Tasha Wendel, RDH, MPH, MS, FADHA

Heart to Hand

Throughout my career as a dental hygienist, educator, and public health advocate, I have believed that oral health is about more than teeth. It is about helping people live healthier lives, especially those who may not otherwise have access to care.

My passion for service has guided much of my professional journey. While working in public health and higher education, I have had the opportunity to lead and support outreach programs that connected oral health services with underserved populations, including rural communities, veterans, children, and individuals facing barriers to care. Through grant-funded initiatives and community partnerships, I have worked to expand access to preventive services and oral health education for those who need it most. As a previous manager of a federally funded rural dental outreach program, I witnessed firsthand how compassion, collaboration, and advocacy can transform lives.

Today, I continue to serve patients in private practice while also educating future dental hygienists at the University of South Dakota. Maintaining an active clinical role allows me to bring real-world experiences into the classroom and reminds me daily why our profession matters. As an educator, I strive to instill not only clinical excellence but also empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to service in my students. Many of my proudest moments have come from watching students discover their own passion for community engagement and patient advocacy.

Service to the profession has also been an important part of my career. Through leadership roles with the South Dakota Dental Hygienists' Association, including serving as president and now treasurer, I have worked to advance the profession and advocate for policies that improve access to oral health care. Whether mentoring colleagues, supporting students, or representing dental hygienists at the state and national levels, I believe meaningful change begins with a willingness to serve others.

The Heart to Hands Award represents the values that have shaped both my personal and professional life: compassion, service, and action. I am honored to be part of a profession that allows me to care for patients, support communities, mentor future practitioners, and advocate for a healthier future. My greatest reward has never been recognition. It has been knowing that even small acts of service can create lasting impacts for individuals, families, and communities.

Thank you for your consideration.