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About Me

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

COURSES TAUGHT

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DENT 1015 DH I PRECLINICAL LAB

DENT 1045 DH II CLINIC

DENT 3015 DH III CLINIC

DENT 3045 DH IV CLINIC

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ORAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

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DENTAL RADIOLOGY AND LAB

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GLOBAL COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT
 
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GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY

 

 

DENTAL HYGIENE SEMINAR

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INTERNSHIP IN DENTAL HYGIENE

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DENTAL MATERIALS

OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING, FACULTY ONLINE TRAINING
Resume

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

 

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy 2018-present

  • Registered Dental Hygienist, 1982 to present

  • CPR/AED - American Red Cross, current since 1982

  • Utah State License in Dental Hygiene with Local Anesthesia, current since 1982

  • American Dental Hygienists' Association 1982-present

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

Contact Me

CONTACT ME

Office Address

Utah Valley University

Dental Hygiene Department
UVU West Campus
Health Professions Building
Office 142

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