Linda Meeuwenberg was a 17-year old high school student when she took a job at a general dental practice in her hometown of Fruitport, Mich. She expected to type, file, answer the phone, and pay the bills; instead, she assisted chairside, worked the front desk, took and developed X-rays, and accompanied her employers � a husband and wife dental team � to meetings. They were so impressed by her natural aptitude and skill that they urged her to switch her college major. Meeuwenberg needed little convincing. Already gripped by a passion for dentistry, she enrolled in Ferris State University's infant dental hygiene program, finishing near the top of its second-ever graduating class.
From this providential beginning sprung a multifaceted career as hygienist, educator, consultant, and author. Meeuwenberg went on to earn a bachelor�s degree in education, as well as two master�s degrees. After nine years of private practice, Meeuwenberg began teaching at her alma mater, first as a part-time clinical supervisor, then as a full-time member of the hygiene faculty. After earning her second master's degree, Meeuwenberg attained the rank of full professor - only the second woman ever to achieve this in the University's College of Allied Health Sciences. She instructs primarily second-year students in clinical practice and clinical theory, and teaches a seminar for pre-dental hygiene students. She serves as SADHA advisor for Ferris State and is the continuing education coordinator, teaching several continuing education seminars held annually at the university. Ferris State has lauded her efforts by naming her one of five finalists for its Distinguished Teacher of the Year, and awarding her its Silver Award for Distinguished Alumni. She has also been inducted into Sigma Phi Alpha, the National Dental Hygiene Honor Society, for her contributions to dental hygiene education.
After 23 years as clinical instructor, Meeuwenberg notes that students today are highly motivated; they are also more stressed. "More students have to work while going to college and many more commute rather than live on campus," she says. Many of her students struggle to balance family obligations as well as those of work and school. Amazingly, they often turn out to be her best students. Says Meeuwenberg, "They know how set priorities and have great self-discipline." She adds that students today are passionately interested in the issues that affect hygiene practice. "I introduce issues like preceptorship in my freshman class," states Meeuwenberg. Discussing issues at length in class gives Meeuwenberg an opportunity to motivate students to become involved in the ADHA. She adds, "They are appalled that their career choices are being threatened � especially when so many are making sacrifices to earn this degree."
The role of educator naturally segued into that of author. Meeuwenberg has published articles in virtually every respected hygiene journal, including RDH, Journal of Practical Hygiene, Journal of Implant Dentistry, and ACCESS. She is a frequent contributor to The Bulletin of the Michigan Hygienists Association and the Michigan Academy of General Dentistry�s quarterly publication. A book on personal empowerment is currently in the works; Meeuwenberg also has published a short story.
Teaching, plus the intensive one-on-one interface with her patients, helped the once-shy Meeuwenberg - "I was scared to death of lecturing" - blossom into a first-rate public speaker. After earning a master�s degree in communication, she combined her arsenal of talents and formed Professional Development Association, Inc. in 1988. The company manages a team of independent consultants and offers speaking and consulting services to a wide variety of professional groups. Meeuwenberg�s company specializes in topics highly relevant in the modern workforce, including Improved Human Performance and Positive Attitudes as Self Empowerment. She offers courses to local businesses and dental offices, and speaks frequently at professional meetings throughout the country.
Meeuwenberg still practices in a clinical setting, working as the consulting hygienist for a migrant health clinic in the summers. "I love my profession and can�t sing its praises enough," marvels Meeuwenberg. �I have the best of all worlds � private practice, working with students, and speaking to seasoned professionals." Hygiene embraced a shy teenager from Fruitport, Michigan and took her down a dynamic path, one she still travels with great gusto today.
