Mississippi Dental Hygienists’ Association is led by a group of dental hygienists working collaboratively and on a volunteer basis. The leadership team for 2022-2023 includes:
Bayley Alexander
Bayley Alexander RDH, BS
Bayley lives in Bay Springs with her husband and two sons. She currently practices clinical dental hygiene in Laurel. Bayley has always had a passion for dental health. She started her dental career as a dental assistant in 2006. She decided to further her education by obtaining an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from Pearl River Community College in 2011. Then in 2018 she received a Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Bayley has served several roles for MDHA. She was the interim Treasurer in 2018, Vice President in 2019, and President Elect in 2020.
Shannon McCharen, RDH, BS
Shannon McCharen, RDH, BS
Shannon graduated from Coastal Carolina Community College in 1999 with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene and recently graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Shannon is a military spouse, licensed in five states, and made Mississippi her permanent home. She is passionate about progressing the practice of dental hygiene with modern standards and innovations to improve Mississippians’ oral and overall health.
Brandi Barranco
Brandi O. Barranco, RDH, MDH
Brandi graduated with a BS in Dental Hygiene from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 2007. After working in private practice, she went on to earn her Master of Dental Hygiene from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2011. During that time, she had the privilege of being a clinical instructor at LSU. In 2012, her husband’s job moved their family to Mississippi. She currently resides in Columbus and works as a clinical Dental Hygienist in a family practice.
Angie Wooten, RDH
Angie Wooten, RDH
My name is Angie Wooten and I grew up in Pascagoula Mississippi where I graduated from Pascagoula High School in 2009. I attended The University of Mississippi Medical Center for Dental Hygiene and graduated with my Bachelors degree in 2014. I started working at The Winning Smile in June 2014-present. I love what I do and hope to continue making a difference in my patient’s lives. I look forward to serving as Secretary for MDHA.
Jennifer Walker, RDH
Jennifer Walker, RDH
I am Jennifer Walker, President Elect. This is my third year with the MDHA board. For the previous two years, I served as Treasurer and I am thrilled to continue on this path of improving professional life for Mississippi hygienists. I was born and raised in Vicksburg but have lived in Rankin County since graduating from UMMC in 2009. For 12 years I have practiced clinically in the Brandon/Flowood area. My husband and I have three daughters and a pup who keep us on the go. We are on track to do wonderful things for our profession here In Mississippi, and I am grateful to be a part of this association.
Cynthia Senior
Barbara Bent
Barbara Brent, MSAH, RDH
I graduated from the UMMC School of Health Related Professions Dental Hygiene Program with an associate degree in 1981. As a registered dental hygienist, I worked in private dental practices in Vicksburg, Jackson, and Clinton, MS for 36 years. In 2011, I began my pursuit to become a dental hygiene educator. I earned my BS degree in Dental Hygiene from the UMMC Dental Hygiene Advanced Standing Online program in May 2014. In August 2014, I accepted a part-time position as a clinical instructor for the UMMC SHRP Dental Hygiene Program and continued working as a private practice dental hygienist. In July 2017, my private practice career came to an end when I accepted a dental hygiene position for the UMMC School of Dentistry Advanced General Dentistry Department. The dental hygiene position allowed me to continue as a part-time clinical instructor position as well as provide dental hygiene treatment to patients at the Jackson Medical Mall Dental Clinic. I received my Master of Science in Allied Health degree from East Tennessee State University in May 2018. In January 2019, I accepted a full-time faculty position for the UMMC School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Department.
As a private practicing dental hygienist, providing patient care was the most enjoyable aspect of my dental hygiene career and was the focus of my day-to-day duties. My goal as an educator is to assist in enriching the future dental hygienists’ knowledge and clinical skill by sharing my knowledge and skills. Hopefully, they will obtain the personal satisfaction that I received from providing patients optimum oral health care. I hope to share my experience and knowledge as an active participant on the MDHA Board of Directors.
I have been married for 37 years. We have six children, 17 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. My community involvement included several mission trips with my church, coaching fast-pitch softball, serving on the Clinton Soccer Association Board, and currently serving as the State Registrar for Mississippi Soccer Association.
Aubrey Moody
Aubrey Moody is a born and raised Coastie of Mississippi. She first began her dental career by earning her certification in dental assisting from Coastal Training Medical Institute, later landing her first position as a hygiene assistant. Then, she later became a dental assistant and Insurance Coordinator. During that time, her love for oral health and creating patient relationships grew into her passion for dental hygiene. She is in the Pearl River Community College Dental Hygiene graduating class of 2022. While she is no stranger to hard work and leadership, she currently serves as the President of her Dental Hygiene class. Also, she has obtained a degree in Business and Marketing Management. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, supporting her boyfriend at the race track, traveling, and spoiling her fur children. A little fun fact – Aubrey is the oldest child, grandchild, and great grandchild. Furthermore, she is the first person in her immediate family to attend college.
She enjoys being able to help people, building relationships with her patients, and making a difference in someone’s life even if it’s just being a positive light. Aubrey hopes to bring awareness and change to MDHA. She plans to assist other Committee/Members in bridging the gap between the non-members and the MDHA organization. She is striving to create exceptional fundraising opportunities that will open so many doors for our organization, not only for the present but for the continuing future.
Brittany Leasure
My name is Brittany Leasure. I’m a Mississippi dental hygienist from the coast! I work at Gulf Islands Dentistry in Pascagoula, MS for Dr. Jessica Taylor! I went to dental hygiene school at UMMC in Jackson, so I was very involved in SADHA while there. I currently reside in Hurley, MS. I hope to bring more events to the coast area hygienists.
Haley Birmingham
Haley Birmingham, RDH,BS
Haley graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1996 with a bachelor of science in dental hygiene. She has worked in five states and currently resides in Brandon. She has worked at The Winning Smile Dental Group for 15 years and is lead dental hygienist for three locations.
Mississippi Dental Hygienists' Association 