- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Join Native News Online Publisher Levi Rickert as he interviews the first Navajo dentist, Dr. Darlene, on oral health. Darlene Sorrell, DMD, is the first Navajo dentist and a co-founder of the Society for American Indian Dentists (SAID).
Sorrell has been named a 2023 Health Equity Hero for her efforts to improve oral health for American Indian communities. During her 38-year career, she provided care with the Indian Health Service. Darlene now works with the Navajo Nation’s only nonprofit dental clinic, Nizhóní (Beautiful) Smiles – essential work, considering that dental disease incidence among Navajos is triple the general population's rate. As president of the clinic’s board, Darlene collaborates with former colleagues and friends to grow staff and career opportunities at the clinic with initiatives such as an on-the-job dental assistant training program, plus mentorship and shadowing. Darlene’s Health Equity Hero donation will be used to support Nizhóní Smiles.
Tune into the live stream on the Native News Online Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube social media accounts, and subscribe to our channel.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
2025 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Events Across Indian Country
Indigenous Tourism Association Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week May 4-10 with its Top Indigenous Experiences List of 2025
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
