Darlene M Jones
RDH, MPA

Interim Director of the Dental Hygiene Program

DEPARTMENT

Dental Hygiene

ADDRESS

2030C

CONTACT

734-615-8539

BIOGRAPHY

I started my career in dental hygiene with an Associate's degree from Lakeland Community College. For the next 40+ years, I worked as a clinical dental hygienist, practicing in a variety of settings in Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan. While in Texas, I started the Continuing Education Dental Hygiene Study Club, and with this project began my interest in teaching. I earned my Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University, Texas, followed by a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University in 2002. For 10 years, I taught part- time at Wayne County Community College and at the University of Michigan, both in the clinic and classroom. In 2014, I started as a full-time faculty member at the University of Michigan. I am a member and current president of Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society, Nu-Chapter. For the past seven years, I have supervised a PA 161: Public Dental Prevention Program in Washtenaw County, working with dental hygiene students from the University of Michigan. I enjoy practicing primarily in community settings and my passion and interest is expanding the use of dental hygiene services for the under served in the community as well as mentoring students during their community-based research projects. I also provide care for patients in our Integrated Special Needs Clinic. In 2022, I assumed the role of Interim Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Michigan.