Kristina Hyatt, a 2014 A-B Tech Dental Hygiene graduate, was named Miss Native American USA at a pageant held in August in Tempe, Ariz.

She was also the winner of the 2011 Miss Cherokee pageant, representing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

“I decided to enter the Miss Native American USA pageant as a way to create awareness of the importance of dental health with a focus on preventing early childhood cavities,” Kristina said. “I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to make my voice heard, whether I won the pageant or not. Access to dental care and early childhood cavities continues to be an issue throughout Indian Country. I have a duty to share my knowledge as a dental hygienist and help create beautiful, healthy smiles among our Native American people. I have several projects in mind that I can’t wait to share throughout the coming year.”

Kristina is currently a dental hygienist with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Children’s Dental Program. “I work directly with the children in our orthodontic program. I absolutely love my job! I often times feel as though there are never enough hours in the day, but I try very hard to balance my time wisely. My to-do lists and planner are what keep me sane,” she said.

Kristina’s earlier pageant experience helped prepare her for the national event. The Miss Cherokee pageant was a local pageant where she represented her tribe, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Practice started a couple of months before the actual pageant.

The Miss Native American USA pageant was completed in one day and contestants learned the walking patterns a couple hours before the actual pageant started. “I had to travel all the way to Tempe, Arizona, so most of my family was unable to attend,” Kristina said. “It was hard, knowing that my parents would have been there if my dad hadn’t been sick. I was very nervous about the on-stage question because we had no idea what we would be asked. I am assuming I was able to answer well, though.”

As Miss Native American USA 2015-16, Kristina has a duty to encourage Native American women to achieve their personal goals, build character, enhance self-esteem, and develop leadership skills. To help promote, address, support, and collaborate, in areas of continuing education, domestic violence, alcohol & drugs, suicide, teenage pregnancy, youth violence, HIV/AIDS, diabetes prevention, in urban and Native American communities. “I will also encourage volunteerism, provide goodwill service in Native American communities and in urban society,” she said.