Dental Success

M. ELAINE PARKER, RDH, MS, PhD

• Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Division of Dental Hygiene, Dental School, University of Maryland
• Certificate in Dental Hygiene, University of Detroit
• Bachelor of Science, University of Maryland Baltimore
• Master of Science, Johns Hopkins University
• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Maryland College Park

Dr. Parker began her career in dental hygiene education after extensive private practice experience in general, pediatric and periodontal practices. In addition to her role as lecturer and clinical instructor in dental hygiene, she has lectured to both dental and medical students, as well as residents in the Specialty Programs within the Dental School. Her areas of expertise include patient assessment, periodontal therapy and soft tissue management protocols, instrumentation and ergonomics, and patient adherence and motivation.

She has numerous publications and research experience requisite for her position as Graduate Program Director. Dr. Parker has been active in dental hygiene national, state and local organizations since graduation, serving as past President of Greater Baltimore Dental Hygiene Society, Secretary of the Maryland Dental Hygienists’ Association, and as the educational program director for the Y2K celebration of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association in Washington, DC. She has also been an active member of the American Dental Educators’ Association, holding positions of leadership as Section Chair of Education Research, Development and Curriculum, the Program Directors’ Conference Planning Committee and on various other committees within that educational organization. She has served the ADA Council on Dental Accreditation as a curriculum specialist in dental hygiene, and as the Council’s representative on accreditation site visits. Dr. Parker serves the North East Regional Board as a consultant.

Dr. Parker has earned many awards over her career in dental hygiene education such as Distinguished Alumna from the University of Detroit Mercy as well as numerous teaching awards from her students. Elaine is pleased to be bringing her expertise to McKane and Associates and sharing her ideas, ideals and skills with her colleagues, wherever in the world they may be.