Immediate Past Chair, Elisa Ghezzi, DDS, PhD
Elisa M. Ghezzi, DDS, PhD provides dental care for residents of nursing and assisted living facilities in the Detroit Michigan Metropolitan area. In addition, she is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics at the University of Michigan (UM) School of Dentistry. She received her DDS (1995) from UM, completed a General Practice Residency (1995-6) at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN, trained in a geriatric dentistry fellowship (1996-8) at UM, and obtained both an MS (2001) in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis and a PhD (2005) in Epidemiology from UM School of Public Health. Dr. Ghezzi serves as the past chair of the Coalition for Oral Health for the Aging, a member of the Healthy Aging Committee of the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, and a member of the Oral Health Workgroup of the Gerontological Society of America. Her research has focused on the effects of oral diseases on systemic health. She has written and lectured extensively on the topic of oral health care for older adults and persons with dementia.
Chair, Suzanne S. Tanis, RDH, BS
Suzanne S. Tanis, RDH, BS graduated from Ferris State University in 1989 with her AAS in dental hygiene and in 1991 with her BS in Business-Marketing. She worked in private practice as a clinical dental hygienist for over 23 years. In 2014 she became the program coordinator for Volunteer For Dental in Muskegon, MI which is still her current position. The program helps low income Muskegon and Oceana County residents receive free dental care in exchange for volunteer service in the community. Suzanne provides oral health resources and education bi-monthly at a local church for all residents, throughout Muskegon County at community events, and as requested by local community partners and organizations. She is a member of the Muskegon County Oral Health Coalition and the One in 21 Healthcare Providers committee. She is a member of the Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association and her local component the Grand Shores Dental Hygienists' Association. She was a member of the first PA161 study club in Michigan (2008-2011) and continues to look for new models of care to reach the under-served population.
Treasurer, Lisa Darrow, RDH, BA
Lisa Darrow, RDH, BA has over 30 years experience in the dental profession. Lisa has taken her work experience and passion for dental hygiene into many dental arenas; from clinical dental hygiene, to dental manufacturer’s educational rep, to seminar speaker, to dental product consultant to her own company Darrow Dental Sales L.L.C. Lisa is committed to protecting the citizens of Michigan by being member of the Michigan Board of Dentistry. She is passionate in promoting dental hygiene through community and state volunteering. Lisa continues to be an active member in her National, State and local dental hygiene associations.
Secretary, Dental Day Chair, Kelly Detter, RDH, BSDH
Kelly Detter, RDH, BSDH is a Registered Dental Hygienist providing preventive oral health services both in private practice and community-based settings. She received her AAS in Dental Hygiene from Oakland Community College and licensure in 2010, then her BSDH from the University of Michigan in 2012. Kelly serves as the chair for COHA Care's PA161 Program. She has developed educational materials for peer professionals, patients and caregivers for training purposes. Through collaboration with community partners, this program strives to establish an effective working model which focuses on bridging the gap for the elderly, persons with disabilities and the underprivileged to receive and maintain optimal preventive oral health.
Director, Katelynn Fracalossi, RDH, BSDH
Katelynn Fracalossi, RDH, BSDH graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy Dental Hygiene program in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. In May 2015, Katelynn was awarded the Colgate Student Total Achievement Recognition Award, which states, “for compassion in patient care, enthusiasm for community service and dedication to and enjoyment of the profession of Dental Hygiene”. Katelynn works in private practice and is also a Clinical Adjunct Instructor for the University of Detroit Mercy Dental Hygiene program. She has volunteered in community health settings such as low income schools in Detroit, low income medical clinics, nursing homes and local community health events. She has also presented educational oral health seminars to children and the deaf community. She is currently the Chair of the Outreach Workgroup Committee for COHA.
