Sacred Heart University Launches Dental Hygiene Program, Names New Director

FAIRFIELD, CT — Marie Paulis has been named program director of Sacred Heart University's new dental hygiene program.

Paulis previously led the University of New Haven's dental hygiene program, where she oversaw curriculum and clinical education. She also served as an examiner for the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments. Her experience includes clinical practice, classroom instruction and dental hygiene program administration.

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"Marie is a respected educator and leader whose vision, expertise, and deep commitment to student success make her exceptionally well positioned to launch our dental hygiene program," said Karl Minges, dean of Sacred Heart University's College of Health Professions. "As Sacred Heart University expands its portfolio of health professions programs, her leadership will be instrumental in building a program distinguished by academic excellence, clinical preparation, and service to the oral health needs of our communities."

The dental hygiene program, housed in the university's College of Health Professions, will prepare students to become licensed dental hygienists. The eight-semester, 125-credit program will combine classroom instruction with clinical experience.

A proposed dental hygiene clinic would serve as the program's primary clinical training site. Under Paulis' supervision, students would provide preventive oral health services to community members, including underserved populations.

According to the university, the program is also intended to help address a documented shortage of dental health professionals in the surrounding community.

Below is a Q&A session with Paulis about the school and position:

As you take on the role of leading Sacred Heart's new dental hygiene program, what is your vision for the program? 

I see the dental hygiene program at Sacred Heart University as being a state-of-the-art facility that will prepare compassionate, patient-centered students, who develop the skills to be dental hygiene leaders and transform oral health care because of their knowledge and critical thinking skills. The program will be offered as a bachelor's degree, with students completing their Universityand science pre-requisites in years one and two, then completing their dental hygiene courses in years three and four. I believe this format will provide students with a very strong educational foundation and enable them to have long, successful careers.

You bring decades of experience as a practicing dental hygienist, educator, and program director. How have those different experiences shaped your approach to dental hygiene education, and how will they inform the way you develop and lead Sacred Heart's program?My experiences working as a clinician and educator have given me a well-rounded view of the intricacies of how today's students learn and about the importance of creating a positive learning environment that promotes excellence and technology use, where students can thrive. Through these ideals, I plan to lead Sacred Heart's program by creatinga strong foundation with support systems in place for both students and faculty. I will always incorporate exposure to the latest dental technologies into the program, so our students will be well-prepared to work in today's fast-paced dental environment and will be unequaled in the eyes of employers. 

What is driving the need for well-prepared dental hygienists today, both in Connecticut and nationally? What opportunities do you see for graduates entering the profession?

As a profession, dental hygienists are in strong demand. Many dental offices and community health centers are reporting difficulty finding dental hygienists both in Connecticut and across the country. Although reasons may be varied, it appears that a high number of retirees combined with increases in need for care, especially among a growing aging population, and those with difficulty accessing care, has led to a high demand for dental hygienists. Most graduates entering the profession today are able to obtain employment before graduation because the job market is very strong. Another reason dental hygiene is a great occupation is because of its flexibility. Dental hygienists can work part-time, or full-time, and in varied settings, like dental offices, community health centers, schools, or hospitals.

What attracted you to SHU and its College of Health Professions? 

SHU and its College of Health Professions have an outstanding reputation as being leaders and graduating compassionate health care providers who obtained the skills to critically think and work well inter-professionally. These qualities align perfectly with the dental hygiene profession and with my ideals. I feel very privileged and fortunate to have this opportunity to be the founding director of the dental hygiene program at SHU and I cannot wait to begin working with the first dental hygiene students!