Dr. Sharon Compton Recognized With the University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award

Congratulations to Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Life Member Sharon Compton, Ph.D., M.A., for being recognized with the University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award. Dr. Compton’s visionary leadership has been a transformative force in dental hygiene education as she has advanced the profession through innovation, advocacy and program development.

Sharon Compton, Ph.D., M.A.

During her tenure at the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry, University of Alberta (UAlberta SOD), Dr. Compton’s commitment to innovation and advocacy drove remarkable achievements. She led the transition of dental hygiene education from a diploma to a bachelor’s degree and helped establish a thesis-based master’s program in the profession. She orchestrated the integration of student practicums into long-term care facilities, significantly improving oral health care standards for seniors. Additionally, she guided the UAlberta SOD through the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, has served on prominent national/international boards and helped build dental hygiene programs at the Aga Khan University.

Dr. Compton’s lasting legacy continues to inspire generations of oral health professionals serving communities worldwide.

This story was originally posted on the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association LinkedIn page.