College of Dentistry’s dental hygiene students, faculty make an impact TDHA’s annual session

Dental hygiene students Brenda Hernandez Moctezuma, Zoe Spataro and Olivia Weisskopf

Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s dental hygiene faculty and students had a strong presence at this year’s Texas Dental Hygienists’ Annual Session held Feb. 27 through March 2 in San Marcos. Second-year dental hygiene students Olivia Weisskopf, Zoe Spataro and Brenda Hernandez Moctezuma presented their research poster titled “Behind Closed Mouths: Barriers to HPV Communication in Dentistry.” First-year dental hygiene student Andrea Gonzales received a TDHA scholarship.

Chelsi Graham, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program, was installed as president of Dental Hygiene Educators of Texas.

Leigh Ann Nurick, clinical associate professor and interim program director, presented a continuing education lecture on inappropriate patient behavior, which was introduced in the round to encourage clinicians to share their experiences on the sensitive topic. More than 100 clinicians, 30 educators and students from various dental hygiene schools and programs attended.

Nurick’s course continues to attract attention. There’s growing national attention about strengthening student protection and support in clinical settings. Dental hygiene educators seek Nurick’s guidance about integrating her educational content into their programs, she said.

Leah Spittle, clinical faculty in the dental hygiene program, presented a continuing education course about rapid oral health decline in seniors.