Cyndee Stull appointed Dental Hygiene Director
Cyndee Stull, RDH, MDH, DHSc, has been appointed as the Division Director and Program Director for Dental Hygiene at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Sheila Riggs, DDS, DMSc, chair of the Department of Primary Dental Care announced Monday, September 13.
“I am confident that Dr. Stull’s leadership and vision will continue to advance the quality, reputation and impact of our Division of Dental Hygiene,” Riggs expressed in an announcement to faculty and staff.
Stull began her education with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene at the University of South Dakota before receiving a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Public Health in 1982. She worked in private practice as a dental hygienist until 2014, but joined the University in 2010 to teach clinical and didactic courses. She received her Master of Dental Hygiene from the University of Minnesota in 2013, and a Doctorate in Health Sciences from A.T. Still University in 2020. Prior to the new role, she served as director of the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program at the School of Dentistry. She is also a member of the University of Minnesota’s 1Health Initiative, an interprofessional education program aimed at preparing future clinicians to be teammates across disciplines.
Stull was selected to the role via a search committee chaired by Hooi Pin Chew, BDS, FDSRCS, PhD, associate professor of restorative sciences. “Dr. Stull’s innovative vision for the dental hygiene profession, insight and experience in interprofessional education and leadership skills will ensure her success in this role,” said Chew of the selection.
The Division of Dental Hygiene at the University of Minnesota has graduated oral care professionals in the state of Minnesota for more than 100 years. The Division’s mission is to educate oral health professionals who are prepared intellectually, technically and ethically to meet the oral health care needs and challenges of the future. Miranda Drake, MSDH, RF, and Karl Self, DDS, MBA, have served as interim leaders throughout the selection process.
“It is with great excitement and energy that I step into this role. I am humbled to follow the great leadership that has directed this program to become one of the best in the nation,” Stull said of the announcement. “Going forward, my vision is to prepare dental hygienists with the skills for future roles in healthcare that don’t yet exist, but will be necessary to meet the needs of future populations. I am confident that with the alliance between our innovative, talented faculty and supportive administration, and with the University’s strong emphasis on interprofessional training and patient care, we will make great strides toward this vision. This is an exciting time for the profession of dental hygiene as we look toward the future!”
The School of Dentistry welcomes Stull to this new position and looks forward to her role in shaping the next generation of oral health professionals.