USD Dental Hygiene Alumna Named ADHA President
Lancette VanGuilder graduated with an Associate of Science degree in dental hygiene from USD and has been actively involved in dental hygiene education, as well as leadership and advocacy on the local, state and national levels, over the last 25 years. She currently owns an independent mobile dental hygiene practice, serves as clinical director of Sierra Sleep, Airway and Wellness Center and founded Hygienist for Health.
VanGuilder, who calls Reno, Nevada, home, has served as past president of the Nevada Dental Hygienists’ Association and on the ADHA board of directors. She has received numerous awards throughout her career in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of the art and science of the dental hygiene profession.
She is passionate about ensuring that all communities have access to dental care, the power of prevention and the utilization of a dental hygienist.
“The time has come for us to turn ripples into big waves, to rapidly drive meaningful impact and claim our role as the preventive oral health specialist,” she said during her ADHA installation.
VanGuilder began her successful 30-year career of educating, mentoring and serving at USD, where influential faculty helped guide her passion for leadership and professional engagement.
I was fortunate to learn from inspiring instructors who instilled leadership values and emphasized the importance of professional engagement through the ADHA,” she explained. “Because of their guidance, I joined as a student member and eventually served as vice president of our state student chapter. That pivotal experience planted the seed that has led me to where I am today.”
Carissa Regnerus, professor in the USD Department of Dental Hygiene and long-time colleague of VanGuilder’s, applauded her appointment as ADHA president and the example she sets for future hygienists.
“I am thrilled to celebrate Lancette as she assumes the esteemed role of president of the ADHA. As the only dental hygiene program in the state until recently, USD has long stood as a leader in preparing students to lead with excellence, innovation and integrity. Lancette exemplifies the spirit of our program. She’s not just a mover and shaker in the field; she’s an inspiration. I’m proud to call this esteemed alumna my colleague and friend.”
VanGuilder echoed that sense of purpose as she reflected on the path that led her to this moment.
“What I love most about my career is that I discovered my true purpose—promoting oral and overall health as a registered lobbyist, clinician and speaker—while making a daily difference in people’s lives,” said VanGuilder. “I have the privilege of educating patients, working alongside health care providers and policymakers and elevating the dental hygiene profession. As ADHA president, I will continue to raise awareness about the essential role of oral health in total health and advocate for systemic change. As the health care landscape transforms—with innovations like artificial intelligence, telehealth and expanded interprofessional collaboration—the sky is truly the limit for dental hygienists who are bold enough to lead.”
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