About Alyssa

Alyssa Aberle graduated with a dental hygiene degree in 2007 and has since dedicated her career to public health. After working for the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, where she managed school-based sealant programs, she went on to support various nonprofits and health centers, including Kids In Need of Dentistry and Salud Family Health Centers.

Now serving as the executive director of the Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association, Alyssa leads efforts to expand dental hygiene practices and improve access to care. Her initiatives include advancing prescriptive authority and teledentistry while advocating for mental health support for dental hygienists.

In 2014, she helped develop a mobile dental van program with STRIDE Community Health Center, later transitioning it into a school-based sealant program serving more than 35 schools. Alyssa’s leadership has secured key grants for CODHA, elevating its role in policy and legislation. She continues to impact public health and the dental hygiene profession through her advocacy and leadership.

About Katrina

Katrina Sanders graduated with a dental hygiene degree in 2009 and went on to found Sanders Board Preparatory, where she empowers dental professionals and improves patient outcomes. She is currently employed with AZPerio as the clinical liaison for hygiene excellence and innovation, and she uses her platform to share research, advice, and protocols that improve practice.

Katrina is also building an airway management module in memory of her mother, with proceeds supporting organ donation efforts. Additionally, she runs The Wine Op, a wine company that donates 20% of proceeds to "His Hands on Africa," a cause close to her heart. She has raised $10,000 to help build a library in Africa in memory of her parents.

Katrina’s achievements include receiving the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Her motto, “I’m not here to make dentistry comfortable; I’m here to make it better”, reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing the dental profession.

About Kevin

Kevin Lopez earned his dental hygiene degree in 2020 and quickly began revolutionizing oral health care through the use of guided biofilm therapy (GBT). His patient-focused approach allows him to tailor treatments to individual needs, making a significant impact on their oral health. Kevin also shares his expertise by training clinicians across the U.S. and in Japan, promoting cross-cultural collaboration in dental hygiene.

Kevin has published articles on dental ethics, advocating for high standards of care that prioritize patient well-being. Within two years of graduation, he joined Sanders Board Preparatory as a faculty member, a role he considers one of his most meaningful accomplishments. Kevin continues to mentor future dental hygienists and remains committed to advancing the profession.

About Anne

Anne Rice graduated with a dental hygiene degree in 2012 and has since focused her career on Alzheimer's research and the connection between oral and systemic health.

Her evidence-based presentations and articles are shaping how dental professionals care for patients with cognitive decline, dementia, and cognitive impairment. Anne’s work has gained international attention, leading her to consult with leading neurologists at Weill Cornell University and other institutions.

Her research has inspired dental professionals to improve care in both clinical and long-term care settings. Anne is proud of her role in bridging the gap between dentistry and other medical disciplines, proving the vital role oral health plays in overall health care. She remains committed to advancing interdisciplinary care for the betterment of patients worldwide.

About Luminita

Luminita Dica graduated with a dental hygiene degree in 2008 after returning to school from a previous career as a dental assistant. Within four years of graduating, she opened her own practice in Ontario, Canada, which now serves over 2,500 patients. Lumi is known for her personalized approach to dental hygiene and commitment to helping her clients achieve excellent oral health.

Lumi is also active in community service, offering free dental care to low-income patients through the Gift from the Heart program. She holds an annual charity day for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, raising $9,000 over nine years. Her practice has won multiple awards, including the 2020 Diamond Award and the Record Reader’s Choice Award in 2015 and 2016.

Lumi's greatest reward comes from the positive feedback she receives from her patients, whom she views as the true measure of her success.

About Alyssa

Alyssa Delgado earned her dental hygiene degree in 2014 and quickly became known for her dedication to educating and inspiring the next generation of dental hygienists. She encourages her students to engage in research, pursue higher education, and take on leadership roles within the ADHA, shaping the future of the profession.

Alyssa’s passion for community service led her to found a nonprofit organization while in graduate school, providing hygiene products to the homeless. She also started a nonprofit in Belize, where she leads dental volunteers in providing restorative care to underserved communities.

Alyssa became the youngest assistant professor ever hired at her college, and in just five years, she earned tenure. She continues to prioritize her students’ growth and strives to advance dental hygiene through education and service.