DANB Announces New Board of Directors, Officers
The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) announces its 2026-2027 Board of Directors and officers. The board is chaired by Sandra Garcia Young, who brings extensive experience as a DANB board officer, along with a diverse background in dentistry spanning military service, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and education.
“I started my career in dentistry with the United States Air Force, where I learned the importance of teamwork, accountability, and patient safety,” says Ms. Garcia Young. “As chair, I look forward to working with my fellow board members to continue elevating the role of dental assistants and advancing our strategic plan.”
2026-2027 DANB Board of Directors
Chair: Sandra L. Garcia Young, CDA, CDIPC, RDA, FADAA, FAADOM
Chair-Elect: Tanya Dorf Brunner, M.S.
Secretary-Treasurer: Kerri Friel, CDA, COA, RDH, M.A.
Immediate Past Chair: Barbara Mousel, D.D.S., CDA, RDH
Stephanie Bustos, CDA, CDIPC, RDA
Frank Maggio, D.D.S.
Renee McNally, CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, CDIPC, RDA (AMT), B.S.
Kishan Patel, CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, B.D.S.
Kimberly Plate, CDA, CPFDA, CRFDA, B.S.
Janée Tamayo, CDA, CPFDA, B.S., MSgt, USAF
Lindsey Yates, D.D.S., FACD, FNAP
Leaders in Training
Jason Lawrence, D.D.S.
Merli Vedia, RDA
Read more about the Board of Directors.
DANB thanks Dr. Mousel for her service as the 2025-2026 chair, where she led the board in achieving key milestones that reinforced the value of dental assistants and expanded opportunities for workforce development.
“We achieved significant progress in our strategic plan, reinforcing the essential contributions of dental assistants and the vital role they play in dental practices,” says Dr. Mousel. “DANB and the DALE Foundation supported dental assistants by launching the Dental Assisting Professional Model, awarding funds to nearly 100 scholarship recipients, and advancing workforce development as a sponsor of SkillsUSA.”