Dental Hygiene

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?

When a student matriculates through the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program, there is an obvious career path: become a licensed dental hygienist and practice clinically, full time. Though that is a popular and successful path, it’s not the only option—and our alumni have shown that with their varied and engaging career decisions.

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 proposed study by two School of Dentistry researchers has received a $127,000, two-year grant to study hesitancy and willingness to provide HPV vaccinations among dental providers.

The School of Dentistry’s second-year learners experienced a rite of passage into the profession last week, after a pandemic-induced delay.

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.

The School of Dentistry celebrated 105 DDS learners, 21 Dental Hygiene learners and 7 Dental Therapy learners at their White Coat Ceremony last week, marking their official entrance into the dental profession.

Beginning their orientation work over the summer and starting their classes by September, 133 new students entered the Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene programs as first year learners.