University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Amanda M. Dolen, RDH, MHPTT

Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Hygiene, UNMC College of Dentistry

Amanda M. Dolen
Amanda M. Dolen is an assistant professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at the UNMC College of Dentistry. With over a decade of experience in dental hygiene education, she plays a pivotal role in shaping clinical and didactic instruction for undergraduate students. Her current teaching responsibilities include serving as course director for multiple advanced clinical dental hygiene and clinical techniques courses, as well as instructing in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation labs. In her role as senior clinic coordinator, she oversees day-to-day clinical operations and student clinical rotations, ensuring quality patient care, continuity of instruction, and the development of clinical competency and professionalism. Her leadership in curriculum design and instructional methodology reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in health professions education.

Amanda’s contributions extend beyond the classroom through active involvement in research, faculty development and community outreach. She has co-authored several scholarly publications and abstracts focused on dental hygiene education, simulation-based learning, and clinical effectiveness. Her mentorship of student research projects demonstrates a dedication to fostering inquiry and evidence-based practice. She is a frequent presenter and course director for continuing education programs, particularly in coronal polishing for dental assistants. Her service on numerous committees including the Executive Faculty Committee, Research Committee, Student Scientific Program Planning Committee and Admissions Committee underscores her influence in shaping institutional policy and academic standards. Through her consulting role with Central Regional Dental Testing Services and extensive outreach efforts, Dolen exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and professional engagement central to UNMC’s mission.
  • Bachelor's: Dental Hygiene, UNMC, 2012.
  • Master's: Health Professions Teaching and Technology, UNMC, 2021.
  • Innovation in dental hygiene education.
  • Clinical effectiveness.
  • Interprofessional simulation-based learning.
  • Faculty recognition awards from graduating classes, multiple years.
  • HuFriedy Golden Scaler/Outstanding Clinician Award, 2012.
  • Nebraska Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Hygienists Association, first- and second-place awards, scientific table presentations, 2012.
  • Member, Executive Faculty Committee and Research Committee, UNMC College of Dentistry.
  • Member and former chair, vice chair and secretary, Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee and Student Scientific Program Planning Committee.
  • Co-chair, Membership Committee, Nebraska Dental Hygienists' Association, 2012-15.
  • Central Regional Dental Testing Services examiner for regional dental licensure assessments.
  • Former sealant program coordinator of preventive oral health initiatives in numerous Nebraska schools.
  • UNMC iLEAD Leadership Development Program, 2025–26.