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The Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition recently recognized Sandi Perez and Lydia Cockayne in Flagstaff as the 2025 Oral Health Heroes for their work in the field and advocacy for oral healthcare throughout the region.

They were presented their awards during a March 7 luncheon. The event was sponsored by Delta Dental of Arizona 

The Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition has recognized an oral health hero each year since 2021. This is the first year the award has been given in multiple categories, with Perez being recognized for nonclinical work and Cockayne for clinical work as a dental professional.

Two honorable mentions were also recognized for both categories: Bruce Wilcox, the dental director of North Country Healthcare (NCHC) and Lori Page, dental assistant at the Poore Dental Clinic, in the clinical category; and Deb Lash, a retired employee of Patterson Dental Supply Company, and nonprofit A New Dawn AZ in the nonclinical category.

Before becoming a sales representative for Patterson Dental Supply, Cockayne spent 25 years working as a dental assistant and hygienist upon graduating from Northern Arizona University. She said she’s “always� wanted to work in public health.

“I think Lydia embodies the heart and spirit of our community,� Perez said. “Welcomes everyone, embraces everyone, no matter their background, their circumstances. � She is just this wonderful, accepting individual that makes everybody feel comfortable and safe getting dental care.�

Perez moved to Flagstaff from Phoenix in 2019. She has worked in oral health philanthropy for the past 25 years, including for foundations that invest in oral health across Arizona through clinics, education and screenings.

She currently cochairs the Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition along with Peter Van Wyck and runs a nonprofit and consulting company.

“I’m not surprised that Sandi was nominated and won,� Cockayne said. � ... She’s the one that’s working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure of everything legality-wise and coordinating and helps out and makes sure that we’re doing what we need to be doing.�

Both Cockayne and Perez volunteered with Arizona Mission of Mercy (AZMOM), an event that took place in both Phoenix and Flagstaff to provide free dental care to anyone seeking services.

“It’s really satisfying to be able to go, give back and help people with their smiles and then to boost that confidence,� Cockayne said.

AZMOM hosted its last event in December 2024 after a decade of doing so annually.

Perez and Cockayne are among the group of providers in northern Arizona trying to develop other ways for people to access care locally. More than a dozen organizations are involved, with a group of nine meeting twice monthly throughout the year to plan.

Both are volunteering to help organize Dental Days, a northern Arizona event during which local dental professionals volunteer to provide free care. This year’s event is scheduled for April 23-26 at North Country HealthCare’s Fourth Street location and the Health and Human Services Building at NAU. A flyer for the event notes that this is for Coconino County residents aged 18 or older, with treatment based on greatest need and registration required.

April 23 and 24 will be for cleanings at NAU, while April 25 and 26 are set for fillings and extractions at NCHC. Patients can register at .

It is also seeking volunteers from both the general community and dental and medical professionals for the last two days at NCHC. Those interested can register at .

Perez said Dental Days is designed with a focus on adults, as this age group does not receive dental coverage through Medicaid. She noted that veterans also do not receive dental service once they retire, unless their oral health needs are related to combat.

Oral health is connected not only to the health of other parts of the body, she said, but also aspects of life such as confidence and employment.

“People are really self-conscious about their teeth, and we'll frequently see people that will talk to you and hide their mouth or not smile much because they’re very self-conscious and it's expensive care to get,� Perez said. “Once you have bad teeth, fixing them is expensive -- much cheaper to prevent decay and prevent any cavities and gum disease and things like that. If we take good care of our mouths, we can make a huge difference, and that's part of our education is trying to make sure that people realize that it's not secondary, that it's part of our overall well-being.�

In early March, Cockayne was doing outreach to dental offices and all sorts of healthcare professionals to make sure there will be enough event volunteers. Both Oral Health Heroes said Flagstaff’s dental volunteer events are often on Fridays and Saturdays when dental offices are typically closed, meaning an additional commitment from those who volunteer. They said Flagstaff’s dental community is unique in its willingness to help out.

“I’m just so impressed with the caliber and the commitment of the dental community here,� Perez said. “It’s just been amazing.�