A dental hygiene faculty member at West Virginia University School of Dentistry is representing the school across the nation and in organized dentistry while also being recognized for her contributions in oral healthcare.
Dawn Dean, MSDH, RDH, joined the Department of Dental Hygiene in January 2022. Five months into her position at WVU, the assistant professor received accolades in her hometown and a leadership position within the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA).
Dean graduated with an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from West Liberty State College in 1984, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from West Virginia University, Eberly College of Arts & Sciences, in 1986, and a Master of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene Research & Administration from West Virginia University, School of Dentistry, in 1992.
On May 17, the assistant professor was given the key to the City of Wheeling, her hometown. Wheeling’s mayor, Glen Elliot, Jr., made the presentation after a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Dean was recognized for her lifetime of professional achievements, her upcoming American Dental Hygiene Association presidency and as a lifelong resident of West Virginia and her birthplace and current residence of Wheeling. Dean will be installed as the ADHA 2022-2023 president on Sunday, June 26. (See a photo gallery.)
“As I look ahead to my installation as the 2022-2023 ADHA president, it is with great pride that I carry the WVU School of Dentistry, my alma mater, in my heart throughout this coming year of service to my profession and association. The Mountaineer mindset and spirit will be my guiding light as ADHA president, now through next July,” Dean said.
Dean received the 2017 West Virginia University School of Dentistry Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted into the Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honor Society in 2018.