Dr. Melissa Efurd is the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs & Institutional Research at ARCOM. After receiving a BS in Dental Hygiene from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, she obtained a Masters in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Missouri Dental School in Kansas City and an Ed.D in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Melissa held faculty positions at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Melissa and her husband Ken are happy to be back in Fort Smith and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Education

• 2012 Ed.D., Higher Education, Emphasis on College Administration and Workforce Development The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas Dissertation: Predictors of Academic Success for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the Southern Regional Testing Agency
• 2009 M.S., Dental Hygiene Education The University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School, Kansas City, Missouri Thesis: Comparing the Risk Identification and Management Behaviors between Oral Health Providers for Patients with Diabetes
• 2002 B.S., Dental Hygiene The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Health Professions, Little Rock, Arkansas

Accomplishments

• August 2018 – Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs & Institutional Research Present Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
• August, 2013 –July 2018; Associate Professor, Chair, Department of Dental Hygiene College of Health Professions, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
• June, 2009- June 2013; Assistant Professor, Executive Director, Dental Hygiene, College of Health Sciences, University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

Areas of Expertise/Interest

• Didactic education for undergraduate students with an emphasis on evidenced based practice, literature, search and writing a literature review. Developing an educational electronic portfolio to enhance student reflection and self-assessment.
• Clinical education in advance periodontal instrumentation. Educating students to treat beyond the oral cavity with an emphasis on periodontal pathogens and the link to systemic disease.