Ann Arbor, MI — July 19, 2012 — Janet Kinney, clinical assistant professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, has been named the new director of the dental hygiene program, effective September 1.  She was named to the position following a national search.  Kinney will succeed Prof. Wendy Kerschbaum who directed the program for 24 years (1988-2012).

A clinical dental hygiene practitioner for more than 20 years, both in the U.S. and Europe, Kinney began her academic teaching career at the School of Dentistry in 2007 as an adjunct clinical lecturer. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from U-M in 1983, a Master of Science degree in dental hygiene from the School of Dentistry in 2007, and a Master of Science degree in clinical research design and statistical analysis from the Department of Biostatics and Epidemiology, also in 2007.

During her teaching career at the School of Dentistry, Kinney has been extensively involved in all levels of the School’s dental hygiene education program including directing several courses, engaging in special education projects, and conducting clinical research at the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research.  There she is principal investigator on several projects that are focused on preventive therapies and oral diagnostics.  Kinney has participated in workshops and continuing education courses at state and national levels on topics that include clinical research and periodontal disease assessment and treatment. 

In addition to her classroom, clinical, and research work, Kinney has been nationally involved and recognized for her work in oral health research and dental hygiene.  She has served as president of the Michigan Association of Dental Hygiene Educators, is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, has served as past president of ADHA’s Nu Chapter, and is a past secretary of the U-M Dental Hygienists’ Alumnae Association.

Dr. William Giannobile, chair of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, which includes the Division of Dental Hygiene, said, “We look forward to Janet Kinney’s leadership in continuing the legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and dental hygiene education here at Michigan.”

Giannobile also expressed gratitude to Kerschbaum “who has served magnificently for more than four decades as a faculty member and director of the dental hygiene program since 1988.  During this time,” he said, “Wendy has represented the University of Michigan School of Dentistry as an outstanding leader at local and national levels.  Under her leadership, the dental hygiene program has maintained its standing as one of the top programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels.”

The Search Committee was led by Dr. Paul Edwards, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine.  Other members were Profs. Anne Gwozdek and Karen Ridley; Drs. Berna Saglik, Nikki Sweier, and Hector Rios; and staff representatives Lisa Dodge and Jean Klark.