A unique opportunity for those aspiring to succeed as Program Directors


Want to uncover the inside scoop on the role of a Program Director? Eager to learn more about what Program Directors do and receive valuable tips on how to excel in this position? Are you interested in a casual yet informative session that allows you to ask questions and engage in discussions about this pivotal role?

Introducing Educators Platform's ASPIRE - a unique opportunity for you! This event offers a rich and informative experience at no cost, making it a valuable gift for those aspiring to succeed as Program Directors. Please join us to learn, from a panel of experts, key aspects of the role and connect with industry experts. Enroll in ASPIRE and embark on a journey towards career success and unlocking the next level in your professional journey!

Topics of our Session

Lisa Rowley MS, RDH, CDA, FADHA


Unlock the Secrets of Successful Program Directorship!

The role of a program director encompasses a multitude of vital components that shape the future of dental hygiene education. This presentation aims to demystify the complexities of this role by providing a comprehensive overview of key responsibilities, all while highlighting their direct connection to Accreditation Standards for Dental Hygiene Education Programs. Join us to discover how understanding these elements can enhance your effectiveness as a program director and elevate your institution's success!

Tanya Villalpando Mitchell, RDH, MS


Mastering the Art of Leadership in Program Directorship!

Even if you feel well-acquainted with the role of a program director, success in this position demands a specific set of leadership skills that can make all the difference. In this presentation, we will unveil the essential skills required for effective program directorship and provide actionable steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for this impactful role. Join us to empower your journey and unlock your potential as a dynamic leader in dental education!

Misty L. Mesimer, PhD, RDH, CDA


Essential Qualities for Program Directors!

To excel as a program director, you need to embrace a broader vision while addressing the present needs of students and faculty. True leadership transcends personal perspective, focusing on how decisions impact the entire program and how the program contributes to team growth while still contributing to the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic initiatives. Success in this role hinges on seizing every learning opportunity and fostering intentional growth and encouraging your team to do the same. Join this presentation to explore these essential leadership qualities and set yourself on the path to success.

 

Rebecca Stolberg, RDH, MSDH


Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Allied Dental Education!

The last three years, through my role at ADEA, I have seen a continual increase in both faculty and allied dental program director vacancies.  The number of new allied dental program directors has continued to increase the past few years and it appears that trend will continue well into the future.  This presentation will provide current trends in allied dental education including student enrollment, faculty vacancies, expected retirements and program director turnover. 

Meet Your Conference Facilitators

Lisa J. Rowley, MS, RDH, CDA, FADHA


Lisa J. Rowley has worked in dental assisting and dental hygiene education for over 40 years in both faculty and administrative positions. Lisa was founding director of the B.S. degree dental hygiene program at Pacific University in Oregon, a program that prepares dental hygienists to work as direct care providers in non-traditional settings with an emphasis on underserved patients. Lisa also developed a pilot program for Pacific University that prepared restorative dental hygienists to become dental therapists through a unique one-year program that allowed the dental hygienists to continue working full-time while they completed the dental therapy program. Prior to working with Pacific University, Lisa served as program director for the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs at Luzerne County Community College in Pennsylvania. Lisa has also worked as an accreditation consultant for a developing dental hygiene program at a community college in Oregon, and she currently serves on the advisory committees for two dental hygiene programs. In addition to her work in education, Lisa is Advocacy Director for the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association and has worked on advocacy issues on the state and national level.

Tanya Villalpando Mitchell, RDH, MS


Tanya Villalpando Mitchell is Professor and Chair in the Division of Dental Hygiene at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry. Prof. Mitchell has been a full-time faculty member at UMKC since 2001. She served as Director of Graduate Studies in the Division of Dental Hygiene from 2007 to 2021. She has received teaching awards including the UMKC School of Dentistry Distinguished Teacher Award. Prof. Mitchell is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Education Association. She serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Dental Hygiene and the Journal of Dental Education. She received certification in Effective College Instruction from the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and has served on panels and presented programs across the country.

Misty L. Mesimer, PhD, RDH, CDA


Dr. Mesimer is a first-generation college graduate with a Master of Science in Community Health and a PhD in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University. She has been a faculty member at Germanna Community College since 1999 and currently serves as the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Program Director. Dr. Mesimer played a key role in establishing and implementing all dental programs at Germanna, collaborating with Northern Virginia Community College and Mountain Empire Community College. She has received several awards at Germanna, including the Professional Management Effectiveness and Leadership Award and the College and Community Service Award. Appointed to the Virginia Board of Dentistry in 2004 by Governor Mark Warner, Dr. Mesimer served two terms. She has been an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association since 1994, holding positions such as VDHA Legislative Chair and President, advocating for dental hygienists to work under general supervision. Dr. Mesimer is also involved with the Virginia Dental Hygiene Program Director’s Consortium and the American Dental Education Association, having served in leadership roles. She is a veteran site visitor for the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation and is currently part of a task force revising the ADEA Allied Dental Education Compendium. Honored by her peers, Dr. Mesimer has received awards from the American Dental Education Association, the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association, and the ARC of the Rappahannock. She values her roles as a wife, mother to two daughters, and a proud member of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe.

Rebecca Stolberg, RDH, MSDH


Rebecca Stolberg received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University; and a Master of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. She has been in dental education for over 27 years. Prior to coming to ADEA Rebecca served many roles in academia including professor, program director, department chair, assistant dean, and associate dean. Rebecca became ADEA Senior Director of Allied Dental Education and Faculty Development July 2018, and was promoted to Vice President, Allied Dental Education and Faculty Development Dec. 2021. In this role she serves as staff liaison to the Council of Allied Dental Program Directors, manages three professional development programs, mentors new allied dental program directors, maintains relationships with external organizations and supervises two other staff. Her past and current work with ADEA, ADHA and Pew Foundation have earned her the reputation as a national consultant on dental hygiene curriculum as well as in leadership and mentoring.

Registration is CLOSED!

Conference Includes:
  • 1 Session
  • 2 CEU
  • FREE of charge