Connect with our Hygiene Academic Team
Discover the endless possibilities for growth and development by partnering with our Hygiene Academic Team at Aspen Dental.

We're all in. For you.
At Aspen Dental, we believe that supporting students is about more than recruitment, it’s about partnership, preparation, and purpose. Our Hygiene Academic Team proudly partners with programs across the country to equip tomorrow’s hygienists with the tools they need to succeed in school, in their careers, and in the communities they serve. Whether your program needs customized support, faculty collaboration, or hands-on student engagement, we’re here to help.
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What We Offer: Value-driven student engagement
Lunch & Learn experiences (L&L)
Hosted on-site and led by our academic team, these sessions provide high-impact learning—plus lunch is on us! Popular topics include:
  • Aspen Dental- Who we are and what we provide to hygienists just like you!
  • Resume & Interview Skills – Guidance on building standout applications and practicing mock interviews
  • Soft Skills for Success – Emotional intelligence, communication, and professionalism in practice
  • Technology in Aspen Clinics – Real-world exposure to digital charting, scanning, and how it enhances clinical care
  • Life After Graduation – Navigating early career choices, licensure mobility, and what to expect your first year out
Guest speakers
Academic team members are available to partner with schools for guest speaking opportunities to encourage and inspire the future generation of hygienists.
Job shadowing
Hygiene students can gain real world experience in a local Aspen Dental office to observe clinical operations and technology available.
Academic enrichment presentations
Our team also provides:
  • AAP Refresher Courses – Practical reviews of periodontal classification and documentation
  • Study Tips & Wellness Talks – Encouragement and focus strategies for navigating and thriving during hygiene school

Faculty & Directors are also invited to visit our national headquarters in Chicago, where we host in-depth tours,
collaborative roundtables, and planning sessions designed to help align your program’s needs with what we offer as
a nationwide dental support organization.
Led by real hygienists, for future hygienists
Our academic territory leaders are all licensed hygienists who understand the journey from school to career. We’re
proud to tailor presentations based on your cohort’s needs, your curriculum schedule, and your regional goals.

Whether it’s an in-person visit or virtual engagement, our team is committed to showing up with integrity, inspiration,
and actionable value.
Ilya-Babiy
“This was one of the best presentations we've had by Lunch and Learn speakers in our dental hygiene program. You brought so much value to the topic with your personal stories that enriched the lessons for our students and gave them useful perspective when embarking on their career journey. I appreciate how you sought to include audience input and made the students feel that they are part of a special profession.

Thank you for supporting our program and students!”
— Ilya Babiy, RDH, MS, EPP
Dental Hygiene Instructor Mt. Hood Community College
Let’s Collaborate
If you’re interested in hosting an Aspen Dental session or exploring unique ways we can support your program:
• Use the contact link or reach out to your territory representative: hygiene_academic@aspendental.com
• We’ll coordinate with your calendar and curriculum to offer meaningful engagement

Together, we’re building the next generation of confident, compassionate hygienists—one connection at a time.
Meet the Team
Toni Meyerkord, BS, RDH, FADHA
My role involves nurturing team growth and promoting professional development that aligns with our organization’s goals and industry standards. Additionally, I share opportunities Aspen Dental offers dental hygiene students and graduates, enhancing positive brand awareness within the dental industry through partnerships with academic institutions and the broader dental community.
Email me - Toni.Meyerkord@aspendental.com
Michelle Wood, RDH, MS
My role is to support students through lunch and learns, mentorship, and guidance as they begin their career. I hope to give students the space they need while in hygiene school to decompress.
Email me - Michelle.Wood@aspendental.com
Destinee Allen, RDH
Building relationships with both faculty and staff. My job is to ensure I spread the word about Dental Hygiene at Aspen Dental and the resources we offer to our providers as well as our state of the art Technolgy.
Email me - Destinee.Allen@aspendental.com
Rose Jean, RDH
I am the connection that bridges the gaps for student clinicians into hygiene professionals. I take pride in giving my testimony of my career journey in hopes to inspire/influence those who seek success in their career.
Email me - Rose.Jean@aspendental.com
Leah Paskero, RDH, MS
Connecting and building relationships with both students and faculty. I educate everyone about Aspen Dental, mentor them, and guide them in their career choice while explaining my personal story!
Email me - Leah.Paskero@aspendental.com
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