Dental Health Aide Program

Dental Health Aide News, Meetings, and Events

Stay up to date on DHA forums, trainings, policy updates, and meetings across the state.

Featured News & Events

2025 DHA Star Awardees

Rising Star:
Hannah Dobson, PDHA II (Haines, AK)

Shining Star:
Erik Linduska, DHAT (Kodiak, AK)

North Star: 
Conan Murat, DHATP (Bethel, AK)

View Past Awardees

DHA Star Awards Nominations are Open

Nominated DHAs should employ the spirit of the Dental Health Aide Program and show a positive impact through serving their patient(s), community or cause.

**PLEASE SUBMIT NOMINATIONS BY AUGUST 15TH TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THAT YEAR’S AWARD! Nominations received after this date will automatically be considered for the following year.

View Guidelines & Definitions
Online Nomination Form

Recent News

2024 DHA Star Awardees

December 20, 2024

We’d like to congratulate our 2024 DHA Star Awardees! Rising Star: Hannah Dobson, PDHA II (Haines, AK) Shining Star: Erik Linduska, DHAT (Kodiak, AK) North Star: Conan Murat, DHATP (Bethel,

ADTEP Class of 2026!

August 28, 2024

Our DHAT Class of 2026 has started classes this summer, we are excited to have Riley O’brien (Sponsored by Southcentral Foundation) and Brianna Morrison (Sponsored by Southeast Alaska Regional Health

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Events

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  • CHAP Certification Board Meeting

    The Community Health Aide Program Certification Board (CHAPCB), established by the federal government, oversees certification and training standards for Community Health Aides, Dental Health Aides, and Behavioral Health Aides—supporting a […]

Past DHA Star Awardees

2024

Rising Star: 
Hannah Dobson, PDHA II (Haines, AK)

Shining Star: 
Erik Linduska, DHAT (Kodiak, AK)

North Star: 
Conan Murat, DHATP (Bethel, AK)

2023

Rising Star: 
Jerilyn Glenn, DHAT (Emmonak, AK)

Shining Star: 
Renee Cheemuk, DHAT (St. Marys, AK)

Shining Star – Outstanding Accomplishment: 
Leandra Beech, DHAT (Anchorage, AK)

2022

Rising Star: 
Kathrine Levi, DHAT (Aniak, AK)

Shining Star: 
Corrina Cadzow, DHAT (Fort Yukon, AK)

Shining Star – Outstanding Accomplishment: 
Savannah Bonorden, DHATP (Sitka, AK)

2021

Rising Star: 
Sam Spark, DHAT (Sitka, AK)

Shining Star – Outstanding Accomplishment:
Janette Ulak, DHAT (Scammon Bay, AK)

2020

Shining Star: 
Angelica Afcan, DHAT (Bethel, AK)

Shining Star – Outstanding Accomplishment: 
Trisha Patton, DHAT (Bethel, AK)

2019

Rising Star: 
Janette Ulak, DHAT (Scammon Bay, AK)

Shining Star: 
Savannah Bonorden, DHATP (Sitka, AK)

Star Awards Purpose

The DHA Star Awards Purpose

  • To demonstrate appreciation of a Dental Health Aide for their contribution, dedication and sacrifice
  • To garner statewide recognition for the work of individual DHAs and highlight the ongoing challenges and heroics of Health Aides as a novel, courageous group of healthcare providers.

DHA Star Award Guidelines

  1. DHAs eligible for awards must be employed by an Alaska Tribal Health Organization past or present in good standing currently (or formerly if no longer employed).
  2. Anyone within and external to the DHA program can nominate a DHA for an award.
  3. Nominations are accepted online through this site.
  4. The Dental Academic Review Committee is responsible for the selection of the best candidate for each category from the eligible nominations submitted.
  5. Awards will be presented at the Health Aide Awards Ceremony held annually in November.
  6. The employing Tribal Health Organization is responsible for travel costs and accommodations for the DHA to participate in the awards ceremony.
  7. If your nominee is not selected for an award, we invite you to submit your nomination the following year. Nominees will not automatically be resubmitted for consideration.

Star Award Definitions

Rising Star
A rising star is a health aide that has been employed under three years who demonstrates excellence in their role by delivering exceptional patient care, has somehow improved the healthcare delivery system, and/or enhanced the level of care in their community.

Shining Star
A Shining Star is a Health Aide that has been employed for 3 or more years and has demonstrated excellence in their role by continuously delivering exceptional patient care, has somehow improved the healthcare delivery system, and/or enhanced the level of care in their community.

North Star
A North Star Award is given to a Health Aide who has demonstrated leadership or outstanding supervision in their position. They have demonstrated service and excellence in their role by continuously delivering exceptional service to their patients, organizations and community.

Setting Star Acknowledgement
A Setting Star is presented in memoriam to the Health Aide that has provided a vital community service and has passed away this past year. All nominations will be recognized. Please provide a biography and a photograph of the nominee (if available).