Innovative Dental Education

Expert Consulting for Stronger Dental Hygiene Programs

Customized accreditation consulting, curriculum development, evidence-based courses, and faculty development to help dental hygiene programs build strong foundations, achieve accreditation success, and improve student outcomes.

Lisa Bahr
Innovative Dental Education

About

Innovative Dental Education

At Innovative Dental Education, we specialize in empowering dental hygiene programs and educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to build strong programs, achieve accreditation success, and excel in teaching. With more than 30 years of experience in dental hygiene education, clinical practice, and program leadership, we provide customized educational and accreditation consulting services designed around the unique needs of each program.

Our custom accreditation services support dental hygiene programs throughout the accreditation journey—from developing a new program and preparing for initial accreditation to navigating ongoing compliance, program changes, self-study preparation, and site visit readiness. We work collaboratively with program leaders and faculty to interpret accreditation standards, develop meaningful documentation and evidence, identify gaps, and create practical strategies that strengthen program quality and support continuous quality improvement.

We also provide customized faculty development and educational services in areas such as curriculum development, educational methodology, assessment strategies, learning outcomes, clinical calibration, faculty calibration, and student evaluation. Specialized training is available in areas including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, ethics, instrumentation, infection prevention and control, and other topics relevant to dental hygiene education.

Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all solution, Innovative Dental Education partners with your program to develop practical, sustainable solutions that fit your institution, faculty, students, and goals. Whether you are exploring the development of a new dental hygiene program, preparing for CODA accreditation, strengthening an established program, or looking for innovative ways to support faculty and student success, we bring experience, expertise, and a collaborative approach to every engagement.

Our goal is simple: to help dental hygiene programs build strong foundations, navigate accreditation with confidence, develop exceptional educators, and prepare students for success in the profession.

Dental hygiene education
Educational Methodology
Dental hygiene

About Me

Lisa Bahr, MEd., RDH, AADH, FADHA

With more than 30 years of experience in dental hygiene education and clinical practice, I bring a unique combination of educational expertise, program leadership, and real-world clinical experience to my work with dental hygiene programs and educators.

As a former Dental Hygiene Program Director and educator, I understand the challenges programs face—from developing curriculum and preparing faculty to navigating accreditation requirements, maintaining clinical calibration, and creating meaningful learning experiences for students.

My passion is helping dental hygiene programs build strong foundations, strengthen their educational practices, and achieve excellence. Through Innovative Dental Education, I provide customized consulting and professional development designed specifically around the needs of each program.

My services include CODA accreditation consulting, new program development, curriculum design and mapping, accreditation self-study preparation, program assessment, faculty development and calibration, educational methodology, clinical education, and customized faculty training. I also develop evidence-based courses and practical teaching strategies that educators can immediately apply in the classroom and clinic.

I believe the strongest programs are built through collaboration, thoughtful planning, meaningful assessment, and a commitment to continuous improvement. My goal is to partner with dental hygiene programs and educators to develop practical, sustainable solutions that strengthen programs, support faculty, and ultimately improve student success.

Innovative Dental Education is more than consulting—it is a partnership focused on helping dental hygiene programs thrive.

CONSULTING SERVICES

  • New Dental Hygiene Program Development

  • CODA Accreditation Consulting

  • Curriculum Development & Mapping

  • Program Assessment & CQI

  • Faculty & Clinical Calibration

  • Program Discovery & Strategic Planning

At Innovative Dental Education, we partner with dental hygiene programs to build strong, sustainable programs and support them through every stage of development. Our customized consulting services include new program development, CODA accreditation and self-study preparation, curriculum development and mapping, program assessment, faculty development and calibration, clinical education, and strategic program planning. Whether you are launching a new program, preparing for accreditation, navigating program changes, or strengthening an established program, we provide practical, collaborative solutions tailored to your program’s unique needs and goals.

New Program Development

Innovative Dental Education provides comprehensive consulting support for colleges exploring, developing, and launching dental hygiene programs.

Services can include feasibility and program planning, curriculum development, CODA requirements, facility and clinic planning, faculty requirements, policies and procedures, assessment planning, self-study preparation, and accreditation readiness.

Let's talk about your vision.

Signature Course Areas

Select from established offerings or commission a course tailored to your program’s goals.

Educational Methodology

Evidence-based strategies for planning, delivering, and assessing instruction in a dental hygiene program.

  • Active learning strategies

  • Backward course planning

  • Assessment alignment

Ethics in Dental Hygiene Education

Integrate ethics, professionalism, and patient centered decision-making across courses and clinic.

  • Case discussions

  • Strategies for academic integrity

  • Ethical principles for decision making

Accreditation Essentials

Practical guidance to interpret standards, map evidence, and prepare for site visits with confidence.

  • Standard-by-standard readiness

  • Document & evidence mapping

  • Mock interviews & calibration

Custom Courses to Meet Your Needs

Tailored content for your program goals-from micro-workshops to multi day faculty development

  • Needs assessment

  • Co-design

  • Implementation support

Certified Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) Professional

  • Infection prevention and control program assessment

  • Sterilization and disinfection protocol review

  • OSHA and CDC guideline implementation

  • Clinical policy and procedure development

  • Faculty and staff calibration and training

  • Quality assurance and regulatory compliance support

Certified CPR Instructor

Providing evidence-based CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) education designed specifically for healthcare professionals, dental teams, and allied health programs.

  • Authorized to teach and certify BLS and CPR for healthcare providers

  • Hands-on skills assessment and competency verification

  • Interactive, evidence-based training experiences

  • Emergency preparedness and response education

  • Customized training to meet the needs of dental and allied health programs

Flipped Learning

Structure pre-class content and in-class application to maximize engagement and skill acquisition.

  • Prework design

  • In-class facilitation

  • Improve engagement, retention, and learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Write measurable outcomes and align teaching, learning and assessment to reach them

  • Outcome workshop

  • Curriculum mapping

  • Develop rubrics & assessments

Advanced Instrumentation

Skill progression models, calibration, and assessment for pre-clinic and clinic.

  • Video feedback

  • Check offs & OSCE’s

  • Skill assessment

Feedback & Communication

Develop effective strategies for providing meaningful feedback and communicating with students in ways that promote confidence, accountability, reflection, and continuous improvement.

  • Effective and timely feedback strategies

  • Constructive communication with students

  • Strategies for difficult conversations

  • Creating a positive feedback culture

  • Helping students use feedback to improve performance

  • Building student confidence while maintaining accountability

Local Anesthesia for Educators

Methodology for teaching pharmacology, technique, safety, and clinical judgement in LA instruction.

  • Faculty calibration

  • Competency design

  • Simulation to clinic

Delivery Formats

Online Live

Online live presentations designed to provide interactive learning.

Workshops

Half-day to multi-day sessions with hands on practice and ready to use resources.

Curriculum Consulting

Needs assessment, curriculum mapping, and faculty calibration support.

Keynotes & Webinars

Targeted talks and virtual training for broad audiences.

Request a Custom Proposal

Every dental hygiene program has unique needs, goals, and challenges. Whether you are developing a new dental hygiene program, preparing for CODA accreditation, strengthening your curriculum, supporting faculty development, or seeking customized educational solutions, Innovative Dental Education can provide the expertise and guidance you need.

Tell me about your program, your goals, and how I can help. I’ll work with you to develop a customized consulting or educational proposal tailored to your needs.

Let’s build a stronger dental hygiene program together.