Candidates for
AGD Office

“I welcome the challenges ahead and am confident that the leadership experience I’ve gained throughout my professional life will serve us well.”

Kimberly R. Wright, DMD, MAGD, became involved in organized dentistry during her time as a dental student in the mid-1980s and never looked back. The moment she received her license, she became involved in organized dentistry in a wide variety of areas and roles, from committee member to committee/council chair to trustee in the Oregon Dental Association.  

Actively participating in many Oregon AGD study clubs, Wright became a known entity and was asked to join the Oregon AGD board. It’s here where her most passionate journey in organized dentistry truly began. Her involvement at the constituent level has been extensive — she has been involved in every aspect of Oregon AGD leadership and at one time was the interim executive director during an emergent need.  

ut her involvement in what has become the Oregon AGD Foundation Center education facility is, hands-down, her most joyful and satisfying accomplishment. Alongside a small, committed group, Wright helped raise $1 million in donations and another $1 million in donated equipment for the 7,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, which was completed in 2019. Oregon AGD enjoys one of the highest percentages of general dentist members in the country. Wright believes this clearly demonstrates that dentists join AGD primarily because of what the local constituent offers its members.

Wright’s perspective of strong constituents is invaluable to her candidacy for AGD vice president. Her involvement as a delegate and member of several councils, and ultimately chair of the PACE Council, brings knowledge of how important grassroots member voices are in shaping AGD’s growth. 

Wright also served on the 2022–23 AGD Budget and Finance Committee. This appointment expanded her knowledge of AGD and the financial health of the organization. Organizational fiscal literacy is a key requisite for all members of the Board but, most particularly, Executive Committee members.

Wright currently serves as AGD secretary. In addition to the duties of secretary, she has educated herself on the aspects of AGD she didn’t have direct experience with as a council member. All aspects of what AGD does are extremely important to its mission and vision — specifically, the issues and challenges that the Legislative & Governmental Affairs and Dental Practice councils manage. Their work to protect our profession as we know it is incredibly important, and she has spent time educating herself about these issues. 

Her other significant focus has been on modernizing the policies that govern the Board and its operations. She has led the effort to reorganize and update these documents, specifically the Board Policy Manual. It is a work in progress and will likely take another one to two years to completely renovate. Her leadership in this task has been instrumental.  

Wright is married to Dr. Noel Tenoso, a physical therapist. They have two grown daughters who are successful in their own careers. In her rare free time, she loves to travel, cook and garden.

Personal Statement

“My commitment to advancing AGD’s strategic initiatives and strengthening our presence within the profession as well as my deep appreciation for AGD’s unique culture fuel my desire to embrace the stewardship of AGD for the next three years. I welcome the challenges ahead and am confident that the leadership experience I’ve gained throughout my professional life will serve us well. 

“My professional track record shows:

• A proven ability to lead through change and see projects through to completion.
• A balance of visionary thinking with practical, detail-oriented planning to deliver meaningful results.
• A thoughtful, data-informed approach to evaluating options.
• A commitment to seeking input from stakeholders to ensure better decisions and stronger outcomes.

“Together, we can ensure AGD not only thrives today but continues to grow into the future.”