Page 9 - Dentistry Magazine 2021

Updates from campus 9
Cyndee Stull named
Dental Hygiene Director Cyndee Stull, RDH, MDH, DHSc, has been appointed as the Division Direc- tor and Program Director for Dental Hygiene at the University of Minne- sota 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 an- nouncement 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.
“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 hygien- ists 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 confi-
dent 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!”
Continuing a time-honored tradition
This September, the school celebrated two White Coat Ceremonies: one for first-year students on September 10, in the traditional course of their studies, and one for second-year students on September 24, honoring students whose first year experience was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
First celebrated in 1989 at the Uni- versity of Chicago, the White Coat Ceremony marks the moment in which each clinical learner is bestowed with their first white coat, recognizing the professionalism and patient-centered care expected of the wearer.
Enhancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Dentistry Naty Lopez, PhD, MEd, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Naty Lopez, PhD, MEd
After the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, unrest followed and spread throughout the community— including
the School
of Dentistry. Students were
visibly affected by the death and sent letters to the administration challenging the current culture and asking for changes. For example, students petitioned for an increase in diversity in their classes. They shared their desire to be prepared