A quarterly update from the School of Dental Medicine.
In this issue:
Dean’s Message
Welcome to the first edition of our 2025 quarterly newsletter series! It is hard to believe we are only four months away from welcoming our inaugural class of 36 students.
The SDM team has been extremely busy preparing for our students, finalizing curricula, and ensuring that all the equipment and supplies are on hand for the start of the semester. The simulation lab is ready to go, now that the teaching station and the unit monitors are installed. Since our last newsletter, the team has grown. We have added four new full-time faculty members, four new part-time faculty members, and one staff member. You can read about them in this newsletter. Construction is progressing on the Dental and Occupational Therapy building, and the three community clinics are about ready to begin development.
We hope you enjoy this issue’s Partner Spotlight, where we share our strong relationship with the Columbia Basin College Dental Hygiene program and feature Ms. Kristin Lauerman, the program’s director. It is critical for our school to have strong partnerships with other dental education programs within Washington, particularly in the communities where our clinics will be located. Our partnership with CBC has been very fruitful, and we look forward to engaging in even more comprehensive programs and events in the future.
This month, our school hosted three engagement events to share our story and kick off our scholarship fundraising efforts. Hosted in Yakima, Tacoma and Kennewick, the events welcomed local providers and business leaders.
Finally, in the coming months, we will share more information about our inaugural class, so keep an eye out for these special emails. We hope you enjoy reading about the amazing group of students joining our program. Be well and take care!
Partner Spotlight
Columbia Basin College Dental Hygiene Program
Columbia Basin College and Pacific Northwest University Partner to Expand Dental Education Opportunities
Columbia Basin College (CBC) continues to pave the way for student success through innovation, exemplified by its new partnership with Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) School of Dental Medicine. This collaboration creates a transformative pathway for graduates of CBC’s Dental Hygiene Program, enabling them to pursue an advanced degree in dentistry and obtain a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
The partnership between CBC and PNWU represents a significant step forward in expanding access to dental education and career advancement. Through the school’s dental hygiene pathway, CBC dental hygiene graduates will be eligible to transition seamlessly into PNWU’s DMD program if accepted. This initiative underscores CBC’s commitment to providing forward-thinking educational opportunities that empower students to achieve their full potential.
Students who graduate from CBC with a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Dental Hygiene can provide quality preventive, therapeutic, and restorative therapy as allowed by the state practice act. Having access to the DMD allows them to take their skillset to the next level.
The value of this partnership extends beyond student success. By creating an educational bridge between dental hygiene and doctoral-level dentistry, CBC and PNWU are addressing the growing need for skilled dental professionals in the Pacific Northwest region. Graduates will not only benefit from an accelerated pathway to a higher degree, but they will also be well-positioned to serve their communities with advanced oral healthcare expertise.
PNWU Founding Dean for the School of Dental Medicine, Fotinos Panagakos, DMD, PhD, was the visionary behind establishing the partnership with CBC. He approached Dr. Kristen Lauerman, Director of Dental Hygiene at CBC, to facilitate the collaboration. She has been instrumental in working with PNWU to align on the goals and objectives of the alliance. Her involvement in work groups with PNWU faculty made this pathway possible.
“This collaboration highlights CBC’s dedication to innovation in education,” said Dr. Lauerman. “By partnering with PNWU, we are ensuring that our students have access to an expanded scope of professional growth, helping them achieve their career aspirations in dentistry.”
For students aspiring to progress beyond a dental hygiene career, this partnership offers a structured and accessible route to a DMD degree. With this opportunity, CBC continues to enhance its reputation as a leader in progressive educational strategies, ensuring that students receive the resources and support needed to excel in their chosen fields.
Through forward-thinking partnerships like this, CBC remains at the forefront of educational innovation, empowering students with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in the evolving field of dentistry. As a result, both institutions are fostering a stronger, more skilled workforce dedicated to improving oral health across the region.
Kristin Lauerman, MHA, RDH, Director for Dental Hygiene
Dr. Lauerman joined CBC in 2020 with 20 years of experience in dental hygiene. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Management, blending her clinical expertise with strong administrative knowledge. Currently, Dr. Lauerman is pursuing a Doctorate in Health Science Education from the University of the Pacific.
Team Spotlight
Dr. Michael Dean, DMD, Associate Professor of Dentistry
Dr. Michael Dean is a dedicated dental professional and educator with a career spanning over three decades. A native of Buckley, Washington, Dr. Dean earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Washington University in St. Louis and completed a General Practice Residency at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City.
For 29 years, Dr. Dean practiced general dentistry in Kennewick, Washington, earning a reputation for excellence and patient-centered care. A graduate of the Kois Center in Seattle and a 25-year member of the Seattle Study Club, he continually advanced his expertise in the field.
In 2018, Dr. Dean transitioned to academia, bringing his extensive clinical experience to the classroom. Over six years, he taught at the University of Tennessee and the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he was awarded Teacher of the Year by the students at both universities. Dr. Dean is passionate about mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. His teaching reflects a commitment to sharing the knowledge and skills he gained from his mentors and a lifelong dedication to advancing dental care and education.
Dr. Dean and his wife, Cindy, have two adult children and two young grandchildren living in Western Washington. In his spare time, Dr. Dean enjoys listening to music and collecting vinyl records. He has owned multiple guitars over the past 30 years and is still working on mastering the F chord. He also enjoys listening to history podcasts, watching football, and traveling to warm beach locations.
Dr. Jennifer Domagalski, DMD, MPH, FAGD, Assistant Professor of Dentistry
Jennifer Domagalski was born in Tucson, Arizona, to high school sweethearts who married as teenagers before her father had completed high school. Raising two children while struggling to make ends meet, her father worked full-time, and her mother worked part-time while also attending college. After more than a decade of college courses, her mother graduated from the University of Arizona at the age of 30. While overcoming significant challenges in pursuit of higher education, her parents always prioritized education and supported their children’s academic and career aspirations.
Jennifer’s passion for dentistry began in high school while shadowing her friend’s father in his private practice. She admired the strong relationships he formed with his patients, particularly in his rural practice. As graduation approached, Jennifer had two incredible opportunities: to attend the University of Arizona, her mother’s alma mater, on a full-ride scholarship, or to attend Dartmouth College, a prestigious school in the Northeast that she had only known for its capital. She chose Dartmouth.
Attending Dartmouth posed many challenges for Jennifer. Coming from a rural high school with limited resources, she was not fully prepared for the academic rigor of college. Nevertheless, she remained focused on her studies while also getting involved in outreach and community service in the underserved communities surrounding the affluent college town. In 2006, she graduated from Dartmouth and was accepted into the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH) in Mesa, Arizona, where she was part of the program’s fourth class.
During her first semester at ASDOH, Jennifer married her husband, Sean, who had earned his associate’s degree in nursing. Together, they balanced their academic pursuits, with Sean working full-time while earning both his bachelor’s degree in nursing and his master’s degree in health administration. In 2010, Jennifer graduated with both her dental degree and a master’s in public health, becoming the first in her family to earn a doctorate.
Following graduation, Jennifer joined the Arctic Slope Native Association in Barrow, Alaska, where she worked until late 2015. During her time there, she became increasingly aware of the unique barriers faced by rural and underserved communities. She gave birth to two daughters, Kiana (2011) and Aurora (2014), in the Arctic, a challenging yet extraordinary environment in which to raise a family.
In September 2015, Jennifer was inspired to return to school to complete a Dental Public Health Residency through NYU-Lutheran Medical Center. Her residency was based at a community health center in Honolulu, and she also worked within the State of Hawaii’s oral health program, which was funded by a CDC grant.
After completing her residency, Jennifer and her family moved to the Tri-Cities, Washington, where they have lived since 2015. In 2019, Jennifer and Sean adopted their two oldest children, AJ (age 16) and Adrianna (age 12), completing their family. In Tri-Cities, Jennifer worked with Tri-Cities Community Health, Columbia Basin College’s dental hygiene and public health programs, Charter College’s dental assisting program, and owned Discount Dental, a clinic serving the uninsured and underinsured.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has remained dedicated to serving underserved communities. Jennifer reflects that her parents’ hard work and dedication taught her the importance of pursuing a career that challenges you while making a meaningful difference in others’ lives. Her passion for working with Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) dental students stems from both her personal experiences and the values instilled in her by her parents. Jennifer is excited to mentor students and contribute to the development of future dentists who will make a lasting impact on their communities and strengthen the dental safety net, much like her parents did in their own way.
Dr. Pantip Henprasert, DDS, MS, Assistant Professor of Dentistry
Pantip Henprasert was born and raised in Thailand. From an early age, she exhibited a keen interest in healthcare and science, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in dentistry. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in the Faculty of Dentistry at Thammasat University. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2013.
Upon completing dental school, Pantip was eager to explore new opportunities beyond clinical practice. She found herself drawn to dental education, inspired by her own professors who had played a significant role in shaping her career. With a strong desire to contribute to the field of dentistry through teaching and mentorship, she accepted a faculty position at Thammasat University. As a junior faculty member, she was responsible for teaching preclinical and clinical courses, guiding students in developing essential skills, and fostering a supportive learning environment.
During her time at Thammasat University, Pantip actively engaged with colleagues and other faculty members, learning from their experiences and refining her own teaching philosophy. She found great fulfillment in sharing her knowledge with students and helping them navigate the challenges of dental education. Observing experienced faculty members teach and mentor students further solidified her passion for academic dentistry. Inspired by their expertise and commitment, she decided to advance her own education by specializing in Prosthodontics.
In 2016, Pantip was accepted into the Graduate Prosthodontic Program at the University of Iowa, College of Dentistry. Moving to the United States to further her education was a significant transition, but she embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Throughout the three-year program, she gained extensive clinical experience in fixed, removable, and implant prosthodontics, as well as digital dentistry. In addition to her clinical training, she conducted research in oral sciences. Her dedication also led to her earning a Master of Science in Oral Sciences along with the Prosthodontic Certificate.
Following her graduation, Pantip continued her career in dental education as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa. In this role, she taught predoctoral and graduate students, focusing on prosthodontic principles, patient care, and emerging technologies in dentistry. She contributed to integrating digital workflows into clinical practice and assisted in mentoring students in both traditional and modern prosthodontic techniques.
In January 2025, she joined the faculty at Pacific Northwest University (PNWU), where she looks forward to continuing her passion for teaching, mentoring, and advancing prosthodontic education. With a strong commitment to excellence, she aims to inspire the next generation of dental professionals and help them achieve their goals.
Pantip Henprasert’s journey reflects her unwavering dedication to dentistry, education, and lifelong learning. From her early days in Thailand to her academic and professional achievements in the United States, she remains deeply committed to shaping the future of dental education and improving patient care through her expertise in Prosthodontics.
In her free time, Pantip enjoys traveling, capturing moments through photography, and exploring diverse cuisines. She finds joy in discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and documenting her adventures through her lens. Her passion for food extends beyond tasting, as she appreciates the stories and traditions behind each dish.
Dr. Renata Monteiro, DDS, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor of Dentistry
Renata Monteiro was born and raised in Brazil. In 2013, she graduated from dental school in her hometown in northeast Brazil. Her favorite course at the University was Dental Materials. She was fascinated to understand the chemistry of the materials and their performance in the mouth. She knew that she wanted to continue studying dental materials. At the time, her hometown had no graduate courses related to dental materials. So, she applied to a university in southern Brazil. There, she did a master’s and Ph.D. in dentistry, focusing on operative dentistry. So, she discovered her passion for teaching and research. The teaching aspect she owes to her mother. She is a high school teacher. When she was a kid, she used to go to her work. Her passion for research developed early. She is very curious about everything. She likes to understand the “why of things,” and she can answer many questions through research. It fascinates her.
During her Ph.D. program, she had the opportunity to become a visiting researcher in the Department of Clinical Sciences (University of Toronto/Faculty of Dentistry), a research group recognized worldwide for its studies on the performance of dental ceramics in the mouth. After her Ph.D., she worked as a substitute professor at the Federal University of Amazonas. There, she had the opportunity to teach the restorative dentistry course and supervise dental students at the clinic and preclinical lab. In her lectures, she encourages students to practice evidence-based dentistry by making clinical decisions based on critically evaluating the evidence in scientific literature according to patient needs. Her goal is to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills as closely as possible to build the students’ confidence to face future clinical challenges.
In May 2022, she applied for and was subsequently awarded a post-doctorate fellowship at the University of Louisville. In August of the same year, she moved to the United States. As a researcher, her experience as a visiting scholar at the University of Toronto has helped her to reframe her understanding of the potential of research to improve patient care and was the reason behind her decision to establish herself in North America.
In Jan 2025, she joined Pacific Northwest University as an assistant professor of dentistry, where she will teach operative dentistry and cariology courses. She is thrilled about this new role and the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of dental professionals.
SDM In the Community
Sharing Knowledge with the Community
One of the challenges faced by pre- health students is finding experiences that are relevant to their future roles as healthcare providers. While it’ s crucial to understand the minutiae and nuances of biological and chemical processes, what one typically envisions is the final outcome, not the countless hours spent learning from textbooks, lectures, or mixing chemicals in a lab. All of this is vital for building a foundational knowledge that future healthcare providers will rely on.
Dr. LeRoy Horton, Associate Professor of Dentistry and Director of Periodontal Education, and Ms. Lolinda Turner, Director of Student Success and Engagement, have created a way to bridge that gap of tangibility by developing a suture class for pre-dental students.
By combining lectures with hands-on training using the actual instruments that students will encounter in their future careers, along with visual case presentations that showcase the real-life situations in which these exercises would be applied, students genuinely step into the role of doctors during those three hours.
Everything they see, hear, and touch simulates a doctor’s experience. Using lifelike mouth models with surgical wounds, students assess patients, diagnose conditions, develop treatment rationales, and perform various suturing procedures on their silicone patients on the benchtop. These events make the journey toward becoming a healthcare provider feel more real.
Dr. Horton and Mrs. Turner also emphasize historical and contemporary contributions from various cultures, including India, China, the Americas, and Africa. A strong emphasis is placed on the rich history of medical science, which stretches back millennia across the globe, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds see their contributions reflected in the body of knowledge we utilize today to perform what often seems like miracles for the human body.
In March 2025, at Washington State University, Dr. Horton and Ms. Turner marked the second such event, even larger than the last, with nearly 70 students gathering under their guidance, alongside the leadership of aspiring dentists like Nusaiba Elsahati, current President of the Minority Association of Pre-health Students (MAPS). They received financial support from the PNWU School of Dental Medicine, which provided food, memorabilia, and informational literature about the new Dental School in Yakima. The plan is to make this an annual event, using the first two as launching pads to scale up the experience even further, aiming to inspire more students and enhance motivation by making the path to becoming a healthcare provider a bit more tangible.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Conference
The SDM administration and faculty went to the annual American Dental Education Association (ADEA) meeting that was held March 8 – March 11 in National Harbor, Maryland. The team attended many sessions on a wide variety of topics and had time to network with other educators from schools in the US and globally. A number of them also presented during the four-day program.
In addition to the educational sessions, ADEA held the GoDental recruitment event. All dental schools were invited to have a booth about their programs and provide information to prospective applicants. Over 800 attendees attended, and the SDM booth was hopping for the entire session.
The team also took time out to enjoy a nice meal. Overall, it was an excellent meeting with excellent representation from the SDM team.
Leadership Council Spotlight
The purpose of the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences – School of Dental Medicine (SDM) Leadership Council is to support the school’s mission and vision through education, advancement and philanthropy.
The Leadership Council is a group of trusted advisors who represent a wide range of professions and vocations and are committed to the SDM’s mission to educate the next generation of primary care dentists.
Over the next few issues of our newsletter, we will spotlight members of the Leadership Council.
Lisa Campbell-John
Lisa Campbell-John serves as the Vice President of Operations at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic (YVFWC), overseeing the Health and Wellness Programs. With over 25 years of experience in non-profits and healthcare, Lisa has been instrumental in expanding community health initiatives, focusing on preventative care and health education.
At YVFWC, Lisa provides leadership and oversight to Health and Wellness programs, including Community Health Services, Outreach, Mobile Medical and Dental Program, the Northwest Community Action Center, Nutrition Services, and Integrated Care Services. She is dedicated to providing meaningful services that positively address the social factors impacting the health of our communities. Her leadership has been pivotal in expanding and enhancing the clinic’s enabling services across the Pacific Northwest.
Lisa has been influential in the development and implementation of several key programs:
- School-Based Dental Sealant Program: This initiative aims to improve children’s oral health by providing dental sealants in schools, reducing the incidence of cavities and promoting long-term dental health.
- Maternal Child Health Home Visiting Programs: These programs support expectant and new mothers through home visits, offering education, resources, and support to ensure healthy pregnancies and early childhood development.
- Health Education Programs: Lisa has championed various health education initiatives that empower community members with the knowledge and tools to make informed health decisions.
Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in business management, which has provided her with a strong foundation in organizational leadership and strategic planning.
Lisa is an enrolled tribal member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate in Sisseton, South Dakota. Growing up in a rural tribal community with limited resources has influenced her commitment to ensuring underserved populations have opportunities to improve and take control of their health. She ensures her team provides services that have a positive and measurable impact on the communities YVFWC serves.
When asked how she felt about being on the SDM Leadership Council, Ms. Campell-John shared “I am honored to join the Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine Leadership Council. This esteemed opportunity excites me as it allows me to share my experiences and knowledge while also gaining invaluable insights from my distinguished colleagues. I am committed to supporting the dental school and its students, contributing to their growth and success. I look forward to actively participating in the council’s initiatives and making a meaningful impact.”
Guillermo Chacon, DDS, FACS
Dr. Chacon received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Costa Rica in 1990 and completed a combined Prosthetic/Surgical Oral Implantology Fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital between 1993 and 1995.
He followed this with a one-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship at The Ohio State University and a four-year residency at the University of Washington. From 2000 until 2009 he was in full time academics at The Ohio State University where he was the Director of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program, Chairman of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and affiliate faculty in the Prosthodontics Graduate Program.
He is currently an affiliate professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Washington and a consultant at Madigan Army Medical Center.
Dr. Chacon practices the full scope of his specialty at Oral and Facial Surgery Centers of Washington with a special focus on surgical dental implant reconstruction and orthognathic surgery. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
When asked about how he felt about being on the SDM Leadership Council, Dr. Chacon shared “Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” This is the reason why I agreed to participate in the PNWU SDM Leadership Council. Having the opportunity to join forces with Dean Panagakos and his team from the very beginning of this uncharted territory is exciting and challenging. The opportunities in education and patient care that this brings to our state will multiply for years to come. The school is pushing the dental profession into a new era of advanced educational methods and the latest technology available. Playing a small role in this process is humbling and immensely gratifying.”
New SDM Team Members
Roshni Ahuja, BDS, MDS, Assistant Professor of Dentistry
Dr. Roshni Ahuja graduated from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University with her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 2001. In 2008 she graduated from Saveetha University with her Master of Dental Surgery, with her area of study as Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. She did a residency with an area of study as Advanced Education in General Dentistry in 2022 at Northwest Dental Residency.
Dr. Ahuja has experience in owning a private practice and in dental education. She owned a private practice for four years. She was a lecturer of Conservative Dentistry at Saveetha College and an Associate Professor of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Saveetha University. Dr. Ahuja currently works both as a part-time dentist at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic and a volunteer dentist for the Yakima Union Gospel Mission.
Maricela Badillo, RDA, Dental Simulation Laboratory Manager
Maricela Badillo is a mother of three kids. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, loves watching her daughter play soccer, and she likes to take walks.
Maricela has been a dental assistant for over 17 years. In 2006, she received her Dental Assistant Certificate through Yakima Valley Community College. Working in the dental field has helped her grow and learn new things, such as being a dental surgery tech and gaining leadership skills. She has worked in Pediatric Dentistry since 2010, and she has enjoyed working with children of all ages. She is an experienced Dental Assistant that is reliable and energetic with a great positive attitude, ready to complete any task at hand. She also has organization skills where she manages her time to be productive. She is very passionate about being able to help and support people with oral health. She loves to see the patients walk out with a big smile.
Jill Benetti, RDH, BSDH, MSML, Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene
Jill Benetti graduated from Yakima Valley Community College in 1995 with an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. She continued her education at Eastern Washington University, earning her BSDH in 2005, and a MSML from WGU in 2016. Throughout her career, she has worked in private practice, treated low-income children with Smile Savers, a non-profit organization, and was a faculty member in the Dental Hygiene Department at YVC for nineteen years.
As the sole proprietor of Ageless Smiles Dental Hygiene practice, Ms. Benetti had a successful Senior Center Practice and is currently contracting with DSHS in Washington State treating residents and respite clients with developmental disabilities at Yakima Valley School in Selah, Washington. Her unique experience treating a variety of clients has cultivated an appreciation of client-centered care, and a desire to encourage more practitioners to be open-minded to non-traditional work settings, treating underserved clients.
Ms. Benetti’s years in teaching cultivated a desire to help students to identify and utilize their unique learning styles and find success within Pacific Northwest University’s Dental Program.
Clinton Crandall, DDS, Assistant Professor of Dentistry
Dr. Clinton R. Crandall, DDS, joined PNWU as an assistant professor at the School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Crandall was born in Mesa, Arizona, but raised in Benton City, Washington. He earned his BS in Biology from Brigham Young University in 2008 and DDS from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. Crandall began his professional career with Moses Lake Community Health working at rural dental clinics in Moses Lake, Quincy, and Ephrata, Washington. He entered solo private practice in 2018 in Monroe, Washington. In 2022, Dr. Crandall had an opportunity to return home to the Yakima Valley and is currently a private practice dental practitioner in Prosser, Washington.
Dr. Crandall enjoys watersports, camping, gardening, and spending time with his wife and five children.
Patricia Labbee, DDS, Assistant Professor of Dentistry
Dr. Patricia Labbee, DDS, graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2011. She completed a fellowship in special needs dentistry during her predoctoral training. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the University of New Mexico in 2012 with a focus in hospital-based dentistry. Dr. Labbee earned her BS in Dental Hygiene at Eastern Washington University in 2005.
Dr. Labbee worked as an associate dentist in the Yakima Valley for twelve years. During that time, she was a regular volunteer at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission Dental Care Center. She also served as a Clinical Instructor at Yakima Valley College Dental Hygiene program in 2021-2022. Dr. Labbee currently works as a clinical provider at the Yakima UGM Dental Care Center, which serves the uninsured in the Yakima Valley. She enjoys the staff, the patients, the opportunity to collaborate with medical and dental colleagues in the area, and practicing Spanish. Dr. Labbee is also an active member of the Yakima Valley Dental Society.
Dr. Labbee enjoys consuming loads of audiobooks and podcasts, treats, and adventuring at home and away with her husband and four children.
Lacey Webber, RDH, BSDH, MEd, Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene
Lacey Webber graduated from Yakima Valley College’s Dental Hygiene Program in 2011. She recently accomplished her master’s degree in education from Western Governors University in March 2024.
Lacey Webber has had the privilege to teach at YVC’s dental hygiene program for the past three years. She truly enjoys getting to share her experiences with her students and creating safe spaces, which allow them to share their struggles and accomplishments freely with her.
When she is not at work she loves to spend time with her family and friends. Her husband and her have two beautiful children together, who they love to spend all of their extra time with doing fun family adventures. Their weekends are always filled with family time making lifelong memories. She is excited for her new teaching position at PNWU and looks forward to the future!
