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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 2025 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. 

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 22
5:00 – 7:30 pm CT


Value of Clinic Instructors 
– Risa Handman, RDH, EdD. –

Enhancing Clinical Teaching in Dental Hygiene Instrumentation
– Leah MacPherson RDH, BS, MHP –

Capture. Educate. Evaluate: The Flamingo Advantage in Clinical Instruction
– Our Sponsor: Andau Medical –

Day 2

October 23
 5:00 – 7:30 pm CT


From Moments to Milestones: Delivering Feedback That Guides and Measures Student Success
– Risa Handman, RDH, EdD. –

“More Than School Rules: Teaching Infection Prevention and Safety Standards That Withstands 'Office Norms'”
– Brandy S. Cowen, RDH, MS, CDIPC, FADHA –

Detailed Session Information

Meet Your Conference Facilitators

Risa Handman, RDH, EdD.

Dr. Risa Handman is an experienced dental hygiene educator with a commitment to advancing dental hygiene through academic excellence and leadership. Her educational journey began at the Medical College of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. She then earned a Master of Dental Hygiene from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, followed by a Doctor of Education in Health Professions from A.T. Still University.
During her career, Risa has held various academic positions. She currently serves as Associate Professor and Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. Before this, she served as the Associate Chair of the Dental Hygiene Program at Georgia State University Perimeter College and as an Associate Clinical Professor at Texas Woman’s University.
In addition to her academic responsibilities, Risa has been instrumental in developing, implementing, and evaluating outcomes assessment plans, authoring CODA self-studies, and conducting mock accreditation site visits. Her educational leadership expertise extends to new faculty mentoring, the establishment of quality assurance measures, and serving as a CODA curriculum specialist and site visit chair.

Leah MacPherson RDH, BS, MHP

Leah MacPherson holds an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New England, an Advanced Dental Hygiene Certificate from the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, and a Master's Degree from Northeastern University. She currently serves as a Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Concepts, Periodontology, Pre-clinic, Clinic, and Local anesthesia. Leah is the recipient of the National Teaching and Leadership Excellence Award and the Course of Distinction Award for Periodontology. She has experience in general, periodontal, periodontal research, and public health settings. She has also presented at many local, national, and international meetings. Leah is known as a passionate, relatable, and dynamic speaker.

Brandy S. Cowen, RDH, MS, CDIPC, FADHA

Brandy Cowen is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the first-year Dental Hygiene Clinical Coordinator at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. She serves as course director for Preclinical Dental Hygiene, Clinical Dental Hygiene I, Health Education & Behavioral Sciences, and Local Anesthesia. Brandy holds a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Master of Science in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University. She is certified in Dental Infection Prevention & Control (CDIPC) through the Association for Dental Safety and the Dental Assisting National Board, and trained in Mental Health First Aid by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Her professional interests include infection prevention and control, workplace safety, quality assurance, and fostering a sense of belonging in dental hygiene education. Brandy has presented on a wide range of topics impacting the dental profession and dental education at local, state, and national levels. She currently chairs the Infection Control Committee at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, the Dental Hygiene Clinic Coordinators of Texas, and the Educational Programs for Texas Dental Hygiene Educators. She was recently selected as a member of the ADHA Professional Fellows Program and is a past chair of the ADEA Clinical Coordinators Special Interest Group.

Our Sponsor
– Andau Medical –

Andau Medical proudly partners with dental and hygiene schools across North America to support both students and educators. We offer:
✔️ Ergonomic training
✔️ Exclusive pricing for students and faculty
✔️ Free educational webinars

With 55 local territory managers—95% of whom are licensed dental hygienists—and a leadership team grounded in real clinical experience, we’re known for our hands-on support and unmatched post-sale care.

As the pioneers behind ergonomic loupes and the innovative Flamingo light/camera system, we’re passionate about advancing dental education, promoting clinician wellness, and helping the next generation of providers thrive.

 Registration Is OPEN

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

Purchase Your Tickets

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