Krystal Begay, RDH, BS, has been a practicing dental hygienist for 14 years, serving patients in both Colorado and New Mexico. Throughout her career, she has found fulfillment in providing positive dental experiences and helping individuals of all ages achieve their oral health goals. Over time, Begay’s personal passion has developed around airway dentistry and community health. Her commitment to giving back has been reflected in her involvement in outreach programs such as Missions of Mercy, Give Kids a Smile, and local events that are dedicated to providing dental care to veterans in her hometown. Begay is a recent graduate of the University of New Mexico’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree-completion program and is a current student in the school’s Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program.
Despite over a century of progress, dental hygiene still lacks the research infrastructure and doctoral pathways needed to fully establish its role as a modern evidence-based healthcare discipline.