by Kelly Farran, RDH
August 5, 2025

I was galvanized to become an ambassador for the Hygienist Inspired program by my cousin, Dr. Jessica Rickert, who was the first female Native American dentist in the United States and has worked tirelessly to recruit Natives into the dental profession. We are honored to be members of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and have always taken pride in our Native American heritage. I also am proudly working for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi as a dental hygienist.

Kelly stands at a dental display at the Children’s Museum in Grand Rapids, MI in front of a picture of her cousin, the first female Native American dentist.

While interacting with those in my care and those whom I cross paths with, I have always tried to pique their interest in having them join the dental profession as a hygienist, as Native Americans are extremely underrepresented in oral health care. When I was approached about becoming an ambassador for the Hygienist Inspired program, I knew my mission would be to recruit Native Americans to our profession.

The program is working to recruit dental hygienists into the field with an emphasis on diversity. The initial training explored how we could invite people from all backgrounds into the field who are not normally represented, such as male hygienists. This inclusion is important because it makes it easier to create a bond and gain patients’ trust when you are someone from their own community.

This is especially important in the Native community because of the historical trauma that this community has experienced from colonization. I often will see a patient visually relax and open up once I reveal my tribal connection. I am not saying that trust cannot be built if a hygienist is from a different background than the Native community, but it becomes much easier and quicker to build that relationship.

Representation is also important for future generations. It is easier for a child or adolescent to see themselves in the dental profession if they are being treated by someone from within their community. A shared background and community connection also makes it easier to create a mentor/mentee relationship.

The Hygienist Inspired program has made it easier to create these relationships. The program provides me with resources and tools to make the process more fluid. The program also fosters a community of hygienists where we can share recruitment strategies and discuss how to overcome challenges we encounter. My job has become even more fulfilling since becoming an ambassador for the Hygienist Inspired program.

You, too, can support the mission even if you are not an ambassador.

Consider taking the Hygienist Inspired Ally Pledge.

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Kelly Farran, RDH has been a dental hygienist for more than 25 years. She worked in private practice for 20 of those years and currently works in an Indian Health Clinic for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi (NHBP) tribe. Kelly’s sincerity towards patients and team members is noticed by all. She loves to reach out into the community and collaborate to ensure the tribal community is well informed regarding dental care. Patients trust her judgement and enjoy the service she provides to NHBP.