May 2026

Personally, I have had oral health issues since high school, which let me realize that how important oral health is to a person’s overall health as well as quality of life. Most everyone I know also has some type of oral health problems, big or small. After I became the Chronic Disease Epidemiologist at the Pennsylvania Department of Health in 2018, I had the opportunities to work with the Pennsylvania Oral Health Program and Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health. In my role, I also work on different oral health data, which lets me further understand the scope of oral health issues at the population level. I am happy that I can work with excellent oral health professionals and partners to reduce the burden of oral health problems.

In my role at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, I work with the Pennsylvania Oral Health Program and provide epidemiological and data support. The Pennsylvania Oral Health Program partners closely with PCOH and I naturally become involved with PCOH. Over the years, I have enjoyed working with PCOH and appreciate the great work and contributions that PCOH makes in promoting oral health in Pennsylvania.

The most challenging part of my work in oral health is the lack of funding which may lead to staff shortages and cutting of oral health projects, surveys, and data collection. My job is to provide evidence-based guidance to the Pennsylvania Oral Health Program. It is always challenging when some important data becomes unavailable.

I would love to see the reduction of dental caries in children in Pennsylvania because dental caries can be prevented with behavioral changes to a large extent.

We live in a fast-changing world with lots of new technologies coming out quickly that are changing our work and our life. I am motivated to have new technologies used in my work to enhance efficiency and productivity. I am also motivated by the team work and partnerships in which I see a lot of dedications, hard work, enthusiasm, and persistence in promoting oral health in Pennsylvania.

Most often I recharge by exercising and spending time with my family. When I have time, I like gardening, hiking, kayaking, traveling, and photography. Outdoor activities and my hobbies always refresh me greatly.