Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition Names 2026 Northern Arizona Oral Health Heroes of the Year Presented by Delta Dental of Arizona

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Mar 24, 2026) — The Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition (NAZOHC), whose mission is to improve the public’s oral and general wellness with a focus on vulnerable populations through community partnerships, is pleased to announce Robin Berry, RDH; Deb Gauld-Lash; and A New Dawn AZ as the 2026 Northern Arizona Oral Health Heroes of the Year, presented by Delta Dental of Arizona.

“These honorees represent the very heart of oral health volunteerism in Northern Arizona,” said Peter Van Wyck, co-chair of the Coalition and Northeast regional area director for First Things First. “Through professional leadership, volunteerism, and community collaboration, they are helping ensure that individuals and families across our region have access to the dental care they need to live healthier lives.”

Berry, a registered dental hygienist, is honored in the Oral Health Professional category for her tireless work expanding access to dental care for uninsured and underinsured residents throughout Coconino County. Known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to service, Berry has long championed NAZOHC’s mission to improve community wellness through partnerships.

A key leader behind Dental Days, biannual charitable dental events for adults, Berry serves as the event’s lead coordinator, overseeing extensive planning, volunteer recruitment, and coordination with health partners and donors. The volunteer-based initiative connects adults who lack dental coverage with no-cost dental services. Under her leadership, the event has successfully provided care to hundreds of patients at various sites including the Northern Arizona University Dental Hygiene Clinic and North Country HealthCare. Berry has also played a vital role in the Northern Arizona Mission of Mercy, serving as lead for patient escorts and ensuring individuals are guided through the treatment process with compassion and care.

“Her work extends to Give Kids a Smile, community health fairs, and the Lance Davison High Country Veteran Stand Down, where she helps connect veterans to critical oral health services,” said Barb Kozuh, executive director of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation and one of this year’s panel of judges. “Through her role with Coconino County Health and Human Services, Berry also manages the county’s Dental Voucher Program, which provides preventive and emergency dental services for veterans in need.”

Honored in the Nonprofessional category, Gauld-Lash has become a cornerstone volunteer supporting many of Northern Arizona’s charitable dental initiatives. After retiring in 2024 following more than three decades with Patterson Dental Supply Company, she has devoted even more time to community service.

“Although not a dental professional, Gauld-Lash is widely respected within the dental community for her deep industry knowledge and longstanding relationships with providers throughout Northern and Central Arizona. She is an essential member of the leadership committee for Dental Days, where she helps coordinate equipment, supplies, and logistics for large-scale charitable dental events,” said Van Wyck.

Before each event, Gauld-Lash forecasts equipment needs, secures donations, and organizes supplies to ensure dental professionals have everything required to deliver care. During events, she is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave, helping pack equipment, manage inventory, and troubleshoot any last-minute needs.

“Her volunteer efforts included supporting Arizona Mission of Mercy events in Flagstaff and Phoenix, where she spent countless hours assisting providers and ensuring clinics run smoothly. Known for her calm demeanor, organization, and generosity of spirit, Gauld-Lash exemplifies the behind-the-scenes leadership that makes community health initiatives possible,” said Kozuh.

Receiving the Organization category honor, A New Dawn AZ was founded by Flagstaff residents Macy Kiim and Pearl Santillan to address oral health disparities among uninsured and underinsured adults in Northern Arizona.

Inspired by personal experiences with family members who lacked access to dental care, the founders established the nonprofit to raise funds and provide scholarships for adults needing comprehensive dental treatment. Since 2014, the organization has worked closely with local dental providers and community partners to help remove financial barriers to care.

“A New Dawn AZ supports oral health services through partnerships with organizations including North Country HealthCare and the Sid Davis Memorial Dental Clinic,” said Van Wyck. “The nonprofit also funded preventive hygiene services for patients treated during Dental Days events at the Northern Arizona University Dental Hygiene Clinic.”

Beyond financial support, members of the organization volunteer at community dental clinics, including NAZ Dental Days, assisting with patient registration, translation services, and patient navigation.

“Through advocacy, fundraising, and hands-on volunteerism, A New Dawn AZ has helped restore smiles and improve quality of life for countless adults in the Flagstaff community who might otherwise go without dental care,” said Kozuh.

Nominations for the 2026 awards were open to individuals living and working in Coconino County who engage in raising awareness about the importance of oral health; actively support oral health across the lifespan; lead and organize oral health activities for the underserved, including, but not limited to, direct oral health services.