Dr. Michelle G. Klenk
RDH, EdD
Dental Hygiene Education, Curriculum Design, Leadership, Group Facilitation, CODA Standards I-VI
Dr. Klenk is a respected and accomplished dental hygiene educator who has devoted her career to advancing professionalism and excellence within the field. She brings extensive experience in curriculum development, ADA CODA accreditation and regulatory and licensure processes, with a commitment to expanding access to oral healthcare and providing meaningful and practical professional development opportunities to dental practitioners. In her own words, “I personally strive to use the knowledge I have gained and the gifts I have been given to enhance the lives of others.”
BIOGRAPHY
Michelle G. Klenk, RDH, EdD served as Department Chairperson of the Dental Hygiene Program at BridgeValley Community and Technical College for 24 years, providing dedicated leadership and advancing excellence in dental hygiene education. Her extensive knowledge of dental hygiene curriculum development and accreditation processes is reinforced by 15 years of service as a site visitor and team chair for the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
In this leadership capacity, Dr. Klenk has been responsible for evaluating existing, new, and developing programs, while also mentoring multiple newly appointed site visitors. Her attention to detail, comprehensive understanding of CODA Standards, and ability to collaborate effectively with both site visitors and dental hygiene educators serves to facilitate a productive while evaluative experience. The opportunity to serve as a consultant supporting programs seeking CODA approval, outside the formal parameters of the site visit process, has proven to be both rewarding and mutually beneficial.
Dr. Klenk brings extensive experience in licensure and regulatory processes. She received a gubernatorial appointment to the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners and completed three years of service as the sole dental hygiene representative on the Board. She continues to contribute to the licensure process nationally as a dental hygiene member and examiner with the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), serving as Chief Examiner for dental hygiene licensure examinations across the country.
Policy related experience, in a broader sense, is demonstrated through her service on the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Oral Health Coalition. The Coalition’s mission is to promote and improve the oral health of all West Virginians, with a focus on access to care, health policy and education, healthy communities and prevention, infrastructure and strategic partnerships, surveillance and evaluation, adult dental benefits, and choosing wisely.
Education is a central passion for Dr. Klenk, and she continues to demonstrate her commitment to teaching excellence through work as a consultant and continuing education presenter in the dental field. She specializes in OSHA and infection control compliance, substance use disorders and medical emergency prevention and management for dental teams.
Dr. Klenk earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Virginia University. She went on to complete a Master’s degree in Dental Auxiliary Education at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later earned a Doctorate in Education Administration from West Virginia University. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Klenk holds specialty certification as a CDIPC (Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control).
Dr. Klenk’s professional contributions have been formally recognized through numerous honors and awards. In 2022, she was named Alumnus of the Year by the West Virginia University School of Dentistry Alumni Association. That same year, she received the Distinguished RDH Award from the West Virginia Dental Hygienists Association, recognizing her outstanding service and leadership within the profession. Most recently, the White Coat Ceremony at BridgeValley Community and Technical College was named in her honor, reflecting her enduring commitment to professionalism, leadership, and excellence in dental hygiene education and practice.
When not engaged in consulting or other professional activities, Dr. Klenk enjoys traveling with her husband, reading and spending time with her cherished children and grandchildren.