Cassandra Christiansen, RDH, MPA, EdD, associate professor and former chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, has been named director of School-Based Programs and Community Outreach, a new position in the College of Dentistry.
In this role, Dr. Christiansen, who has been with UTHSC since 1996, is responsible for organizing all community activities for the college. The activities can be school or community based, such as a school health fair or church event. Since she began in July, the college has completed more than 500 dental screenings and has been in attendance at five or more community events each month.
“Dr. Christiansen brings years of experience in establishing and implementing successful school-based oral health programs,” said Orpheus Triplett, DDS, assistant dean of Community Oral Health and Outreach in the College of Dentistry. “We feel fortunate to have her serve in this new role.”
While making sure the College of Dentistry maintains its presence in the community, Dr. Christiansen has been intentional about engaging dentistry faculty, students, and staff in interdisciplinary efforts across all six colleges at UTHSC. “I’m looking forward to achieving 100 percent dental faculty and staff participation in our community engagement efforts,” she said.
Professionally, Dr. Christiansen is involved in the National Dental Hygiene Association, the American Dental Hygiene Association, the American Dental Education Association, and the American Academy For Oral Systemic Health.