Karen A. Preston,
MAED/AEt, RDH, fhea
Associate Professor
ABOUT ME
Karen Preston started her career as a Certified Dental Assistant working for Dr. Gordon J. Christensen. After assisting a few years, she returned to school and obtained her RDH and BS from Weber State University. She continued to work with Dr. Gordon Christensen and Dr. William Christensen. Karen managed a dental radiology lab and is experienced in digital x-ray, cone beam, and auxiliary expanded function. She has worked many years in clinical practice and taught continuing education courses across the country. She is a product evaluator and sits on the Board of Directors for Clinicians Report.
Karen has been very active in the Utah Dental Hygiene Association; she started as a two-term treasurer and then became President of the UDHA in 1990-91. She has served as a UDHA State delegate several times and has been involved in various UDHA committees. She believes that being a member of ADHA provides job security, networking, education, and camaraderie. She supports UDHA, which provides leadership for personal growth and professional success. Karen is currently an Associate Professor at Utah Valley University/Dental Hygiene Department and has a Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training.
My Teaching Philosophy
The education I have received through my schooling and life experiences has given me the skill-set and tools to be a better education facilitator. I love working with students at the university level. Engaging students in problem-based learning increases critical thinking and life-long learning, which is my primary goal.
COURSES TAUGHT
RESUME
EDUCATION
Masters of Arts in Education, Adult Education and Training
University of Phoenix, 2014
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Advanced Radiology Certificate, 1989
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Weber State College (WSU), Ogden, UT, 1982
Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award, 1982
Veterans Administration Hospital Internship, S.L.C., UT, 1981-82
Certificate in Dental Assisting
Utah Technical College at Provo (UVU), 1976
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 1974-75
WORK
EXPERIENCE
2018-present
Associate Professor at UVU
Faculty in the Dental Hygiene Program. Clinic and didactic instruction
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2012-2018
Assistant Professor at UVU
Faculty in the Dental Hygiene Program. Clinic and didactic instruction
2009-2012
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Adjunct Clinical and Didactic, UVU
Instructor Radiology 1050,1055, Clinic supervision and instruction
1982-2012
Dental Hygienist for Christensen Prosthodontics Performed all phases of dental hygiene as described by the Dental Hygiene Practice Act of Utah
Dental Radiologist for Dental-X Radiographic Lab
Practical Clinical Courses Instructor, Provo, UT: State and National circuit.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE
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Fellow of the Higher Education Academy 2018-present
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Registered Dental Hygienist, 1982 to present
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CPR/AED - American Red Cross, current since 1982
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Utah State License in Dental Hygiene with Local Anesthesia, current since 1982
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American Dental Hygienists' Association 1982-present
CONTACT ME
Office Address
Utah Valley University
Dental Hygiene Department
UVU West Campus
Health Professions Building
Office 142