Ohio Senator Visits College to Discuss Workforce Needs

June 12, 2026

Group photo of Dean Trotman with visiting senator and others — From left: Mr. David Owsiany, Director of the Ohio Dental Association; Mr. Nick Blazer, Vice President of Government Solutions Group; Dean Carroll Ann Trotman; Mr. Adam Hewit, President of Government Solutions Group; Senator Theresa Gavarone; Dr. Tracy Poole-Swerlein; Ms. Alex Penrod, Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Affairs at the Ohio Department of Higher Education; Ms. Carly Hensinger, Director of State Relations at The Ohio State University; Dr. Rachel Kearney, Associate Dean of Pre-Doctoral Education and Student Life; and Ms. Stephanie Milburn, Associate Vice President of Government Affairs at the Wexner Medical Center.

The college welcomed Ohio Senator Theresa Gavarone for a visit. She toured Postle Hall and learned about our programs.

During the visit, we shared concerns about the dental hygiene shortage across the state, which can make it harder for dental offices to care for patients. We talked about the need for more support and funding for dental hygiene education.

Several leaders joined our College of Dentistry team, including:

Mr. Nick Blazer	Vice President	Government Solutions Group
Ms. Carly Hensinger	Director of State Relations	The Ohio State University
Mr. Adam Hewit	President	Government Solutions Group
Ms. Stephanie Milburn	Associate Vice President of Government Affairs	Wexner Medical Center
Mr. David Owsiany	Director	Ohio Dental Association
Ms. Alex Penrod	Special Assistant to the Chancellor for External Affairs	Ohio Department of Higher Education
Dr. Tracy Poole-Swerlein	Alumni Representative	College of Dentistry

We thank Senator Gavarone for her visit and interest in this issue. We hope to work together to train more dental hygienists and improve care for patients across the state.

View photos from the visit:

Dr. Kearney speaking to Senator Gavarone as they tour Postle Hall

Dean Trotman speaking to senator in a board room

Dr. Tracy Poole-Swerlein, Senator Theresa Gavarone, Dean Trotman