From clinician to program director: How Ohio State Online shaped Nicole Patel’s career in dental hygiene

Nicole Patel, MSDH, RDH is living proof that career growth in dental hygiene doesn’t have to follow a straight line. From an unexpected start in dentistry to becoming director and instructor of the dental hygiene program at Lakeland Community College, her journey highlights how advanced education can expand professional opportunities, build leadership confidence, and open doors to academic and administrative roles. 

Having completed both the RDH to Bachelor of Science completion program and the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene online at The Ohio State University, Nicole credits her education with preparing her for long-term career advancement while balancing work, family and leadership responsibilities.

Discovering a passion for dental hygiene

Nicole’s path to dental hygiene began far from a traditional healthcare setting. She originally attended the Cleveland Institute of Art on scholarship, but a gap year and a job filing charts in a dental office changed everything. 

When the dentist began teaching her chairside procedures, Nicole quickly found herself drawn to patient care — especially observing the dental hygienist educating patients about periodontal disease and treatment planning. 

“I was inspired by her ability to educate and build meaningful connections. That experience ultimately led me to pursue a career in dental hygiene.” 

That early exposure ignited a passion for both clinical care and patient education, setting up the foundation for a future in teaching and leadership.  

Early career and the drive for education advancement 

After earning her associate degree from Lakeland Community College in 2008, Nicole worked full-time in private practice for more than a decade, often 40–50 hours per week, without burnout. But still, her desire for professional growth in dental hygiene continued to build. 

Teaching was always part of her long-term vision. She pursued her bachelor’s degree while continuing to practice clinically, later stepping into adjunct clinical instruction, lab teaching, and eventually didactic coursework. These experiences confirmed what she already knew: education was where her passion and purpose were aligned. 

Why Ohio State’s online RDH to BS program made sense

Nicole chose Ohio State’s online RDH to Bachelor of Science completion program based on strong recommendations from colleagues and the program’s flexibility. 

The fully online format allowed her to: 

• Work full time in clinical practice 

• Teach part time 

• Complete coursework during evenings and weekends 

“The program helped me become a more knowledgeable and well-rounded hygienist, significantly boosting my professional confidence.”

Beyond clinical growth, earning a degree from Ohio State and building professional connections through the program reinforced her readiness for the next step in her career. 

Taking the next step: Master of Science in Dental Hygiene  

Teaching brought Nicole immense fulfillment, but she knew she needed a stronger foundation in educational methodology, leadership, and pedagogy to become the best educator possible. 

Encouraged by mentors and inspired by her undergraduate experience, she returned to Ohio State to pursue her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene online. 

“The curriculum fully prepared me for a full-time career in dental hygiene education.” 

Courses in educational methods, leadership, and policy helped fill gaps she didn’t even realize existed, transforming uncertainty into confidence and clarity.

Research, leadership and personal growth  

Several experiences during the master’s program proved transformative: 

• Educational methods coursework that strengthened course design and assessment strategies 

• Policy and leadership projects that deepened her understanding of higher education systems 

• Completing her thesis, which became her greatest personal and professional accomplishment 

As someone with dyslexia, writing had once been a major challenge. Through the program, Nicole grew into a confident writer and researcher, developing a newfound interest in research that she never anticipated. 

Her perseverance paid off. After initially entering as a non-degree graduate student, she excelled academically, earned full admission, was inducted into the National Dental Hygiene Honor Society, and received the Pauline Wittwer Fellowship. 

Preparing for a leadership role in dental hygiene education  

Nicole completed her last semester of her graduate program while: 

• Working approximately 20 hours per week 

• Completing a 30-hour-per-week internship 

• Raising two young children 

That internship provided hands-on experience in program administration, accreditation, and leadership, preparing her directly for her current role. 

“The coursework was the piece of the puzzle I was missing. It instilled the confidence I needed to even apply for a program director position.” 

Today, Nicole serves as director and instructor of the dental hygiene program at Lakeland Community College. A full-circle moment at the same institution where she began her dental hygiene journey. 

Faculty support and community for online learners at Ohio State  

Nicole credits Ohio State faculty with creating an environment where she felt supported, challenged and genuinely invested in. 

From one-on-one thesis meetings to after-hours virtual support, faculty consistently provided guidance that helped her succeed. Equally impactful were the connections she built with classmates — many of whom became lifelong professional peers and friends. 

“I honestly felt like I was on campus — an on-campus experience online.” 

A message to dental hygienists considering advanced education  

Nicole hopes her story encourages dental hygienists — especially parents, caregivers and full-time professionals — to believe that education advancement is possible. 

“I want to tell them that they can do this.” 

Her journey demonstrates how Ohio State’s online dental hygiene programs can support career growth, leadership development, and long-term professional fulfillment.  

 Interested in advancing your career in dental hygiene?

Explore Ohio State’s online RDH to Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Master of Science in Dental Hygiene programs to see how flexible, high-quality education can help you reach your next professional goal. Reach out to one of our expert Enrollment Advisors to learn more today.