Gov. Bobby Jindal announced this week his appointments to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, which includes an alum of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Patricia Cassidy of Jennings, a 1983 ULM honor graduate in Dental Hygiene, has worked for Dr. Tommy Leger for 20 years. Cassidy was selected from nominations certified by the secretary of the board and submitted to the Governor, as required by statute.

Cassidy is a financial supporter of the ULM Primo Salus Oralis Foundation and also a member of the ULM Alumni Association.

"I am honored to be appointed to represent the hygienist of our state," Cassidy said. "I love our profession and look forward to working with the Board of Dentistry. I sincerely appreciate Department Head Beverly Jarrell and the wonderful work done in the Department of Dental Hygiene at ULM."

The Louisiana State Board of Dentistry is responsible for registering, examining, licensing, and regulating the practices of dentistry and dental hygiene. According to the statute, the board is comprised of 14 gubernatorial appointments that are subject to senate confirmation. One hygienist is selected from nominations certified by the secretary of the board and submitted to the governor. The remaining ten dentists are appointed from each of the nine board districts, which are established in the statute, with the Fifth Board District being represented by two members.

Other new appointments to the board include Aubrey Baudean Jr. of Marrero and David Melancon of Houma.