Profiles

george_spruce George Blue Spruce Jr., DDS, MPH, an enrolled member of the Pueblo Tribe (Laguna/Ohkay-Owingeh), is the first recognized American Indian dentist. During his long career he has made enormous contributions to increasing the number of American Indian dentists and improving the dental care of Indian people. He's still actively involved in these missions.

GirlWithPillowLady Jessica Rickert, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, DDS, is the first recognized American Indian woman dentist. She has a successful private practice in Michigan and wrote a book entitled Exploring Careers in Dentistry. Recently she was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

Nanibaa dental visit 025_2 Craig Bruce, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, DDS, is a pediatric dentist at the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation Complex Dental Unit. He enjoys taking care of children. Recently he became the National Pediatric Dentist Consultant for the Indian Health Service.

SAID 07 nikki,me and dez_4 DezBaa Altaalkii Damon, Navajo, DMD, was profiled when she was a dental student. Now she is working as a dentist in Bethel, Alaska.

Native Health Picture Nicole “Nikki” Gore, Crow Tribe of Montana, DMD, is a recent dental school graduate who will soon be working as a staff dentist for Indian Health Service in her home community.

Grim2003_04 Charles W. Grim, Cherokee, DDS, MHSA, was the first dentist to serve as Director of the Indian Health Service.

desk Photo 1[1]_2 Dan Hubert, Quinault, DMD, is the dental consultant with the Phoenix Area Indian Health Service.

Dr. Sorrell 062_2 Darlene Sorrell, Navajo, DMD, is Director of Clinical Services at the Albuquerque Indian Health Service Dental Program.


SAID 07 nikki,me and dez_3 Gwen Werner, Navajo, DMD, was profiled when she was a dental student. Now she is working at a tribal health clinic on the Salt River Indian Reservation.