Meet The Board

President

  • As a visionary leader, educator, and passionate advocate for equitable oral healthcare, JaNae Jamison Kimbell, RDH, M.Ed. brings over a decade of professional experience to her role as President of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA). Her presidency marks a renewed commitment to the organization’s mission: promoting the highest educational and ethical standards for dental hygienists, expanding oral health access in underserved communities, and increasing minority representation within the profession.

    Kimbell is a proud graduate of Fisk University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She later obtained her Dental Hygiene degree through the joint program at Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University, followed by a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Concordia University.

    A dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist, Kimbell has served in key leadership roles in dental education, including positions as a Dental Hygiene Instructor and Dental Assisting Program Director.

    For the past two years, Kimbell served as Vice President of NDHA, where she led efforts in community outreach, professional development, meaningful partnerships, and legislative advocacy. In 2024, she contributed to an oral health article in the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing the importance of brushing after every meal and reinforcing her commitment to promoting optimal oral health habits.

    Kimbell is also a member of the Association for Dental Safety, where she champions safe, ethical, and high-quality dental care for all patients. “I am honored to lead an organization that represents both excellence and equity in oral health,” she says. “My presidency will be rooted in service, visibility, and growth—both for our members and the communities we serve. Together, we will cultivate opportunity, strengthen our voice, and uplift the next generation of minority dental hygienists.”

President Elect

  • Christy L. Davis is a seasoned Registered Dental Hygienist with over 30 years of experience in the dental field. A graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School—home to one of the nation’s top 25 dental hygiene programs—Christy brings a wealth of clinical expertise and leadership to every role she undertakes.

    Raised between St. Louis, Missouri, and Las Vegas, Nevada, Christy is a proud alumna of the American Academy for Career Education Dental Assistant Program. Her career has spanned diverse roles, including serving as a highly adaptable temp hygienist across Southern Nevada, Immediate Past President of the Nevada Dental Hygienist Association, and OSHA inspector.

    In addition to her clinical proficiency, Christy recently earned a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership from Cornell University, reinforcing her dedication to excellence in patient care, leadership, and collaborative practice. She is deeply committed to community involvement, having served as the Inaugural Oral Cancer Walk Chair for Nevada in collaboration with The OCF and UDM Radiology Department, while also volunteering in church and professional advocacy work.

    Christy is recognized for her specialization in restorative and prosthetic dentistry, her skill in periodontal therapy and surgical planning, and her consistent focus on infection control and OSHA compliance.

    A devoted wife, mother of eight, and grandmother of nine, Christy is a proud believer in Jesus Christ and an active prayer warrior. Her blend of clinical skill, compassionate care, and community dedication makes her a respected leader and advocate in the field of dental hygiene.

    “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭

Vice President

  • Elizabeth Okoror is a dedicated dental professional with over two decades of experience in oral healthcare. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, she began her educational journey across Lagos, Warri, and Esan land, before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Port Harcourt in 1993.

    After relocating to the United States in 1995, Elizabeth pursued a career in dentistry, completing her training at MEDTECH Dental Assisting School (1995–1996) and earning certification as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in 1997. She furthered her expertise by completing a certificate in Medical Coding and Billing from Penn Foster Career School in 2011.

    In 2012, she became a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) through Howard University and later advanced her education with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) from Old Dominion University in 2016. Currently, Elizabeth practices with Heartland Dental Care, where she provides comprehensive preventive care and patient education.

    Elizabeth is a proud member of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). She is also an author, committed to sharing knowledge and inspiring others in the field of healthcare.

    Her work is guided by a strong passion for dentistry, patient care, and lifelong learning.

Trustee and Legend

  • LaVerna Wilson is a founding member of the Tri-State Dental Hygienists' Association, a local component of NDHA. LaVerna has been a dedicated member of NDHA since 1995 and Trustee for the past 10 years. She is retired from private practice and travels worldwide, including places like Italy, Japan, Morocco, Peru, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Rome, and Greece to name a few of the countries she has visited. She is happily married and is the mother of one adult son.

Secretary / HOD Representative/ Bylaws/Policies and Procedures

  • Graduate Dental hygiene 1968, University of Detroit

    Bachelors of science Dental hygiene University of Detroit 1970

    Masters of science degree at University of Detroit 1972

    PhD candidate Wayne State University 1987

    “Dental hygiene is my chosen professional career. I have wanted to be a part of the dental since my early childhood. I have invested 52 years in my dental hygiene career. I joined NDHA to protect my investment. NDHA helps to keep me up to date on issues concerning dentistry and dental hygiene. I have been a member of NDHA since 1970.”

Trustee - Newsletter and Continuing Education

  • Dr. Tracye A. Moore, RDH, MS, 35+ year dental hygiene career began in Philadelphia, PA, and runs the gamut from working at hospitals to private practice, as a clinical instructor for two different colleges, conducting research for the University of Pittsburgh, and being employed by the United States Navy.  She received an Associate of Science Degree from Temple University, a Bachelor of Science Degree from West Chester University, a Master of Science Degree from St. Joseph’s University, and a Doctorate of Education from Wilmington University.  Her post-graduate education includes a graduate certificate in Ethnic Studies from Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion certification from Cornell University.

    Dr. Moore was a faculty member of NAU for 11 years and was Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene for 6 years.  She was the lead faculty accompanying dental hygiene students’ summer externship travel to Peru, Guatemala, and Morocco to conduct preventive oral care public health humanitarian work. During her tenure at NAU, she received numerous awards for being an Educator of Influence for graduating senior students. In the Fall of 2022, she received the President’s Diversity Award for increasing the number of minority dental hygiene student graduates.

    She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and currently Trustee and Past President of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association. She is active in various community, civic, and church organizations, is an advisor for the Northern Arizona University (NAU) undergraduate chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and serves as a mentor and role model for minority dental hygiene students nationwide. Currently, she is the Associate Dean of the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Worcester Campus housed in the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

    She has published and presented on many different subjects including interprofessional collaboration, diversity, equity & inclusion, teledentistry, and dental therapy. Her numerous publications include a book chapter on Disability and Health care in Darby & Walsh, a book chapter on Minority Women in Educational Leadership, a book chapter titled Teledentistry and Dental Hygiene in the first Teledentistry book, several articles in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Magazine, an article about Diversity in Allied Dental Programs for the Journal of Dental Education, and she also wrote a bilingual children’s book titled I Want to Be a Dental High Genius.  Her dissertation The Diversity Dilemma: A National Study of Minorities in Dental Hygiene Programs addresses the need for more minority dental hygienists to provide health care for an increasingly diverse population.

Trustee - Membership

  • Tennessee State University (Dental Hygiene AAS-2002, BS-2003), University Phoenix (Healthcare Administration-2010)
    23 years of Dental experience

    “My love for teeth and wanting to see everyone with a great smile drew me to the dental profession”

Trustee - Ways and Means

  • LaRonda Smith has practiced clinical dental hygiene since 1999. She is currently employed in community health dentistry at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where she treats the underserved population. She has practiced in private practice and currently works in public health and as adjunct clinical faculty.
    Miss. Smith obtained a B.S. in Biology from Loyola University in 1993 and earned an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene with Honors from Kennedy-King College in 1999. Community health prompted her to pursue a M.S. in Dental Hygiene, specializing in Public Health. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene in 2015.

    In her spare time LaRonda enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Trustee - Scholarship / Immediate Past President

  • Tonia holds master’s degrees in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. In addition to serving as President of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association, she also serves as Treasurer of the Greater Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Society. Tonia practices as an Oral Health Practitioner in Columbus, Ohio, and is a certified Health and Well-being Coach/Consultant through Duke University and Wellcoaches.

    As the Founder of Worthy Couture Co, LLC, she is committed to empowering individuals to advocate for their well-being through whole health integration and self-care, while working to improve access to quality dental care and health education for underserved communities.

    Tonia has excelled in numerous leadership roles. She delivered the commencement address for Howard University’s Dental/Dental Hygiene Class of 2024 and presented on Healthy People 2030 during the Health and Human Services ADHA event in October 2023. In the same year, Tonia mentored and chaperoned students with the Henry Schein S.M.I.L.E Healthcare Pathways Program, which empowers underrepresented high school students passionate about oral health to gain exposure to a variety of healthcare career opportunities. She has also presented on Cultural Competency for Healthcare Professionals in New Orleans, LA (2023), Workplace Culture Practices in Phoenix, AZ (2022), and Health and Wellness in Columbus, OH (2020).

    Throughout her career, Tonia has held prestigious roles, including Lead Implant Dental Hygienist at The Ohio State University and Lead Dental Hygienist at several renowned dental practices. She is dedicated to advocating for high-quality oral health care and inspiring dental professionals to pursue excellence. For Tonia, leadership is about empowering others, creating transformative opportunities, and driving lasting change.

    Looking ahead, Tonia is focused on advancing dental hygiene practices, advocating for dental hygiene autonomy, and bridging the gap between dentistry and whole-person wellness. Her work as a self-love coach and health consultant reinforces the intersection of oral care, mental resilience, and self-worth. Tonia places a high value on mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and empowering underserved populations to prioritize their health and create the life they deserve.

Trustee - Hospitality

  • The Ohio State University

    Dental Hygienist with 30+ years experience

    Officer: Constitution & By-Laws , Ways and Means Committee

    "Becoming a Dental Hygienist gave me the opportunity to utilize my desire to educate my community on the value of a healthy smile."

Corporate Roundtable Representative

  • Past President of National Dental Hygiene Association from 2003-2005.

    "Having two uncles that were dentists inspired me to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene. Growing up around oral health professionals taught me that oral health was important for the total health of the patient."

    Attended Howard University College of Dentistry receiving a Certificate of Dental Hygiene 1970.

    Attended Strayer College; Received a Bachelor of Science Degree 1974 in Hospital and Health Care Management.

    Over 25 years Department of Human Services – Community Health.

    Life Time Member of National Dental Hygiene Association.

    Member of the Corporate Roundtable Board with the National Dental Association.

    Currently working part time in a private dental practice.

Liaison to NDA-BOT/Historian

  • Past President of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association from 2001-2003.

    Before her Presidency, Diane held the office of President-Elect, Trustee, Membership Chair, Financial Secretary, Newsletter Co-Editor, and current NDHA Historian; NDHA’s Liason to the National Dental Association Board of Trustees. She is a native of Michigan; a 1981 Lansing Community College Dental Hygiene graduate; and a 1989 Bachelor in Dental Hygiene graduate from the University of Detroit Mercy where she was a part-time clinical faculty member while working as a private practice hygienist. Married in 1992 she relocated to Tampa, FL. In 1995 she enhanced her career path by working with the former OHS Dental Insurance Company as a Quality Assurance Representative along with Saturday Clinical hygiene positions. Since 1999 Diane has been a full-time employee with United Concordia Dental Inc. (UCD) in the Tampa Regional office. In her 23rd year with UCD, she is in her 5th position within the Professional Relations Department as Senior Dental Network Service Professional Relations Representative, servicing several southeastern states and the US Virgin Islands. She is a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member and a Deaconess in her church. A widow, pastime favorites are traveling, all things Sci-Fi, and solving word/jigsaw puzzles.

NDHA Representative / Parliamentarian

  • Meharry Medical College Tennessee States University, 1984.

    “Teaching is my passion. I became a registered dental hygienist to teach, motivate and assist adults, adolescents and children to improve their oral and nutritional health habits.”