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The American Network of Oral Health Coalitions (ANOHC) has named Tanya Dorf Brunner as its inaugural executive director, a milestone for a national organization that has spent years relying on volunteer leadership to support state oral health coalitions across the country. Dorf Brunner brings more than 17 years of experience in oral health advocacy, coalition building and policy development to the role, and a history with ANOHC that goes back to its founding.
Dorf Brunner previously served as executive director of Oral Health Kansas, where she led statewide efforts to expand access to Medicaid dental care, raise awareness of oral health’s importance and advance prevention strategies grounded in evidence. Under her leadership, Oral Health Kansas helped establish adult dental services through Medicaid, grew the Dental Champions Leadership Program to develop new oral health leaders, and built Pathways to Oral Health, an initiative improving access to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through provider training and community collaboration.
What makes Dorf Brunner’s appointment notable isn’t just her track record, it’s her history with ANOHC itself. She co-founded the organization and previously served as its board chair, helping shape the mission that guides ANOHC’s work today. That combination gives her a rare kind of opportunity: the chance to build the organization from scratch, while building on what was already good about ANOHC’s network, mission and relationships.
“State and territorial oral health coalitions play a vital role in advancing policies and programs that improve oral health for communities,” Dorf Brunner said. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation of ANOHC and expanding opportunities for collaboration and impact nationwide.”
ANOHC’s core work has always been about strengthening state coalitions, groups that bring together partners from dentistry, public health, government, education and community organizations, each with their own structure and priorities but a shared commitment to improving oral health. Dedicated executive leadership gives that work a consistent driver: someone focused full-time on helping coalition leaders exchange ideas, build national partnerships and grow their own organizations’ capacity.
“Tanya’s leadership, advocacy experience and commitment to collaboration make her an outstanding choice to lead ANOHC as its inaugural executive director,” said Nancy Franke Wilson, MS, past chair of the ANOHC Board of Directors and executive director of the Minnesota Oral Health Coalition.
Wilson added that Dorf Brunner’s leadership will help ANOHC continue strengthening coalitions and advancing oral health equity nationwide.
Dorf Brunner also brings a wider network of experience to the role: she co-leads the Advocacy Committee for the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) and serves as chair-elect on the board of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Bethany College, a Master of Management from Baker University, and an Executive Nonprofit Leadership Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School, a combination of policy grounding and nonprofit leadership training tailored to exactly this kind of role.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside dedicated coalition leaders across the country,” Dorf Brunner said.
As ANOHC enters its next chapter, its focus remains what it has always been: helping oral health coalitions build the strength to create lasting impact in the communities they serve, now with a leader at the helm who has spent her career proving what that kind of collaboration can accomplish.
FAQ
Who is Tanya Dorf Brunner?
Tanya Dorf Brunner is ANOHC’s inaugural executive director. She previously served as executive director of Oral Health Kansas and is a co-founder and past board chair of ANOHC.
Why is this ANOHC’s first executive director?
ANOHC has relied on volunteer leadership since its founding. Naming an inaugural executive director gives the organization dedicated capacity to support members, build national partnerships and grow programs full-time.
What is Dorf Brunner’s background in oral health?
She has spent more than 17 years in oral health advocacy, coalition building and policy development, including leading statewide Medicaid expansion efforts and leadership programs at Oral Health Kansas.
What will Dorf Brunner focus on as executive director?
She will lead ANOHC’s efforts to strengthen connections among state oral health coalitions, expand opportunities for collaboration, and help coalition leaders increase their impact in communities nationwide.
Learn more about ANOHC and its national network of state oral health coalitions working to advance oral health policy, prevention and access to care across the United States.
