Advisory Council

Dr. Dentonio Worrell, a Brooklyn native, journeyed from Barbados to a successful dental career. After graduating from the University of Maryland Dental School, he served as a US Army General Dentist for five years. Specializing in Endodontics, he earned board certification in 2012. Presently, he leads the US Army Dental Health Activity-Hawaii, mentors in a residency program, and enjoys family time, travel, hiking, investing, and volunteering.
Dr. Dentonio Worrell, a Brooklyn native, journeyed from Barbados to a successful dental career. After graduating from the University of Maryland Dental School, he served as a US Army General Dentist for five years. Specializing in Endodontics, he earned board certification in 2012. Presently, he leads the US Army Dental Health Activity-Hawaii, mentors in a residency program, and enjoys family time, travel, hiking, investing, and volunteering.
DR. DENTONIO WORRELL
Chair of Advisory Council

Board Certified Endodontist & Commander, US Army Dental Health Activity, Hawaii

Marlinda Begaye, MPH is Diné (Navajo) from Chinle, Arizona. She is currently enrolled at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She has earned a Master of Public Health degree with a specialization in American Indian Public Health from North Dakota State University. She has experience in program implementation, data analysis, and community engagement and outreach. Marlinda’s commitment to change and responsiveness continues to impact and influence as she remains engaged in mentoring, supporting efforts to involve the voice of and honor the perspectives of Tribal communities and its members into organizational and educational systems, and being a voice for public health, equity, and advocacy.
Marlinda Begaye, MPH is Diné (Navajo) from Chinle, Arizona. She is currently enrolled at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She has earned a Master of Public Health degree with a specialization in American Indian Public Health from North Dakota State University. She has experience in program implementation, data analysis, and community engagement and outreach. Marlinda’s commitment to change and responsiveness continues to impact and influence as she remains engaged in mentoring, supporting efforts to involve the voice of and honor the perspectives of Tribal communities and its members into organizational and educational systems, and being a voice for public health, equity, and advocacy.
MARLINDA BEGAYE

MPH in American Indian Public Health, student at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health

Evan J Fry, DMD practices full-scope general dentistry in the western Chicago suburbs. He graduated at the top of his class from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry in 2021. In 2023, he became a practice owner and joined the faculty at UIC's new Inclusive Care Clinic, teaching the next generation of dentists to care for patients with special healthcare needs. His professional areas of interest include working with patients on both ends of the age spectrum (elders and young children), oral surgery and dental implants, the environmental impact of dental materials, and prevention-focused dental interventions. Prior to becoming a dentist, Dr. Fry worked for a number of years as a healthcare economist; he is passionate about developing systems to make quality dental care financially accessible to all. Aside from dentistry, Dr. Fry enjoys spending time with his young son, running marathons, scuba diving, attending opera and fine arts events, and playing board games.
Evan J Fry, DMD practices full-scope general dentistry in the western Chicago suburbs. He graduated at the top of his class from the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry in 2021. In 2023, he became a practice owner and joined the faculty at UIC's new Inclusive Care Clinic, teaching the next generation of dentists to care for patients with special healthcare needs. His professional areas of interest include working with patients on both ends of the age spectrum (elders and young children), oral surgery and dental implants, the environmental impact of dental materials, and prevention-focused dental interventions. Prior to becoming a dentist, Dr. Fry worked for a number of years as a healthcare economist; he is passionate about developing systems to make quality dental care financially accessible to all. Aside from dentistry, Dr. Fry enjoys spending time with his young son, running marathons, scuba diving, attending opera and fine arts events, and playing board games.
DR. EVAN FRY

General Dentist & Owner of La Grange Dental Studio and Clinical Instructor at UIC School of Dentistry Inclusive Care Clinic

Dr. Myriam Glavash is a board-certified pediatric dentist at one of the largest private pediatric practices in the state of Texas. She has been practicing for 10 years and works largely with children in rural underserved areas with extensive needs. She is also involved locally in the South Plains Dental District Society serving as their community affairs chair.
Dr. Myriam Glavash is a board-certified pediatric dentist at one of the largest private pediatric practices in the state of Texas. She has been practicing for 10 years and works largely with children in rural underserved areas with extensive needs. She is also involved locally in the South Plains Dental District Society serving as their community affairs chair.
DR. MYRIAM GLAVASH

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist & South Plains Dental District Community Chair Officer in Texas

Introducing Dr. Joshua Golden, born and raised in Miami, Florida. After obtaining his Dental degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, he made a pit stop in New York City for a General Practice Residency at Montifore Hospital. Dr. Golden’s primary focus is transforming lives by transforming smiles and as Owner Dentist of West Sunrise Dentistry he goes above and beyond for his community. Dr. Golden has always been passionate about giving back and serving others; so whether it’s delivering beautiful smiles, volunteering dental services to those in need or simply listening to a mentee trying to make a life decision it’s all what Dr. G lives for. If he’s not connecting with patients in the chair, Dr. Golden can be found connecting with others on social media, especially on Instagram @TheGoldenDentist
Introducing Dr. Joshua Golden, born and raised in Miami, Florida. After obtaining his Dental degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, he made a pit stop in New York City for a General Practice Residency at Montifore Hospital. Dr. Golden’s primary focus is transforming lives by transforming smiles and as Owner Dentist of West Sunrise Dentistry he goes above and beyond for his community. Dr. Golden has always been passionate about giving back and serving others; so whether it’s delivering beautiful smiles, volunteering dental services to those in need or simply listening to a mentee trying to make a life decision it’s all what Dr. G lives for. If he’s not connecting with patients in the chair, Dr. Golden can be found connecting with others on social media, especially on Instagram @TheGoldenDentist
DR. JOSHUA GOLDEN

General Dentist & Owner of West Sunrise Dentistry, Founder & President of the Golden Foundation, National Dental Association Board of Trustees Member

Dr Darwin Hayes
Dr. Hayes is the State Dental Director for New Jersey, championing oral health as a top priority for state government after 30 years without a full-time director. He spearheads oral health programming, preventive dentistry, and oral hygiene initiatives for all state residents, including vulnerable populations. With extensive experience in project management and grant oversight, Dr. Hayes leads a $1.7M HRSA-funded caries prevention program for at-risk youth. Previously, he excelled as the Co-Director of the General Practice Residency Program at BronxCare Health System and served in the Air Force as an Advanced Clinical Dentist. As a mentor and speaker, he continues to inspire and guide dental professionals worldwide.
DR. DARWIN HAYES

New Jersey State Dental Director, New Dentist Coach & Host of YouTube's DrDarwinSpeaks

DIDM Advisory Council member Ms. Nikki Inda
MS. NIKKI INDA
CEO and Founder of Ladder Up LLC, Public Relations, Brand Strategist, and Motivational Speaker

Dr. Krista Kunz is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and owner of Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC. Her passions in dentistry include nonpharmacological behavior management and minimally invasive dentistry. She has a child with special needs which has greatly influenced how she views the world and how she approaches her patients. Dr. Kunz has worked in a variety of dental practices including DSOs, private practices, public health, and capitation models. She worked as a general dentist for 4 years before specializing in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kunz treasures her time with her husband, Daniel, and her beautiful kids, Jared and Esme. She is a classically trained pianist and volunteers at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospitals most Friday mornings sharing her love of music.
Dr. Krista Kunz is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and owner of Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC. Her passions in dentistry include nonpharmacological behavior management and minimally invasive dentistry. She has a child with special needs which has greatly influenced how she views the world and how she approaches her patients. Dr. Kunz has worked in a variety of dental practices including DSOs, private practices, public health, and capitation models. She worked as a general dentist for 4 years before specializing in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kunz treasures her time with her husband, Daniel, and her beautiful kids, Jared and Esme. She is a classically trained pianist and volunteers at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospitals most Friday mornings sharing her love of music.
DR. KRISTA KUNZ

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and owner of Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC

Dr. Njeri Penda headshot
Dr. Njeri Penda is a passionate dentist and native of East Africa, educated in the USA. Rooted in a communal-centered upbringing, she is committed to serving underserved communities and mentoring the next generation. She has provided care across rural, urban, and refugee populations, with a strong focus on improving access and equity in oral healthcare. Dr. Penda played a key role in establishing the DEI office and organizing White Coats for Black Lives, and has held leadership roles in STAHR, SNDA, HSDA, and other organizations. Since relocating to the U.S., she has been an active mentor and continues to guide and support aspiring professionals. Deeply involved in community service and professional networks, she strives to uplift communities through healthy smiles and purposeful mentorship.
DR. NJERI PENDA

General Dentist and former leadership roles in STAHR, SNDA, HSDA

Headshot of Dr. Tekle
Dr. Leah Tekle is a passionate advocate for equitable dental care with nearly 20 years of experience in clinical dentistry, public health, and leadership. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees from A.T. Still University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Southern California. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to serving underserved communities and mentoring future dental professionals.
DR. LEAH TEKLE

General Dentist and Faculty Member at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in Mesa, AZ

Lolinda Turner, Director of Student Success at Pacific Northwest University-School of Dental Medicine, Yakima, WA, boasts 20+ years as a Registered Dental Assistant. Recognized as a Healthcare Hero and Innovation Award recipient, she champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. Turner nurtures aspiring dentists, ensuring academic, transitional support, and holistic opportunities for their success.
Lolinda Turner, Director of Student Success at Pacific Northwest University-School of Dental Medicine, Yakima, WA, boasts 20+ years as a Registered Dental Assistant. Recognized as a Healthcare Hero and Innovation Award recipient, she champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. Turner nurtures aspiring dentists, ensuring academic, transitional support, and holistic opportunities for their success.
MS. LOLINDA TURNER

Director of Student Success and Engagement, Pacific Northwest University-School of Dental Medicine, Yakima, WA

Dr. Wright, a University of Florida College of Dentistry graduate, is a dedicated mom, entrepreneur, and dentist in Orlando. Actively involved in organized dentistry, she held roles at the ADA, led the Dental Society of Greater Orlando, and mentors aspiring dentists—especially minority women. Her approach emphasizes leadership, life skills, and she cherishes family moments at Florida's beaches while pursuing growth through reading and podcasts.
Dr. Wright, a University of Florida College of Dentistry graduate, is a dedicated mom, entrepreneur, and dentist in Orlando. Actively involved in organized dentistry, she held roles at the ADA, led the Dental Society of Greater Orlando, and mentors aspiring dentists—especially minority women. Her approach emphasizes leadership, life skills, and she cherishes family moments at Florida's beaches while pursuing growth through reading and podcasts.
DR. ARNELLE WRIGHT

Founder & CEO Being & Becoming Your Best, 17th District Alternate Delegate to the ADA, President, Dental Society of Greater Orlando

As a Phoenix native, Dr. Elieza Yonan attended the University of Arizona where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. After graduating, she spent two years at the prestigious National Institutes of Health researching dental diseases. From there she attended Midwestern University in Glendale and graduated with her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. As an avid lifelong learner, Dr. Yonan stays up to date with the latest developments in the field of dentistry through continuing education courses. She is also a proud member of the The American and Arizona Dental Association, the Central Arizona Dental Society, and is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Periodontal Research.
As a Phoenix native, Dr. Elieza Yonan attended the University of Arizona where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. After graduating, she spent two years at the prestigious National Institutes of Health researching dental diseases. From there she attended Midwestern University in Glendale and graduated with her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. As an avid lifelong learner, Dr. Yonan stays up to date with the latest developments in the field of dentistry through continuing education courses. She is also a proud member of the The American and Arizona Dental Association, the Central Arizona Dental Society, and is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Periodontal Research.
DR. ELIEZA YONAN

General Dentist in Glendale, AZ & Leader in Arizona Dental Association Council on Membership and New Dentists