NIHB – Tribal Oral Health Initiative

Hello, my name is Keana Cruse. I am originally from Seward Alaska, and I am a Chickaloon Tribal member. I moved to Mount Vernon, WA about ten years ago. I have worked in the medical field for over ten years, with a year and a half of experience at a pediatric dental clinic. I love working with and helping people.

I was a CNA for about ten years, and after having children I realized that I needed better hours. I applied for a pediatric dental clinic locally that trained me on the job. I enjoyed working with the children and making their dental experiences positive. I always had good dental experiences when I was growing up, so that makes me strive for those experiences for others.

My grandfather was edentulous by the age of sixteen. I know he had a challenging time eating his favorite foods because of it, and dentures are uncomfortable. When I heard about Dental Therapy, I knew that it was a career that I could get behind.

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