Biography
Brandi Clisham, MSLD, is a dental hygiene educator and clinical leader serving as Clinic Manager and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at Clayton State University. With a strong commitment to student success, clinical education, and program development, she plays an integral role in advancing the department’s clinical operations and educational initiatives.
In her role, Brandi oversees clinical operations, faculty and student support, infection control, equipment and supply management, clinical training, and quality improvement initiatives. She has been instrumental in modernizing clinical workflows, implementing digital technologies, and strengthening systems that support efficient, student-centered patient care.
Brandi is passionate about developing future dental hygienists through meaningful clinical experiences, consistent expectations, and innovative teaching strategies. Her professional interests include leadership, cultural awareness, dental hygiene education, clinical technology, and expanding access to quality oral healthcare.
Education
MS, Strategic Leadership and Development, Clayton State University, 2025
BS, Dental Hygiene, University of Michigan, 2007
Service to the University & University System of Georgia
University, Environmental Compliance Advisory Committee , Committee Member – 2022 to Present
Teaching Interest
My teaching interests focus on developing confident, competent, and compassionate dental hygiene professionals through student-centered clinical education. I am particularly interested in connecting didactic knowledge to hands-on clinical practice and creating learning experiences that promote critical thinking, clinical judgment, and lifelong learning.
I have a strong interest in clinical instruction, competency-based education, student assessment, and the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. I am also interested in developing innovative approaches to clinical education that provide students with clear expectations, consistent feedback, and opportunities for remediation and growth.
Additional areas of interest include leadership development, patient-centered care, local anesthesia education, infection prevention and control, and the integration of digital systems into dental hygiene education. I am passionate about preparing students to adapt to changes in healthcare while maintaining high standards of professional practice.
Ultimately, my goal as an educator is to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that challenges students to grow professionally, develop confidence in their clinical abilities, and become advocates for their patients, profession, and communities.
Research Interest
My research interests focus on advancing dental hygiene education, clinical practice, and the role of dental hygienists within the healthcare team. I am particularly interested in exploring interprofessional perspectives on the scope and utilization of dental hygiene services, including dental hygienists’ role in providing local anesthesia and other expanded clinical services.
Additional areas of interest include student success and retention in dental hygiene education, competency-based clinical assessment, innovative teaching strategies, and the use of technology to improve clinical education and patient care. I am also interested in research examining how leadership, cultural awareness, and patient-centered approaches influence the educational experience and development of future dental hygienists.
My goal is to conduct research that contributes to evidence-based dental hygiene education, supports the continued advancement of the profession, and promotes improved access to quality oral healthcare. Through research and collaboration, I hope to identify strategies that strengthen dental hygiene education while preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system.
