This session brings together three dental hygiene educators in an engaging, conversation driven format to examine the evolving role of prevention within dental hygiene education. Participants will reflect on how preventive principles are incorporated into today’s curriculum and how these foundational concepts translate into everyday clinical care once graduates enter practice.

Attendees will explore the current educational pathway for dental hygienists and review key elements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards related to prevention focused competencies. Through guided discussion and peer exchange, the panel will share insights on curriculum design, patient behavior change and education, interprofessional collaboration, future trends, and each educator’s unique prevention centered expertise. Participants will leave with renewed perspective and a strengthened commitment to prevention as a cornerstone of dental hygiene practice.

• Describe the current educational pathway for dental hygienists in the U.S. and identify relevant CODA standards related to prevention-focused competencies.
• Discuss emerging trends in minimally invasive care, patient behavior change, and interprofessional practice as they relate to dental hygiene curricula.
• Compare perspectives from multiple dental hygiene educators to identify opportunities for enhancing prevention within academic and in clinical settings.
• Apply insights from the panel discussion to evaluate and refine your own approach to integrating prevention as a core component of oral health.

Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH is a dental hygiene educator, clinician and advocate with a passion for advancing the profession through advocacy and education. Jessica blends her background in dental hygiene with a Master’s in Education to create engaging, practical learning opportunities for students, educators, and clinicians alike. She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene at Utah Tech University and as CEO of HYGIENE edgeUCATORS, where she develops continuing education programs for educators and practitioners.

She was a cofounder of Hygiene Edge, an educational platform that has grown to over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and earned the prestigious YouTube Silver Play Button Award for its impact on dental education.

Jessica’s leadership and service have been recognized with the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Element Award, UDHA Outstanding Clinician Award and the Utah Tech College of Health Sciences Outstanding Service Award. These awards reflect her deep commitment to making a difference within her own community and professional sphere. She is a Fellow of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (FADHA) and a Past President of the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association (UDHA).

Jessica is widely known for her ability to simplify complex concepts, engage audiences, and inspire both clinicians and educators to thrive.

Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH is a mobile clinician, adjunct faculty, speaker and content creator dedicated to advancing accessible and innovative dentistry. As co-owner of HYGIENE edgeUCATORS, she empowers dental educators through professional development. Since 2009, she has taught at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene and founded Homebound Smiles, a mobile dental practice serving underserved patients. You can follow her work as Shelley_the_Hygienists on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram and her website www.shelley.dental

Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH is a dedicated clinical dental hygiene professional with a passion for advancing oral health education and patient care. Currently she practices at Aspen Heights Dental in Highland, UT and is an adjunct professor at Colorado Northwestern Community College. She is cofounder of Hygiene Edge, an online education platform full of helpful tips and tricks to make dental professionals' lives a little bit easier and owns and operates Acuti Sharpening, a dental hygiene instrument sharpening company.

Beyond her work as a dental hygienist and educator, Melia is committed to advancing the profession. Her innovative approach and dedication have earned her recognition as a leader in the field of dental hygiene. Reach out to her at melia@hygieneedge.com or on Instagram @hygieneedge and @meliardh.