School News

Laurie Sarkinen

Honoring our dental hygienists

The United States celebrates National Dental Hygiene month in October, honoring the dental hygienists who care for our teeth and promote healthy habits throughout our lives. At the School of Dentistry, we are proud to educate learners who are prepared intellectually, technically and ethically to meet the oral health care needs and challenges of the future.

A Message from the Dean

Job Well Done | A Message from the Dean

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the accrediting agency for US Dental, Dental Hygiene and Advanced Education (specialty) Programs. Every seven years the predoctoral program is reviewed by CODA. In order to undergo this comprehensive review, programs must prepare well in advance and it takes a team of faculty and staff to make a successful process.

Emily Wick, DDS '21 and Pedro Lopez Vega, DT '24

Growing to give back as a dental therapist

Pedro Lopez Vega’s life seems to have followed a path that feels inevitable. Life has not been easy for the Dental Therapy class of 2024 student, but everything he has experienced has brought him to where he is today—and shaped his vision for the future.

Cyndee Stull, RDH, MDH, DHSc

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.

Bringing joy - and education - to patients and classmates

Jose Gigato Gonzalez, DDS ’22, has always had a passion for artistic skills. He spent his spare time in undergraduate studies pursuing photography, as well as volunteering. He also knew he loved, and had great skill for, science. His bachelor’s degree from Florida International University in Miami in Biological Sciences and Multidisciplinary Studies furthered that expertise.