Professor Amy Coplen, the director of Pacific University’s School of Dental Hygiene Studies, was named the University of Michigan’s 2022 Dental Hygiene Alumna of the Year Award in recognition of her work to persuade the Oregon Legislature to allow the licensure of dental therapists.
Amy E. Coplen, RDH, MS
Director, School of Dental Hygiene Studies
503 352-7252
Creighton Hall 287
Areas I Teach
Biography
Amy joined Pacific University as a full-time faculty member in August 2009. She previously worked with the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, as an instructional designer in their Dental Informatics Department, where she developed online patient simulations for genetics education. Amy worked as a clinical dental hygienist for six years before returning to school to pursue her master’s degree. Her master’s thesis focused on dental hygiene faculty perceptions of important characteristics in future faculty.
Amy is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Education Association. She has presented research posters, technology exhibits and faculty development workshops at national meetings. She is a member of Sigma Phi Alpha, the national dental hygiene honor society, holding alumni membership in the Nu chapter.
Amy recently has been appointed Co-Associate Dean of Interprofessional Education and Co-Director of the Program in Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (PIPER) effective July 1, 2017.
Amy enjoys incorporating various forms of technology into her teaching to engage her students. She enjoys walking and using public transportation to explore the city.
Education
MS in Dental Hygiene, University of Michigan, 2009
BS in Dental Hygiene, University of Michigan, 2002
Headlines
Dental Hygiene Director Amy Coplen Honored by University of Michigan For Oregon Advocacy, Leadership
Rosalie Goode ’15 became a dental hygienist through Pacific University’s School of Dental Hygiene. Now, thanks to a statewide pilot program at Pacific, she has become the first licensed member of a new cohort of mid-level dental provider in Oregon.
Pacific University faculty members and supporters have advocated for several years for recognition for a new class of dental care provider. This month, the Oregon Legislature signed on.
Amy Coplen has been promoted to full professor in the Pacific University School of Dental Hygiene Studies.
With Oregon focused on ways to improve some residents' access to health services, Professor Amy Coplen, who directs the School of Dental Hygiene Studies, told a radio audience about Pacific's dental therapy program.