Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association

Tanushka Muscato, MSDH, RDH, is a dedicated dental professional with over two decades of experience in the industry. She serves as an adjunct Professor of Dental Hygiene at Fortis College and is an active member of the Maryland Dental Hygienists' Association. Tanushka began her journey in the dental field at age 16 as a dental assistant before practicing as a registered dental hygienist for the past 14 years. In 2020, she earned her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene with a concentration in Public Health from MCPHS University in Boston.

Throughout her career, Tanushka has served in key leadership and public health roles, including a former Team Leader and Public Health Hygienist with a school-based mobile dental company, former Social Media Chair for the MDHA Dental Hygiene Well-being Committee, and as Secretary for Mid-Atlantic P.A.N.D.A. In addition to her teaching role at Fortis College, she serves as a clinical consultant for private dental practices. Tanushka remains a passionate advocate for non-traditional hygiene roles and is committed to advancing healthcare models that bridge the gap in dental access for vulnerable communities and advancing the scope of dental hygiene practice.

 Heather received her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at Baltimore City Community College in 2012 and has worked in the dental profession for more than 20 years. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene at Baltimore City Community College.  She is also serves as an ADEX dental board examiner. 

Heather is passionate about educating future dental hygienists, advancing oral health, and promoting leadership within the profession. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends. Heather joined the MDHA Executive Board as Vice President to advocate for the profession and support Maryland dental hygienists through education, collaboration, and service. 

 Leslie received her Associates degree in Dental Hygiene from Allegany College of Maryland in 2011, and has been working in private practices since. She is passionate about improving the dental experience for patients and educating them on oral health. Outside of work she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dogs, crafting, and playing volleyball. Leslie joined the MDHA executive board in 2022 in the secretary position as a way to give back to the dental hygiene profession. 

Kaitlyn Sams graduated from CCBC’s Dental Hygiene program and practices full time in Howard County, Maryland. Kaitlyn acts as a liaison between the association and the 8 dental hygiene programs in Maryland.

Kaitlyn is an advocate for the advancement of the dental hygiene profession, actively participating with our lobbyist to represent hygienists' best interest with legislation that has been introduced pertaining to our scope of practice. She plans to bring the RDH's power of prevention to the limelight with direct action. To display the essential role that hygienists have in preventative healthcare, she launched MDHA Brush Forward- a mobile public health initiative designed and run by dental hygienists.