From Passion to Profession - Two Ohio State Online MSDH Program Students Transform their Careers
By Emily Arnold, Marketing Manager | The Ohio State University Office of Academic Affairs
Here are the stories of two program participants—one a 10-year graduate and the other a current student making plans for her future. Each shares how the program has shaped their personal and professional growth.
For current student Jennifer Barkans, pursuing a master’s degree was driven by a deep passion for dental hygiene and a desire to inspire future generations of dental hygienists. With limited higher education options specific to dental hygiene in Canada, Ohio State Online stood out. The program’s focus on education and research aligns perfectly with her career goals.
As an international student, Ms. Barkans has found the online format to be highly accessible and enriching. “Learning across countries has given me insights into differences in billing, insurance and educational standards between the U.S. and Canada,” she shared. “This program has connected me with like-minded dental hygienists from across the U.S., fostering collaboration and a deeper understanding of the profession.”
The program has had an immediate impact on her professional practice. “I’ve applied evidence-based practices to patient care and the dental hygiene process of care,” she explained. “The skills I’ve gained in finding and applying research have elevated the quality of care I deliver.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program has been connecting with classmates and faculty from diverse backgrounds. “There’s so much power in learning from people with different experiences,” Ms. Barkans said. “We’ve even made plans to meet in person to solidify the bonds we’ve built.”
Professionally, the program has opened doors to new opportunities and helped her career begin to take off. “The evidence-based research and education courses are helping me build a foundation for public speaking and achieving my goal of becoming an educator.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF DENTAL HYGIENE
Participating in the program has shaped Ms. Barkans’ perspective on the profession and its potential. She sees immense value in promoting license portability and strengthening the collaboration between U.S. and Canadian dental hygienists. “We need more hygienists in positions to inspire, educate and motivate future generations. Our work improves community oral health, and I hope this becomes more evident to people in the years to come.”
For many dental hygienists, a passion for patient care often grows into a desire to teach, lead, and contribute to the field in new ways. For Chadleo Webb, ’13 BSDH, ’15 MDH, RDH, the Ohio State Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene was the turning point that transformed his career trajectory. Now an associate clinical professor of Dental Hygiene at Northern Arizona University, Mr. Webb said the program provided the skills, knowledge and experience he needed to succeed in higher education.
“As I reflect on my six years in this position, I realize that the MSDH program prepared me for every aspect of my current role in academia,” Mr. Webb said. “A series of courses that focused on course development, educational methodology, effective feedback and impactful evaluation built my foundation as an educator. I now teach an array of subjects each year, from dental radiology to local anesthesia.”
Already a 10-year alumnus from the dental hygiene program, Mr. Webb still appreciates the ability to complete the program online. “I completed the program in two years, taking courses full-time,” he said. “Although I took a full-time load each semester, I was able to balance work responsibilities with academic demands.” This flexible format not only supported a better work-life balance—it also offered a financial advantage.
“Looking back, I am very grateful that I was able to gain experience as a dental hygienist and earn a living while in classes. This flexibility can mitigate the necessity of taking out large student loans to fund graduate education.”