USD Announces New Chair for Dental Hygiene Department

January 20, 2022

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COVID-19: Campus Updates and Information
Miranda Drake has been named chair of the USD dental hygiene program.
VERMILLION, S.D. – Miranda Drake, MSDH, BSDH, RDH, RF, CCRP, has accepted the position of chair overseeing the dental hygiene department at the University of South Dakota.
Drake comes to USD from the University of Minnesota, where she served as a clinical associate professor, clinical director and interim director for its dental hygiene program.
Drake received her undergraduate dental hygiene degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and her M.S. degree in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Minnesota. She has an impressive record of research and publications, in addition to her teaching and leadership roles. Prior to her service in academia, Drake worked as a dental hygienist in the Minneapolis area.
“Miranda brings expertise in the accreditation process, curriculum development and quality improvement,” said Haifa Samra, Ph.D., dean of USD’s School of Health Sciences. “She has a solid record of research and publications and working with the industry and community stakeholders.”
Drake will assume chair responsibilities starting Jan. 22, 2022. USD’s program is the only four-year dental hygiene program in South Dakota.
USD’s School of Health Sciences is a national leader in interprofessional health sciences education. South Dakota’s comprehensive School of Health Sciences develops scholars, practitioners and leaders in health and human services, including addiction counselors, dental hygienists, health science practitioners, medical laboratory scientists, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, public health practitioners and social workers.
Founded in 1862 and the first university in the Dakotas, the University of South Dakota is the only public liberal arts university in the state, with 202 undergraduate and 84 graduate programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, Knudson School of Law, Sanford School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Beacom School of Business and College of Fine Arts. With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students and more than 400 faculty, USD has a 16:1 student/faculty ratio, and it ranks among the best in academics and affordability. USD’s 18 athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division I level.