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A Conference for Clinic and Lab Instructors!

Educators Platform is proud to present INSTRUCT, a virtual conference tailored specifically for lab and clinic instructors in dental hygiene programs. As educators, we are all too familiar with the evolving landscape of dental hygiene education. The challenges we face today, especially with the characteristics of the next generation of students towards feedback and instruction, require innovative solutions and fresh perspectives.

Recent trends indicate that many faculty members struggle to effectively engage and motivate students, often leaving instructors wondering if they are teaching effectively. The need for constructive feedback and strategies to enhance teaching performance has never been more critical.

INSTRUCT 2024 is designed to address these pressing challenges while empowering instructors to enhance their clinical teaching skills. This impactful, two-day conference will focus on the latest best practices and research in clinical instruction, providing you with the tools you need to thrive in your role. Day 1 we will go deep into the intricacies of teaching, focusing on how students develop psychomotor skills and the best methods for effective communication during instruction. Day 2 will concentrate on evidence-based strategies that highlight the critical role of providing meaningful feedback to our students.

INSTRUCT is more than just a conference; it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow educators, share ideas, and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to make a greater impact in your students' educational journey. Let’s come together to face our challenges head-on and ignite a passion for teaching and learning in dental hygiene education.

We welcome all lab and clinic instructors to participate in this essential event and gain practical skills that can be implemented immediately! Clinical teaching methodology is required for accreditation- this is the perfect way for our programs to meet this requirement. We welcome full- and part-time faculty to this impactful event! Don't miss your chance to innovate and inspire—register for INSTRUCT today!

Schedule at a Glance

Day 1

October 23
5:00 – 7:30 pm CT


Innovative Approaches to Clinical Dental Hygiene Education: Enhancing Psychomotor Development and Student Success

Our Speaker:
– Jennifer B. Harmon, MS, RDH –


Realistic Approach to Calibration

Our Speaker:
– Sheree Duff Sawka RDH, BS, MSA –

Day 2

October 24
 5:00 – 7:30 pm CT


Empowering Our Future Dental Professionals with Effective Feedback

Our Speakers:
– Lorie Speer, RDH, MSDH –
– Sarah Jackson MS, RDH, FADHA –

Detailed Session Information

Meet Your Conference Facilitators

Jennifer Harmon, MS, RDH, BS, BA

Jennifer Harmon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Periodontology, Endodontics, and Dental Hygiene at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. As a triple Tar Heel, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, and Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education, all from UNC-Chapel Hill. Jennifer teaches undergraduate, graduate, and pre-doctoral students, focusing on clinical excellence and psychomotor skill development. She has served as President of the North Carolina Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Supreme Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha, and is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and American Dental Education Association. Recognized with numerous faculty appreciation awards, Jennifer was recently named an Honorary Professor for Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. She has published in several peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Dental Education, Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, and Journal of Dental Hygiene. She is passionate about sharing her expertise and has traveled extensively with Dental Hygiene Academy, speaking for the #1 board review course in the United States. As a highly sought-after speaker, Jennifer presents nationally and internationally on ergonomics, periodontal instrumentation, communication, and teaching strategies.

Sarah Jackson, MS, RDH, FADHA

Sarah has been actively involved in the dental field since she was in high school and started her career as a dental assistant. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Washington University (EWU) and her Master of Science degree in Dental Hygiene Education from Idaho State University. Sarah joined the full-time faculty at Eastern Washington University in 2007. She served as a clinic lead for 12 years and teaches various courses in the undergraduate curriculum including Leadership, Disease Prevention, Advocacy and Ethics, Risk and Practice Management, Capstone, and Clinical Teaching Strategies. She is currently the Program Director for the online EWU BSHS/BSDH Degree completion program. In addition, she teaches in the EWU Master’s Program (MSDH) and has facilitated classes for dental students from the University of Washington (RIDE program). She is also currently the SADHA advisor for EWU and is very active in The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA). Sarah is an international speaker and published author. She has received the Dean’s Excellence Award for Teaching Excellence and The Outstanding Faculty Award in Teaching from EWU. She has a contagious enthusiasm for teaching and loves the “light bulb moments” with her students and seeing them grow and succeed as the next generation of oral healthcare providers.

Lorie Speer, RDH, MSDH

Lorie Speer, RDH, MSDH, is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene at Eastern Washington University. She began teaching as a part-time clinic instructor in 2008 and joined the full-time faculty in 2015. Lorie teaches in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Her research interests include yoga, Core 4 stretching, effective feedback, clinical teaching, self-efficacy, faculty development, and adult learning. Lorie loves working alongside students as they reach beyond the expectations they have for themselves.

Sheree Duff Sawka RDH, BS, MSA

Sheree Duff Sawka received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Michigan (U-M) followed by a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University. She has held various roles over the last 45 years, including dental hygiene faculty member, program director/department chair, and dean of dental programs in the private college, community college, and university environment. Her strong clinical interest is in the care of the advanced periodontal patient. Her academic interests include curriculum design, integrating theory courses with clinical application for successful student recruitment, retention and assessment leading to outstanding board scores and high graduation pass rates. Additionally, Sheree has held other leadership roles, serving as the chair of the U-M Board of Governors and member of the U-M Campaign Committee. She has been active in several local chapters of the National Dental Hygiene Honor Society, serving as component President for 18 years. She served for two terms as the President of the Michigan Dental Hygiene Educators' Association. She recently completed her seven year appointment as a Consultant to the Joint Commission on Dental Accreditation. Currently,  she is a  member of several ADA National Dental Examinations, Test Construction Committees. Working with dental hygiene students is her passion and she continues her teachings at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, as a full-time faculty member.

 Registration Is CLOSED

2 Sessions, 5 CEU, and a Special Gift if you register before 16th of October

Conference Attendance

$217

Per individual registration

Conference Attendance

$197

Per individual registration if 4-6 register from one institution

Conference Attendance

$167

Per individual registration if 7-15 register from one institution

Conference Attendance

$137

Per individual registration if 16-20 register from one institution

Conference Attendance

$127

Per individual registration if 20+ register from one institution

We are happy to offer institution discounts!

Attendance from multiple instructors per institution is recommended for maximum program benefit Faculty part of an institution may register all faculty together with one payment or individuals may pay separately (separate payment available up to a group of 6). To choose, simply choose which institution package you will be a part of and choose how many tickets you would like to purchase. Just be sure your institution name matches your colleagues when paying individually.

Frequently Asked Questions