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Celebrating Kristen Hall: UDHA Educator of the Year

Kristen Hall, Dental Hygiene Associate Professor



In a field where dedication and empathy are paramount, Kristen Hall stands out as a beacon of excellence. Kristen Hall, Dental Hygiene Associate Professor, has been named educator of the year by the Utah Dental Hygienists' Association (UDHA). Her tireless outreach, collaboration with industry leaders, commitment to community service, and mentorship to new and adjunct faculty have earned her high recognition. Still, it is Kristen's dedication and commitment to educating, supporting, and nurturing future dental hygienists that she values most. “Kristen regularly demonstrates her dedication to excellence in dental hygiene education through her emphasis on ensuring each student has all of the hard skills and soft skills students need to be successful in their future career,” says Dr. Angela Belnap, Associate Dean of the Division of Allied Health.

Kristen’s path to becoming a dental hygienist and later an educator was not an easy one. Her start in dental hygiene was marked by significant personal obstacles that impacted her academic performance. On the surface, she appeared to be a student who did not care about academics, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Kristen graduated from Utah Tech University in 2002. Her credentials are RHD and BS; Kristen says she now uses her past struggles to fuel her passion for supporting her students. As an educator, Kristen brings a refreshing and empathetic approach to her teaching style. Understanding that everyone faces their battles, Kristen strives to create a supportive environment where students feel valued and understood. Her dedication goes beyond the classroom, as she aims to ensure that her students receive holistic support to thrive academically and personally.

“I sit with all my students at the beginning of the semester and ask them, What do I need to know about you that may affect your studies? From there, all I do is support them however I can,” said Kristen.

Kristen's teaching extends beyond the technical aspects of dental hygiene. She instills in her students the importance of approaching their careers with empathy and positivity. Her mantra is that each patient should be treated with respect, dignity, and kindness, as that may be the only positive encounter they have in their day. Each student who Kristen has touched comes away better for it, explained Dr. Belnap. 

Kristen's exceptional dedication, support, and empathetic guidance has not only shaped future dental hygienists but have also earned the respect and admiration of her peers.

“We are so proud of Associate Professor Hall,” Dr. Belnap said. “She truly deserves this honor.” 

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