Stephanie is a 1995 associate and 1996 bachelor of dental hygiene UNM graduate. She has worked in a variety of practices in New Mexico, Switzerland and Germany. These experiences were life-changing and sparked her interest and desire to achieve higher education leading to the pursuit of a master’s degree. Her graduate emphasis lies in developing and implementing clinical, hands-on interdisciplinary oral health programs between UNM's nursing and dental hygiene students. Thus far it has already been welcomed and implemented into nursing and dental hygiene curriculums and in Spring 2008 the dental hygiene students will branch out working with high school licensed-practical nurse (LPN) and certified-nurse assistant (CNA) programs at an entrylevel regarding the importance and proper practices of oral health. Target population groups include primary health care providers, per US Healthy People 2020 goals, caring for hospitalized, special care, and geriatric patients. It has been very exciting for her to be a part of education, the wheels of change, and the progression of dental hygiene.
Kathy Berry, RDH, BS is a distance graduate student at UNM in the Division of Dental Hygiene and Adjunct Faculty in the Dental Hygiene Program at San Juan College, Farmington, NM. Kathy received her AS in Dental Hygiene from Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA and her BS in Education from the University of Connecticut. She has worked in general dentistry practice for 20 years and currently in public health dentistry at the Jicarilla Apache Health Care Facility in Dulce, NM where she and her husband reside with their two dogs and cat. Kathy is a member of ADHA and past president of the Wyoming DHA, 2004-05. Kathy and her husband enjoy interacting with their two adult children, camping, hiking, and photography. Kathy lists cooking, quilting, gardening and yoga to be great stress-relievers. Kathy plans to become a dental hygiene educator to take an active role in preparing the dental hygienists of the future.
Diana graduated with an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Oxnard College in California in 2003. She then completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from UNM in 2004. Diana is currently pursuing the Master of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Her research is focusing on the attitudes and opinions of dental hygienists toward the integration of herbal products into preventative oral care. She has taught as a clinical instructor at UNM with both junior and senior undergraduate dental hygiene students, has participated in UNMs School Based Health Center at Van Buren Middle School, as well as worked in private periodontal practices. Diana is a current member of the New Mexico Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She holds licenses to practice dental hygiene in two states.
A native Albuquerquean, Irma Poblano’s interest in dental hygiene sparked up in 10th grade. After a high school internship at Dr. Robert Supple’s office, Irma knew that she definitely wanted to pursue dental hygiene. She graduated in 2006 from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene and immediately decided to continue her education into the Master’s program. Her research will be targeting local elementary school nurses’ dental sealant knowledge. Currently, Irma continues to work at Dr. Supple’s office. She has served as a junior clinic instructor at UNM, as treasurer for Sigma Phi Alpha and as a Board of Trustee member on NMDHA. Someday she would like to work abroad possibly in Switzerland.
Melissa Van Witzenberg graduated from Marquette University in May of 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene. She is an active member of the American, Illinois, and New Mexico Dental Hygiene Association. Melissa and her husband recently relocated to Albuquerque from Chicago. She is currently working part–time at ABQ Dentists and attending UNM full-time. Currently, Melissa is working on a research proposal on the oral effects of low-dose methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Should she decide to complete a thesis, this will be her area of focus. Melissa’s educational goal is to gain knowledge through research and advanced education. She is very interested in pursuing the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner, should it become an option for dental hygienists in the future.
