Sue Gardner and husband Kim OH is passionate about Sue's work with the Alliance.

Sue Gardner

She has been married for 34 years to her husband Kim, current Vice President and soon to be President-elect of the Ohio Dental Association.  When Kim first opened his office, Sue was the receptionist.  As time passed, Sue left the office to raise and homeschool their four children.  Before homeschooling, she was a first grade teacher in the Cleveland Public School system.

Sue first learned about the Alliance of the Ohio Dental Association at an Ohio Dental Association meeting which included an invitation to a reception for dental spouses.  Her interest was peaked and she set out to find information about joining.  In her research, she learned that becoming a member of the Alliance included membership in local, state and national Alliance associations or as a member-at-large.

Gigi Kudyba (GA) and Sue

On her local level, the Northeastern Ohio Dental Society had no Alliance; so Sue, with dear friend Bernadette Cavolo, started one!  Twenty five years later the Alliance of the Northeastern Ohio Dental Society is still going strong.  As President of her local component and of her state Alliance, Sue is working to make positive changes on the local, state, and national level.

Dental Health Education is Sue’s forte.  Her background in education gives her the perfect skill set to teach the importance of dental health for every stage of life.  Locally, Sue works to educate children in the school system on proper dental care.  In elementary schools she  dresses as the tooth fairy, handing out brushes and floss, teaching the children the importance of good dental hygiene and how to brush properly.  When working with older students and groups in juvenile detention centers, she brings along her Meth Mouth Mary and Dipper Dan models to show how the use of meth and chewing tobacco can impact their dental and physical health, as well as appearance.  Sue also finds great satisfaction working with the senior citizens, who need to be educated as their dental needs change with age.

Sue and Wendy Zent (IN)

In addition, Sue enjoys working with student spouses at the local dental school, assisting and collaborating with them as they plan their events.  She also serves on the national level on the AADA Council on Dental Health Education and has been a speaker at AADA leadership meetings.

Sue feels that the AADA makes her more aware of what is going on in her husband’s office, as well as gives her more opportunity to work in the community while she nurtures her political interest and knowledge.  Sue says, “If you are thinking of joining the Alliance, there are benefits at all levels of involvement.  You will get to work with incredibly inspiring and motivational people from all ages, stages and positions in life.  The focus of the AADA Council on Dental Health Education is to reach all ages from cradle to grave.  Alliance members focus on dental health education, legislative issues and the well-being of the dental family.  There is a niche for everyone....I just happen to like it all!”

Now that her children are grown, Sue once again fills the position of receptionist in her husband’s practice.  Through it all she says, “I am thankful I found the Alliance. Thankful for the friendships, mentors, fun times and knowledge shared by members.  The Alliance has been a wonderful blessing in my life.”

The Alliance of the Ohio Dental Association (AODA) executive board meeting and family picnic at the Gardner's home.