Indiana University South Bend Dental Hygiene Program

03/17/2026

New three-year plan focuses on advancing professional autonomy, workforce well-being and the role of dental hygienists in every practice setting CHICAGO,

03/01/2026

This Women's History Month, we honor the woman who started it all. In 1906, Irene Newman was a single mother who found a calling – and an entire profession followed. Irene became the world's first dental hygienist in 1907, earned the first dental hygiene license and served as the first president of the Connecticut Dental Hygienists' Association – all at a time when women couldn't even vote. Her words still resonate: “The work was there to do, so I did it.”

Today, more than 220,000 dental hygienists carry her legacy forward in the U.S. ADHA honors that legacy through the Irene Newman Outstanding Clinician Award – and 2026 nominations are open. Know a dental hygienist who embodies Irene’s spirit? Nominate them: 🔗https://ow.ly/MniJ50YnB5N

This month and every month – we see you, Irene. 💜

02/28/2026

🧚🦷 It's National Tooth Fairy Day! Dental hygienists are the real-life version, helping patients of every age keep their smiles strong, healthy, and something to celebrate. So thank the Tooth Fairy for all those dollar bills under the pillow and thank a hygienist for everything that comes after!

✨Fun fact: National Tooth Fairy Day is celebrated twice a year – just like the recommended number of oral health visits to your dental hygienist!

02/23/2026

This past weekend, our students attended the incredible Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting, which is one of the largest and most respected dental conferences in the country! 🦷💜🦷

Bringing together thousands of dental professionals, educators, students, and industry leaders, the Midwinter Meeting offers cutting-edge continuing education, hands-on learning opportunities, and a firsthand look at the latest innovations in oral healthcare.

Experiences like this go far beyond the classroom. Professional socialization is essential to our students’ growth by building confidence, expanding networks, and helping them see their future role within the profession. We are so proud of their commitment to learning, connecting, and representing our program so well! 🦷💜🦷

02/21/2026

Prospective students and their families are invited to attend Indiana University South Bend’s admissions and financial aid events on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22.

Learn more about these events: https://news.iu.edu/southbend/live/news/49049-iu-south-bend-to-host-weekend-of-prospective

02/16/2026

REMINDER: As of today, HIPAA-covered practices must include information in their Notice of Privacy Practices describing how substance use disorder records may be used and disclosed. View the sample HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices at ADA.org/HIPAArules

02/16/2026

02/16/2026

What an incredible day at the IUSB Dental Hygiene Clinic! 🦷💜🦷

Today, we hosted our annual Give Kids a Smile event in celebration of Children’s Dental Health Month, and it was truly a reminder of why community partnerships matter.

This special event is a collaboration between the Indiana University South Bend Dental Hygiene Program and HealthLinc Dental. Our student clinicians worked side-by-side with HealthLinc dentists to provide no-cost dental hygiene care, sealants, fluoride treatment, and exams to local children. Seeing our students deliver compassionate, professional care while collaborating with community dentists was something to be proud of.

In addition to clinical services, families were welcomed into a room filled with fun, hands-on educational activities focused on oral health, prevention, and healthy habits. We were also able to connect families with local health services and community resources, helping ensure that today’s visit supports long-term wellness.

Events like this reflect the heart of our program, including service, education, collaboration, and advocacy. We are so grateful to HealthLinc Dental for their continued partnership and to our students for their professionalism and dedication.

February may be Children’s Dental Health Month, but today was a beautiful example of what year-round community commitment looks like.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible! 🦷💜🦷

02/12/2026

IU South Bend students will bring their research to the Statehouse, sharing their work with lawmakers and the public during the annual Regionals at the Rotunda event on February 18.

Among them are senior Michael Bullock, human resources management major, and junior Nyssa Bickel, communications studies major. Their research project focuses on food insecurity in Michiana, examining local disparities and identifying solutions that support healthy eating and accessibility for all.

Learn more about Regionals at the Rotunda: https://rcoe.iu.edu/regionals-at-the-rotunda/index.html

02/06/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Titan Bridge Builder Awards: faculty member Jerin Burch, staff member Connie Peterson-Miller, and student Robyn Weaver!

The award recognizes faculty, staff, students, and alumni or community members who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to bringing people together by building connections across differences.

Read more: https://news.iu.edu/southbend/live/news/48731-titans-recognized-for-commitment-to-community

Pictured from left: Connie Peterson-Miller, Chancellor Brian Pappas, and Jerin Burch. Not pictured: Robyn Weaver.

01/26/2026

We are pleased to introduce Janet Kinney, speaker at ISDH 2026.

Dental hygienist, researcher and Professor Emerita of Dentistry at the University of Michigan, Janet Kinney brings a strong academic and scientific background to the symposium, with extensive experience in education and clinical research.

🦷 Presentation focus
Her lecture will explore the role of salivary diagnostics in periodontal disease progression, alongside evidence-based approaches to peri-implantitis management and innovative strategies to support oral health through prevention and clinical research.