Become a teacher

From patients to your future peers — how you can take your role as educator to the next level. by Stephanie Bossenberger, RDH, MS

My interest in teaching grew out of my admiration of the professionalism, style and dedication of Dr. Kathleen Lukken, the founder and first program director of the Weber State University Dental Hygiene Program.  At the time, dental hygiene was still a relatively new profession in Utah, so there were very few hygienists in the area interested in pursuing teaching and employment was plentiful.

The program at Weber State was anticipating growth and had opportunities for part-time clinical faculty.  In my case, that meant one day a week in the clinical setting with junior students, but I used the additional time to shadow and learn from my mentors. When an opening for a radiology lab/classroom course came my way, I seized it, and since then I have been able to teach nearly every course in the curriculum over my tenure at the university.  

 
MAKING THE JUMP

As time went on, I continued to split my workweek between clinical dental hygiene and dental hygiene education. I needed to reflect on how my career was going and how I felt about the changes in my employment, role and activities as a faculty member. I began to realize the impact I was having on these new hygienists and the future of the profession, and it encouraged me to take the next step. I knew it was necessary to continue my own goals of earning a Master’s degree in education and putting my years of experience to work in both clinical and didactic settings.

Since making that commitment, teaching dental hygiene has allowed me to learn something new every day, whether that be from my students, fellow faculty, or other interdisciplinary healthcare providers.  For those of you wondering and wavering as to whether or not it is right for you, know that a career in dental hygiene education is not always easy, but extremely rewarding. It might just lead you to increased enthusiasm, personal growth and fulfillment.

 
THE PROFESSOR’S POINTS

If you want to pursue a career in dental hygiene education, it can be helpful to:

Discuss your interests. Talk with other hygienists, clinicians and educators, and ask for referrals or letters of introduction that you can use when applying for teaching positions.

Identify a mentor. Find an educator who is willing to work with you to navigate opportunities in education.

Shadow a faculty member. Go to a course to observe the interactions and role of the faculty member. Do you sense the excitement in being part of the growth of the next generation of dental hygiene professionals?

Evaluate your level of motivation. You may need to further your own level of education. Discuss this with your mentor and decide whether you can committ to the process. 

Stephanie Bossenberger, RDH, MS, is a professor and the Department Chair for the Dental
Hygiene Program at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. She has nearly 30 years of teaching experience in both clinical and classroom dental hygiene skills and advanced dental hygiene research.