It is my great pleasure as NMDHA President once again to invite you to actively participate in your profession. NMDHA works on behalf of the entire profession of dental hygienists in New Mexico. This last legislative session the Governor signed the dental therapist legislation into law! Thank you to the hard work and countless hours of many of our members, dental hygienists in New Mexico have another opportunity to provide direct access to services. Once the rules are written and approved, the programs in the state that would like to offer dental therapy can begin their work to develop the programs to educate this new provider.
The work of the NMDHA is never complete. These next few years offers additional opportunities to pursue other goals. I ask every licensed hygienist to have a voice in YOUR profession. Only through your participation and voice can we advocate for you. Our journey consists of miles, but we must begin with a step. The first step is membership in ADHA and NMDHA. Attend continuing education events sponsored by the Association, attend meetings, even as a potential member, and network with your peers. One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Please join the NMDHA effort to provide access to dental services in NM, work to the top of our scope of practice that we have been educated for, and gain quality education to become the best hygienist you can possibly be. Will you join us?
Valoree Althoff, RDH, MHA, PRP, CP
NMDHA President 2011-2012, 2019-2020
The following is a list of the current Board of Trustees for the NMDHA. NMDHA represents the interests of over 1,300 dental hygienists in New Mexico. This board is elected in the fall of each year and serves a one-year term in most offices. The position of Secretary, Treasurer, and Delegate is a two-year commitment.
The Councils are appointed or re-appointed by the current President. If you are interested in serving your profession, please contact the current President. We are always happy to see new faces and get input on keeping our profession at the forefront of oral healthcare in New Mexico.
Questions or comments for any Board member can be directed to the President, who will forward your email to the intended Board member.
| President | Valoree Althoff |
|---|---|
| Immediate Past-president | Elmer Gonzalez |
| Vice-president | Robin Gatlin |
| Secretary | Vivian Barker |
| Treasurer | Vacant |
| President Elect | Diana Aboytes |
| Delegate Chair | Alexandra Moore |
|---|---|
| Delegate | Kayla Gallegos |
| Alternate Delegate | Diana Aboytes |
| High Desert | Angela Cook Cathy Sovereign |
|---|---|
| Southern | Rebecca Sanchez |
| Tres Rios | Betty Onik |
| ADHA District IX Trustee | Lynda Bean |
| Administration | Valoree Althoff |
|---|---|
| Education and Research | Kayla Gallegos |
| General Membership Meetings | Mary Kaye Vigil |
| Member Services | Rebecca Sanchez |
| Public Relations | Vivian Barker |
| Regulation and Practice | Barbara Posler |
| Newsletter/E-news | Kelly Valdez-Ayres |
|---|---|
| Social Media Manager | Vivian Barker |
| Website Manager | Vivian Barker |
| Committee Member | Vicki Munday |
| Committee Member | Jeannie Henley |
|---|---|
| Committee Member | Barbara Posler |
| HYPAC Chair | Erik Smith |
|---|---|
| HYPAC Treasurer | Pam Morris |
| NMDHA ADHA IOH Liaison | Kelly Valdez-Ayres |
| Parliamentarian | Barbara Posler |
| Volunteer Coordinator | Kitty Rivera |
To represent dental hygienists in continuing to improve the oral health of our community by being innovative in increasing access to quality oral healthcare.
To elevate the dental hygiene profession by promoting education, expanding the opportunities for practice, and enhancing access to quality oral healthcare.