Jean Hall, DHEd, RDH, CHES®, President, Corresponding Secretary,
Director to NYDHA
Jean graduated from Farmingdale State College with her associate and bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene. She went on to receive a Master of Science in public health at Touro College and a Doctorate in Health Education from A.T. Still University, College of Graduate Health Studies. She was a student member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association while in the associate program and converted to professional membership upon graduation. Jean has held several positions on the LIDHA board including president and treasurer. On the state level, Jean served as Delegate to NYDHA, Delegate to ADHA, and is a past NYDHA president. Jean is passionate about moving dental hygiene forward and has participated in many Oral Health Advocacy days in Albany and Washington D.C.
Dawn Joyce, MS, RDH, VP Membership Services
Dawn Joyce is a dedicated dental hygiene educator and clinician with over 16 years of experience in preventive oral health care. She serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at Farmingdale State College, where she teaches Principles of Nutrition and co-coordinates the sophomore clinic. Holding an Associate’s and Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, Dawn brings a strong foundation in both clinical excellence and interdisciplinary education. Her academic interests center around the integration of nutrition and systemic health in dental care, with a focus on micronutrient deficiencies, gut health, and evidence-based supplementation strategies. Dawn is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in nutrition, and is actively engaged in curriculum development, teaching strategy research, and professional advocacy through organizations like the NYDHA and ADHA.
Loretta Mariano, DHSc, RDH, Treasurer
Loretta earned an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences, an associate degree in dental hygiene, and a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Farmingdale State College, NY. Continuing her education, she earned a master’s degree in dental hygiene with a concentration on teaching in higher education from the University of Bridgeport, CT. In 2020, she completed a doctoral degree in health sciences from the University of Bridgeport, CT, performing original research on dexterity examinations as a preadmission criterion in dental hygiene programs. Loretta has worked in clinical practice for 25 years and currently holds a full-time position as an assistant professor in the dental hygiene department at Farmingdale State College where she teaches clinic, community, and public health courses. Loretta is a member of the PHI KAPPA PHI Honor Society, ADEA, ADHA, and LIDHA. She is active in the profession as a mentor, advocate, presenter, author, and educator, and is passionate about community outreach and volunteerism. Focusing on moving the profession forward, she also serves as director, treasurer, and alternate director for LIDHA.
Allison Castro, EdD, RDH, Editor
Allison earned her associate and bachelor degrees in dental hygiene from Farmingdale State College. She went on to receive her Master of Public Health degree with the University at Albany and completed her doctoral degree in educational leadership at the University of New England. She has been a dental hygienist for more than 17 years with clinical experience in general, periodontal, cosmetic, and prosthodontic practices, as well as within a hospital setting. Allison is an assistant professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at Farmingdale State College. An advocate of community public health outreach, she remains active in her community’s local events in support of her profession and public service. Allison looks forward to continuing to serve on the board as LIDHA’s editor and has proudly represented Long Island dental hygienists as a delegate to NYDHA.
Tamara Faure, EdD, RDH, Recording Secretary
Tamara earned an associate and bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene through Farmingdale State College. She received a master’s in health care administration through Utica College. She continued her education and earned her Doctorate of Higher Education Leadership degree through Maryville University. Tamara has been practicing clinically for 16 years and specializes in pediatrics and patients with special needs. Tamara is an Assistant Professor and Radiology Coordinator at Farmingdale State College. She is a member of the National Dental Hygiene Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and American Dental Hygienist’s’ Association. Tamara enjoys presenting oral health education to elementary school-aged, pre-school aged children and spreading awareness of the special needs’ population to dental providers and hygiene students.