Spotlights
Hear the stories of people working to improve oral health!
Jenny G.
My dental career began when I graduated from Pima Community College in 1977. I worked as a Dental Assistant until my acceptance into the Dental Hygiene Program at Northern Arizona University. Upon graduating in 1986, I worked as a chair-side dental hygienist for six years and continue to work with NAU on an Interprofessional Educational Collaboration rotation at Flagstaff Medical Center.
In 1992, I began my journey with the Coconino County Public Health Services District as a public health hygienist, better known as the “Tooth Fairy”. Providing oral health education in the school setting as well as providing direct services was my role. Everyone deserves a smile!
As a public health servant, I developed a passion to give back to the community in and out of the dental field. My charitable contributions include Mission of Mercy, Give Kids a Smile, and the Arizona Veteran’s StandDown Alliance. I have donated my time to the Poore Free Medical Clinic’s Sid Davis DDS Memorial Dental Clinic and provided hygiene services in Honduras through the World Gospel Organization. Outside of the dental arena I have served meals at the local food kitchen, packed food boxes, and gathered coats and clothes for Operation School Bell. I coached Little League for eleven years and volunteered with Boy Scouts.
Giving back makes my heart happy!
Dale Hallberg
Dr. Dale Hallberg and his wife Terri have owned and operated Hallberg Family Dentistry in Flagstaff for 32 years. Both Dr. Hallberg and Terri volunteer their time and expertise at The Poore Free Medical Clinic and Sid Davis Memorial Dental Clinic, the Veterans Stand Down and Give Kids A Smile. They have also volunteered at all seven of the Arizona Mission of Mercy events at the Phoenix Veteran’s Coliseum and are both taking lead roles in this year’s Arizona Mission of Mercy North at NAU in June. The appreciation expressed by patients at all events has been overwhelming. They are proud to be a part of bringing the Mission of Mercy to Flagstaff in 2019.
The Hallberg's have always had a soft spot for those patients that just can’t afford conventional dental treatment. “The challenge has always been trying to differentiate between those patients that just can’t afford treatment and those that choose not to afford it. The Poore Free Medical Clinic finally gave us a way to make that differentiation with the Clinic's income requirements.”
They both grew up in households that emphasized helping others and they believe in the notion that dentists have the obligation to help others with their knowledge and skills. “Regular dental care is something that not everyone will or can obtain, so being able to lower that hurdle gives us the satisfaction of trying to make a difference. Some of it comes out of the desire to do what's right, some of it comes from the duty of doing what's right.” “We are both honored to be a part of the dental profession and grateful for the opportunity to serve others. Volunteering for these causes gives us the opportunity to show our appreciation and, more importantly, give back to the citizens and community that have supported our practice for so many years. Both of our sons, Trevor and Casey, decided to attend dental school and will be joining the practice in 2020. We look forward to having them and their families back in Flagstaff and their continued commitment to volunteerism at Hallberg Family Dentistry. Volunteering to help those in need, less fortunate, and/or less able, is always beneficial to the human soul. Little deposits into the Bank of Karma, maybe.”