Leadership
President
Jessica Smith, RDH, MS
Jessica graduated from Sanford Brown College Dallas in 2012 and obtain her Master's degree in Dental Health with concentration in Public Health in 2023 from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston,MA. She currently works full time as Dental Hygienist in Dallas. When she is not working or volunteering as a dental hygienist, she's a Girl Scout Troop leader and Children's church teacher at her church. She loves traveling and going to track meets with her three daughters. Jessica is the owner and founder of TopNotch Dental Consulting, is early in her speaking career, and loves to mentor fellow hygienists.
Second Vice President
Bethanie Harrison, BS, RDH
Bethanie is a graduate of Texas State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree, and Collin College, where she completed her Dental Hygiene program. She currently serves as a full-time dental hygienist in McKinney, Texas, where she is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy smiles.
President Elect
Jessica Hipnar, RDH
Jessica graduated from Dallas College in 2023 with her Associates in Dental Hygiene. She has served as delegate and social media chair for DDHA for two years and is excited to also take on the role of secretary. When she is not working or serving her community, Jessica enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and golden retriever, Toby.
Secretary
Ariana Mendoza Vargas, MPH, BSDH, RDH
Ariana graduated from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and earned her Master of Public Health in 2023. She currently teaches at Texas A&M College of Dentistry as the Senior Clinic Coordinator and Public and Community Health instructor. Ariana is excited to serve as secretary and continue advocating for and supporting the growth of the dental hygiene profession. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Chevy.
Immediate-Past President
Ariel Laporte, BA, RDH
​Ariel graduated as Valedictorian from Concorde Career College in Dallas in Fall 2018. She has served in numerous leadership roles, including President of SCADHA, Dallas DHA Delegate, TDHA Dallas Trustee, 2nd Vice President, and President for three years. She currently serves as TDHA President-Elect after previously serving as Communications Director. Outside of her professional leadership, Ariel enjoys spending time with her husband and fur babies and performing with her band, Against All Odds.
Treasuer
Amy Frederiksen, BSDH
Amy graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry – Caruth School of Dental Hygiene in 2002
earning her a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. She has been an active member of ADHA
since her graduation. Amy was President of her local component, DDHA, from 2007-2009. She held the position of 2nd Vice President/Membership for DDHA up until 2015. She is currently a Co-Treasurer for DDHA. She also represents DDHA as a delegate to TDHA’s Annual Session, where she enjoys networking and staying current with hygiene advancements. Amy works as a fulltime Dental Hygienist in Garland. She spends her free time working on her vintage 1981 Airstream, camping, and spending time with the grandkids.
First Vice President
Lauren Summers, RDH, BSDH
For the past 11 years, have been dedicated to providing patient-centered dental hygiene care with a focus on education, prevention, and compassionate service. I have proudly served the TDHA at the local and state levels, supporting continuing education, legislative advocacy, and community outreach to strengthen our profession. As First Vice President, I look forward to fostering member engagement, advancing strategic initiatives, and preparing to serve in future executive leadership roles. Outside of dentistry, I enjoy volunteering through Pearson Family Dentistry, traveling with my family, attending sporting events, and experiencing new cultures.
TDHA Trustee
Destinni Zimmerman, RDH
Destinni is devoted to her family which includes her kids, dogs, and partner. She has been working in dentistry since 2016, but began my journey as a RDH in 2023. Destinni is passionate about her profession and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree with a focus in dental hygiene. Outside of the operatory, she loves experiencing new places and foods, listening to live music, hiking/running, bike adventures to coffee shops, and generally just enjoy being outside and adventurous.