Dental Hygiene

Riggs was thrilled at the concept of a loan forgiveness program that would allow the School of Dentistry to remain competitive. “This is a life-changing amount of money for recipients,” she explained.

Cyndee Stull, DHSc, director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, takes the connection between oral and systemic health seriously. That connection informs everything she does, and it’s the inspiration behind a project being funded by Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation.

“This is our favorite time of year,” reflected Cyndee Stull, DHSc, MDH, RDH, director of dental hygiene as she kicked off the evening. “Tonight, we get to say: job well done.”

Everyday tasks that were once simple can sometimes become complicated and stressful for transgender people. Oral health care shouldn’t be one of them—and researchers across the School of Dentistry are doing their part to make sure that’s the case.

With friends and family in attendance, the school honored 123 Doctor of Dental Surgery graduates, 26 Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene graduates, 8 Master of Dental Therapy graduates, 36 candidates for advanced education in dentistry, four candidates for the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene and one graduate student in oral biology.

Lanette Wedell, BSDH ’06, MSDH ’22, lives in many worlds at once. She was able to merge those worlds together at this year’s American Dental Education Association conference.

Michelle Arnett, RDH, MS, BS, assistant professor of dental hygiene, received a Colgate CARES award to explore the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) at oral hygiene appointments. The Colgate Award for Research Excellence is a year-long research grant that provides $30,000 to a researcher in their first five years as an investigator. According to Colgate, “the goal of the program is to advance oral healthcare therapies in the realm of basic science, translational science and clinical care.” Arnett is the second dental hygienist in the Colgate CARE grant history to win this competitive grant. 

On Saturday, February 26, 96 children came to the School of Dentistry to receive free dental care from DDS, dental hygiene and dental therapy students and their faculty. Services included comprehensive examinations, cleanings, sealants and fillings. The event is part of the American Dental Association’s national Give Kids a Smile program aimed at providing oral health services to children who might not otherwise be able to receive them. Give Kids a Smile was established as a national program in 2003, and nearly 1,500 partners host events each February in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month. 

“Lesley is a dynamic, young Dental Hygienist who is passionate about providing dental care,” said Carol Dahlke, who nominated Tuomi for the award. “Shei is a perfect role model of what a distinguished dental hygiene alumna looks like.

Across programs and subjects at the School of Dentistry, faculty members pride themselves on their innovative, engaging teaching styles. Whether didactic or clinical, courses encourage active learning and hands-on experiences. But what happens when “hands-on” is no longer an option?