A Mark of Excellence: Prof. Marion Manski to Retire After 43-year Career

Marion Manski, M.S., RDH

Under Prof. Manski’s leadership, the VCU SOD Dental Hygiene program—one of two Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree programs in Virginia and the only one housed in a dental school—has earned national recognition through sustained excellence in student scholarship, faculty development and research, strengthening its reputation as a leader in dental hygiene education.

From a successful CODA accreditation process to curriculum expansion and ongoing program development, Prof. Manski has contributed new ideas and enhanced the educational experiences of students through emerging modalities and interprofessional education initiatives.

Among the accomplishments she is most proud of, Prof. Manski points to establishing the VCU Division of Dental Hygiene’s Curriculum Management Committee, an initiative that has strengthened curriculum planning, assessment and continuous improvement across the program.

Prof. Manski also highlights expanding students’ opportunities for interprofessional education through VCU School of Nursing’s Mobile Health and Wellness Program, where dental hygiene seniors collaborate alongside nursing, pharmacy and other health professions to deliver care in community settings like the VCU Health Hub.

“I've always believed in creating opportunities that benefit both our students and the communities they serve,” said Prof. Manski. “Establishing the Curriculum Management Committee was a significant milestone because it created a sustainable process for evaluating and strengthening our curriculum. I’m also incredibly proud of our work with the VCU Health Hub. Bringing dental hygiene into an interprofessional care model gave our students invaluable real-world experience working alongside colleagues from other health professions while expanding access to oral health care in our communities. Those are initiatives that will continue to benefit our students long after I’ve retired.”

When asked what she will miss most about her career, Prof. Manski didn’t hesitate to answer: the people, especially her students.

“I'll miss so many aspects of this profession, my colleagues, mentoring, presenting at national and international meetings and coaching others as they grow in their careers. But more than anything, I’ll miss the students. Watching them develop into confident, compassionate dental hygienists has been the most rewarding part of my career, and that’s what I’ll miss the most,” said Prof. Manski.

Before joining VCU SOD in 2022, Prof. Manski served as director of the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at University of Bridgeport, where she led the program from 2019 to 2022. Prior to that, she was director of the dental hygiene program at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry from 2012 to 2018.

In addition to her work as program director, Prof. Manski served on the leadership committee for the VCU SOD Dr. Roger Wood Special Care Clinic; as an assistant director of the VCU Center for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Care; as chair of the ADEA Council of Allied Dental Program Directors; and most recently as board director of the ADEA Council of Allied Dental Program Directors as well as being a delegate and active on several ADEA committees.

Prof. Manski has received numerous awards highlighting her outstanding achievements in the field of dental hygiene and as a dental hygiene educator, including the 2026 Sunstar GUM RDH Award of Distinction, 2025 ADHA Ann Battrell Visionary Legacy Award, VCU Interprofessional Leadership Award, Dr. Esther M. Wilkins Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2024 Linda Devore Dental Hygiene Award.

While she views these recognitions as meaningful honors, she says they are a reflection of the mentors who inspired her and the colleagues who supported her along the way.

"When I graduated from dental hygiene school in 1983, I never imagined my career would lead me here," said Prof. Manski. "I simply wanted to become a dental hygienist. Looking back, these awards remind me that dental hygienists can lead, innovate and make a lasting impact on the profession. I am incredibly humbled that my colleagues have recognized my work in this way."

Among those who shaped her journey was her mentor, Linda DeVore, M.A., RDH, whose influence inspired Prof. Manski to think beyond the traditional role of a dental hygienist.

"She taught me to think outside the box and showed me that dental hygienists can accomplish extraordinary things," she said. "Receiving an award that bears her name was especially meaningful because it felt like I had carried forward the example she set for me. That legacy has influenced the way I've mentored others throughout my career."

“Throughout her tenure at VCU, Ms. Manski has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in education, scholarship and service,” said Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., M.P.H., Ed.D., Interim Dean of VCU SOD. “Her leadership has elevated our dental hygiene program to national prominence, and her impact on our students, faculty and profession will be felt for generations. We are deeply grateful for her extraordinary contributions to VCU and wish her all the best in retirement.”

Prof. Manski will remain in her role through the summer session. She will complete teaching her summer course and assist with orientation activities to help support a smooth transition this fall.

In retirement, Prof. Manski says she is looking forward to spending time with her family, especially her one-year-old grandson and her 92-year-old mother. Although she is retiring from her role as a full-time educator, she is also looking forward to future collaborations with the dental school and within the oral health profession.

VCU SOD has named LaTesha McLee, M.S.D.H., RDH, as the Interim Director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, effective August 10, following Prof. Manski’s retirement.

“I have had the privilege of watching LaTesha grow as an educator and leader over the years,” said Prof. Manski. “She has consistently invested in her professional development through leadership programs and has earned the respect of her colleagues through her collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to our students. She is exceptionally well prepared for this role.”

Courtesy of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry