Published: November 01, 2023 by Kyle Rogers
Associate Professor Tulsi Patel, RDH, BSDH, MHA, has been named UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s inaugural director of health promotion.
In her new role, which became effective Oct. 16, Patel oversees the clinical activities of the School of Dentistry’ new Center for Health Promotion and its mission to improve the oral health of our patients through education and emphasis on overall health.
Patel joined the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene faculty in 2016 after practicing and instructing in dental hygiene in Oregon.
Her previous educational work was completed at her alma mater, Pacific University, where she earned a bachelor of science in dental hygiene and a master’s in healthcare administration.
Patel instructed in clinical dental hygiene, local anesthesia, and restorative clinics. She also supervised students at off-site rotations, working with expanded functions to deliver oral care to underserved populations and helped develop a quality assurance program to be used with axiUm in their dental hygiene clinic. The focus of her capstone project was on developing a wellness center that addressed integrated care and health care reform.
At UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, Patel has been recognized with the Lorna J. Bruning Award for Outstanding Teaching, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional knowledge and competence toward effective learning, in 2018 and 2023, respectively. She is also a 2023 recipient of the Procter & Gamble Teaching Excellence Award.
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