Heather Eddy

Assistant Professor

Office: Edgewater Hall 235 D
Dental Hygiene
College of Health
HeatherEddy@clayton.edu
Phone: (678) 466-4910

Biography

Heather Eddy serves as Assistant Professor and Senior Clinical Director of Dental Hygiene at Clayton State University, where she teaches advanced courses in periodontology, local anesthesia, and community oral health. With over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and higher education, she is passionate about fostering student success through evidence-based instruction, mentorship, and community engagement. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Eddy coordinates student outreach programs such as TeamSmile and Head Start partnerships, connecting oral health education with community service. She is committed to advancing inclusive, student-centered learning environments and supporting the next generation of dental hygiene educators and practitioners.

Education

EdD, Higher Education Leadership Practices, University of North Georgia, 2026

MS, Dental hygiene - Education, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2020

BS, Dental Hygiene, Clayton State University, 2017

AS, Dental Hygiene, Clayton State University, 2001

Intellectual Contributions

Naquilla Thomas, Heather Eddy, Telehealth and the preparation of graduates of health professions: A review of literature, 37th Annual Conference of the Business and Health Administration Association (BHAA) –

Heather Leigh Reid, Oral Infection Control: Toothbrushes and Toothbrushing, Jones and Bartlett Learning – March 2023

Naquilla Thomas, Heather Eddy, Victoria Foster, Melanie Poudevigne, Kendolyn Smith, Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Professions: An Exploration of Implementation

Heather L Eddy, Examining Faculty Shortages in Dental Hygiene Education: Insights into Compensation Trends, Recruitment, and Retention Practices

Heather Reid, Dental hygiene student attitudes about benefits of baccalaureate degree and factors impacting entry-level program choice, Journal of Dental Education – May 2021

Presentations

Naquilla Thomas, Heather Eddy, Kimberly Pyron, Cheryl Mills, TELEHEALTH AND THE PREPARATION OF GRADUATES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE, 2023 Business & Health Administration Association Blended Conference, Midwest Business Administration Association – March 2023

Heather Eddy, Oral-Systemic Link, Wellness and Staff Professional Development Day, Clayton County Head Start – October 2024

Naquilla Thomas, Michelle Boyce, Heather Eddy, Victoria Foster, Melanie Poudevigne, Kendolyn Smith, Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health Professions: An Exploration of Implementation, 2024 Business & Health Administration Association Blended Conference, Midwest Business Administration Association – April 2024

Heather L Eddy, Kimberly Pyron, Kendolyn Smith, Naquilla Thomas, Empowering Future: Faculty-Led Collaborations with Community Agencies and Nonprofits, Social Mobility Summit, Clayton State University – June 6 2025

Service to the University & University System of Georgia

Department, Search and Interview Committee January 2023 to December 2023

University, IT Committee, Committee Member – 2021 to 2025

, Health & Mental Health Services Advisory Committee, Attendee, Meeting – 2023 to 2025

Department, Dental Hygiene Department Review Committee, Committee Member – April 2025 to Present

College, College of Health Curriculum Committee, Committee Member – January 2025 to Present

College, College of Health - Smith Award Committee , Committee Member – 2023

Department, Advisory Board Member for Department of Dental Hygiene, Committee Member – 2022

Department, Advisory Board Committee for the Department of Dental Hygiene, Committee Member – 2023

Service to the Profession

Member, American Academy for Oral Systemic Health January 2025 to 2025

Member, American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) 2001 to Present

Member, Georgia Dental Hygiene Educator's Association (GDHEA) 2023 to Present

Officer, Secretary, Sigma Phi Alpha 2022 to Present

Member, Georgia Dental Hygienists' Association (GDHA) 2001 to Present

Service to the Community

Board Member, Advisory Board February 2022 to Present

Other, Clayton County Head Start Program November 11 2021 to Present

Other, Clayton County Head Start Prorgam January 25 2024

Other, Team Smile November 2025 to Present

Other, Team Smile 2024 to Present

Other, Team Smile December 2023

Attendee, Meeting, Team Smile and Atlanta Hawks December 2022 to Present

Other, Ser Familia June 24 2023

Program Organizer, SADHA - Dental Hygiene Day October 2022 to Present

Attendee, Meeting, Cross Culture 365 Ministries Community LOVE And Wellness Day, October 1 2022 to Present

Teaching Interest

Teaching interests surround advanced dental hygiene courses that integrate evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making within dental hygiene education. I am passionate about helping students bridge the gap between theory and clinical application, particularly in areas such as periodontology, local anesthesia, pathology, and community oral health. I emphasize reflective learning, professionalism, and patient-centered care, encouraging students to see themselves as lifelong learners and future leaders in oral health

Research Interest

My research interests center on advancing dental hygiene education and workforce development. I have explored topics related to dental hygiene faculty recruitment, transition, and retention. I am also interested in the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and teledentistry, into clinical education and practice.