Sioux Falls. My favorite part of my job is helping patients boost their self-confidence by improving their oral care. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband Tyler and taking our dog Boone for walks.
Western CE Coordinator McKenna Larsen is serving as the Western CE Coordinator. She is active in committees to help plan our Annual Session and other continuing education opportunities for hygienists west river.
Treasurer Abby Schiley is currently serving as our treasurer, but has been involved with the Board for many years serving in a variety of different roles. Abby is a great advocate for hygienists and is an integral part in every single event we put on. Secretary My name is Katie Williams and I have been a dental hygienist since 2009. I've worked in a variety of different clinical and educational settings, and have served SDDHA in a few different roles. I'm excited what we have in store for advocacy in our state and look forward to the future.
Historian My name is Caitlyn Lint and I am so excited to serve in my second year with the SDDHA. I received my bachelor’s in dental hygiene from the University of South Dakota in 2018 and since then, have served a multitude of offices in the Sioux Falls area through my work as a temp hygienist. I recently completed my graduate studies, earning a master’s in public health from the University of South Dakota in 2021. Serving on the board for SDDHA has provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow in the profession and I look forward to what this year has in store!
Information Officer Vacant Best wishes to our current board for a successful year. If any members would like to get involved or join a committee, please reach out!
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