About Us Ohio Dental Hygienists' Association

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association is to support Dental Hygienists through networking, inclusion, and development; to advocate for advancements to secure the profession of dental hygiene; and to promote public access to care.

Vision Statement

Empower Ohio Dental Hygienists as primary healthcare providers to be a leading resource for oral health promotion and therapy in all settings through professional collaboration, advocacy, and lifelong learning.

ODHA Component Trustees

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Tia Parr, ODHA Secretary

Cincinnati Trustee

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Leesa Abell

Cincinnati Trustee

I went to Columbus State Community College for hygiene school and graduated in 2014. I have worked at the same dental practice for my entire career! I love getting to know my patients and educating them about oral health. Learning new procedures and techniques is also an important part of my practice. I am excited to be an advocate for our profession while serving as a Trustee. Becoming more involved with our local and state organization will be a great experience. My husband and I live in Waynesville with our horse and cats. When I'm not practicing, I enjoy reading, running marathons, and watching football.

Cincinntati Trustee

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Niki Dauch

Cleveland Trustee

I proudly served seven years in the Ohio National Guard, including one deployment overseas. Now, I'm a dedicated dental hygienist, committed to providing exceptional patient care in Vermilion, Ohio.
I graduated with honors from Lorain County Community College in May 2023 with a degree in Dental Hygiene, and I was elected class president. Currently, I'm an active member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and recently accepted the Trustee role for the Cleveland Component.
I reside in Huron, Ohio with my husband and our 4 year old daughter. I enjoy reading books, spending time with family, binge watching shows, and traveling.

Cleveland Trustee

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Cory Williams

Columbus Trustee

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Donna Hall

Dayton Trustee

My name is Donna Hall, and I received my Associates of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Sinclair Community College in 1993. My dental career began in 1982 as a dental assistant in Ashland City, TN. I had worked in general dentistry for two years before I moved on to a periodontal office in Dayton, Ohio, in 1984. I worked in this office until I began the dental hygiene program in 1991. With in my time as an assistant, I acquired knowledge with, but not limited to, restorations, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, periodontal surgery, front desk, insurance claims, OSHA, and extensive infection control.

Once I graduated from Sinclair, I worked in two separate general practices. I ultimately ended up back to my former periodontal office, until Dr. Israel retired in 2021. In that time frame I volunteered at the Good Neighbor House once a week for several years, in downtown Dayton. I provided free dental education at elementary school. I also donated some of my free time providing periodontal care for those who could not afford to have it done. I also worked closely with organ transplant patients, volunteering every month to do their prophylactic dental care, until they were able to receive their organ. I have extensive knowledge when it comes to oral health and how tit impacts the systemic health.

In 2000, I began working part time for Dr. Bryan Dodd, in Beavercreek. Currently, I am working full time and in 2001, I became the Dental Hygiene Coordinator for his office. I oversee eleven hygienists, which on any given day, amounts to seven or eight hygienists working at a time: providing additional support for them. I also help with the three doctors we now have working in our practice, utilizing my former dental assistant skills, coupled with my hygiene skills, to help keep our office running smoothly. I consider this position a privilege, as it allows me to work in several different capacities, which is enjoyable.

I consider the Dental Hygienist to be an Oral Care Specialist. We are part of a team, with other health care providers, to improve the overall health of the public.

I have watched the evolution of dentistry over the past 40 years, and I am excited to contribute to the forward progress of our profession, as your Trustee.

Dayton Trustee

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Kelly Asbury

Dayton Trustee

Kelly graduated from Sinclare Community College in 2000 with an Associates of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. After graduation Kelly worked in several private practices but, she found her true passion when she started working in public health in 2016. She continues to work in public health full-time.
Kelly is a member of the Dayton component. She has been in the membership community and served as a delegate for Dayton. She is excited to continue to grow with ODHA and ADHA as she takes on her new role as trustee. She is grateful to be surrounded by such strong mentors as she pushes herself to “be uncomfortable”.

She loves walking outdoors, bike riding, and kayaking in her free time. She has 3 children and is an active member of her church.

Dayton Trustee

Northeastern Trustee

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Justin Nance, President Elect

Northwestern Trustee

Justin completed his Associate of Applied Science from Rhodes State College in 2008 and later pursued his Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University in 2016. Currently, he is working towards his Masters in Dental Hygiene at the University of New Mexico and is expected to graduate in May 202.

Justin is an active member of ODHA and Northwestern component. He has held various leadership positions in the Northwestern component and currently serves as Treasurer and Trustee. Justin is also a member of the ODHA Academy of Dental Hygiene Studies and is a board advisor for Student Council and OH-HY-PAC..

As a full-time Instructor and Clinic Coordinator at Rhodes State College, Justin teaches several courses, including Radiography, Periodontology, Current Concepts, and Clinical. He is also the Advisor for the Rhodes State College ADHA's Student Chapter. Justin is passionate about teaching dental hygiene students and enjoys mentoring them and sharing his admiration for the professional organization.

Apart from work, Justin loves spending quality time with his family and friends, traveling, and creating memories with his two children, Paityn and Landon.

Northwestern Trustee

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Nancy Shuffle

Northwestern Trustee

Nancy Williams Shuffle is native of the State of Michigan, growing up in Ann Arbor. She received her BA from the University of Michigan in 1980. Her Father, Uncle and Grandfather were all Dentists and after moving to Ohio and starting a family, she decided to go back to school in order to study Dental Hygiene. She received her Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from Rhodes State college in 2005. Her honors included being named the Outstanding Dental Hygiene Student class of 2005, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society. She serves on the Rhodes State College Dental Hygiene Advisory Board and was inducted into the Rhodes State College Alumni Circle of Excellence in 2018.

Nancy has been a member of ADHA since her graduation from Rhodes State College and has served the Northwestern Component as Vice President, President and currently as a Trustee. Nancy is also active on the State level. She serves on OHYPAC having been Treasurer for 3 years, on the Legislative Committee and on the Policy By-Laws Council as the Annual Report Chair. She was surprised and honored to receive the Outstanding Service Award during ODHA’s Annual Session in 2023.

A professional singer, Nancy has performed ministry, classical and pops concerts all over the United States and in Europe, Israel and Australia. She has also performed nearly 70 leading roles in musical theater productions. Vocal Performance and Dental Hygiene seem like an odd combination, but this was exactly the subject when Nancy was featured in RDH Magazine on August 1, 2012. She loves to perform with her husband John, who is also a professional singer. Married for 20 years, combined they have 5 children and 11 grandchildren, who keep them extremely busy. In what little free time they have, they love to travel and take ballroom dancing classes.

Northwestern Trustee

Stark Trustee

Toledo Trustee

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Bryn Hartman

Tri-County Trustee

Bryn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Youngstown State University in 2017. Since then, she has continued her education and went on to receive a Master of Health and Human Services degree from YSU in 2020. Currently, she is finishing up her PhD in Health Sciences at YSU.

Bryn worked in clinical dental hygiene for 6 years and was a part-time faculty member at Youngstown State University before transitioning into her current role as the Dental Hygiene Interim Program Administrator at YSU.

She has served as a Delegate at ODHA Annual Session and recently took on the role of Trustee for her local component. She is excited to become more involved in her local component and ODHA!

Tri-County Trustee

Kim Fuzer

Tri-County Trustee

Kim Graduated with an Associates of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Youngstown State University in 2001. She continued her education and received a Bachelor of Science in Community health and in 2009, Kim went on to complete a master’s degree in Public Health.

Kim has worked in clinical dental hygiene for over 20 years, working in public health, volunteering, and private practice. She is excited to become more involved in her local component and ODHA. She is realizing the importance of membership and advocating for dental hygiene. She is an active member of her local component having served as Delegate and excited to continue her role as Trustee for ODHA.

She is entering a new stage of life with her daughter in college, getting married, and a recent move. In her free time, Kim enjoys walking with her dog, Pluto, around the lake and spending time with friends and family.

Tri-County Trustee

ODHA Council Chairs

Annual Session Council Chair

Michelle Tracy

Amy Merritt

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Continuing Education Council Chair

Michelle Tracy

Government Relations Council Chair

Member Services Council Chair Duties:

To provide ODHA information and support to members.
To provide information to potential members and to encourage membership.
Explore further benefits of membership in the association.
Assist with the website maintenance and sponsorship.

Nancy Stanwick

Policy and Bylaws Council Chair

Gretchen is a 1998 graduate of Rhodes State College with her AAS in Dental Hygiene. In 2011 she graduated with her BAS in Dental Hygiene from Siena Heights University.

Gretchen has been an active member of her local component, Northwestern, ODHA and ADHA since graduation.

Gretchen has served as President of NWODHA seven different times. For her component, over the last 20+ years, she has been President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Alternate and Delegate, Legislative Chair, Newsletter Editor, Membership Chair, Bylaws Chair, and many special committees.

Gretchen has also been active for ODHA. Currently she is the Policy and Bylaws Council Chair. Most notably, she is a Past President of ODHA. She served the organization as President in 2007. She has been President; President-Elect; Immediate Past President; Speaker of the House; Vice President; Annual Session Council Chair; Total Development Weekend Council Chair; Administrative Planning Council Chair; ADHA delegate, senior delegate, and Alternate delegate; O-HY-PAC Director; Policy Review Committee Chair; a member of the Legislative Committee and Finance Committee.

Gretchen has worked in private practice for 25 years.

When she is not at work, she is actively participating in her children's lives. Ethan, 22 years, is active duty U.S. Army; Sheridan, 18 years just started his first year of college at Northwest State Community College with an Science major; Aleah 16 years is active in band, soccer, tack, Science Olympiad and various other academics.

After 29 years of marriage, let us not forget her husband, Sean. Without his support, her service to her profession and family would not be possible.

Gretchen Matty