Leadership in Dental Hygiene Certificate Program™

CURRICULUM

Leadership in dental hygiene extends far beyond clinical practice. This seven unit course is led by Jessica Havens and Deb Daniel, dental hygienists who created successful careers in healthcare administration, contributing to systemic health without the rigors of clinical practice. This program is uniquely tailored to expand career pathways inside a dental setting or far beyond it. With recorded lectures that allow you to study at your own pace, participants will engage in reflective exercises, building foundational knowledge, and a skill-building capstone exercise that fosters professional growth and leadership excellence.

Objectives 

Module One: Intro to Leadership

• Understand and apply various leadership theories and styles.
• Assess personal leadership strengths and areas for improvement.
• Demonstrate ethical leadership principles in professional settings.

Module Two: Human Resources Leadership

• Understand the principals of managing human resources effectively within a dental practice.
• Develop strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining dental team members.
• Address workplace challenges such as conflict resolution, team dynamics, and performance evaluation.

Module Three: Project Management

• Apply project management principles, skills and tools to initiate, plan, execute, and oversee projects.
• Understand the leadership skills required for project management.
• Utilize tools for effective resource allocation, risk management, and project evaluation.

Module Four: Knowledge Translation

• Understand the foundations of knowledge translation (KT).
• Interpret and communicate research findings effectively.
• Integrate evidence-based practices into clinical settings.
• Evaluate the impact of knowledge translation on patient care and practice improvement.

Module Five: Program Development

• Design and implement healthcare programs for a variety of settings.
• Identify community needs and develop programs that address those needs.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare programs and make necessary improvements.

Module Six: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Understand and apply DEI principles in dental hygiene and healthcare practice.
• Develop cultural competence to provide inclusive patient care.
• Advocate for policies and practices that promote DEI within the dental and healthcare community.

Module Seven: Mentorship and Networking

• Build and maintain professional networks within the dental and health care community.
• Develop skills to support mentor and mentee relationships.
• Understand how to support fellow dental hygienists through mentorship.
• Leverage networking opportunities to advance personal and professional goals.