Emily Chaffer

My name is Emily Chaffer. I am from Carroll County, Maryland.

Achieving a leadership role in dentistry has been a goal of mine since I was a child, driven by the positive experiences and trusting relationships I had with my orthodontist, dentist, and dental hygienist. Seeing how my dental providers worked as a team helped me recognize the value of oral healthcare and the impact it can have on patients’ lives.

To pursue a career in dentistry, I knew I needed a strong background in the sciences to meet the prerequisites for graduate study. I earned an A.S. in biology from Carroll Community College in 2020 and later transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, where I graduated in 2022 with a B.S. in biological sciences, specializing in microbiology.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I wanted to expand my knowledge and hands-on experience in dentistry before continuing to graduate school. I worked as a dental assistant at a private practice in Owings Mills and with the Implantology Continuum Program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD). Through these experiences, I discovered my passion for preventive dentistry and public health, which strengthened my commitment to furthering my education.

When I learned about the B.S./M.S. Dual Degree Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader (CDHL) program offered through UMSOD at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), I knew it was the right next step. I first discovered the program on the UMSOD website and through USG’s student stories, and was so inspired by the stories and experiences of former students that it ultimately motivated me to apply. The program aligned perfectly with my goals, offering advanced clinical training and leadership development for students with a science background. I will graduate in spring/summer 2026 and am excited to continue building a dental hygiene career.

This past summer, I participated in dental hygiene service-learning experiences that provided valuable clinical exposure. I delivered oral hygiene care — including cleanings, periodontal therapy, and patient education — at clinics in Carroll and Harford counties that accept Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program coverage, as well as other clinics affiliated with UMSOD. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with an interprofessional healthcare team of student professionals from nursing, social work, pharmacy, and medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic (President’s Clinic). Working alongside these disciplines under faculty supervision strengthened my understanding of the connection between oral and systemic health — something I now emphasize each week as I provide patient care at the USG Dental Clinic.

Alongside my studies, I stay active in several extracurricular and leadership roles. I serve as president of my dental hygiene class, am a student member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, and represent USG and the UMSOD dental hygiene program as a senator in the UMB USGA. 

USG campus resources that have supported me include the Priddy Library and student support services. The campus provides a welcoming and supportive environment for studying, and I’ve greatly benefited from scholarship and food access resources. In spring 2025, our Dental Hygiene Leader students will collaborate with University of Maryland School of Nursing students at USG to host local high school students for a day of dental hygiene and nursing activities, along with a campus tour. I’m excited to inspire future healthcare professionals.

Upon graduation, I plan to become a Registered Dental Hygienist in Maryland. My goal is to expand my clinical skills and promote patient-centered care at a dental clinic serving an underserved community, possibly at UMSOD or within Carroll County. In the future, I hope to contribute to dental hygiene education and pursue a doctoral degree in public health to help improve access to oral care.

Throughout my graduate journey, I’ve learned the importance of keeping an open mind, staying resilient, and continuing to learn from every experience. My passion for dentistry grows stronger with each opportunity, and I hope to use my skills to make a lasting impact, both in the clinic, and beyond. I urge students pursuing similar educational or career paths at USG to remain optimistic, aim high and seize every valuable opportunity for leadership, clinical practice, or professional development.