Darlene Carritt, RDH, retires after 38 years of teaching at the College of Dentistry

See photos from Darlene’s retirement celebration.

Darlene Carritt, RDH, a clinical instructor in the UNMC Department of Dental Hygiene, retired this summer after 38 years of teaching at the UNMC College of Dentistry.

She is an alum of the college, having received her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 1978.

“Darlene holds a special place in my heart because she was in the very first class that I taught,” said Gwen Hlava, RDH, MS, chair of the UNMC Department of Dental Hygiene. 

After graduation, Darlene entered private practice.

“In 1985, I called Darlene and asked if she was sitting down and proceeded to ask her if she wanted to enter academia,” Gwen said.

For 38 years, Darlene was a clinical instructor in the college’s Junior and Senior Dental Hygiene Clinics. She also continued to practice dental hygiene in Lincoln.

Throughout her time at UNMC, Darlene received many teaching awards, and numerous classes honored her with a special role at their graduations. Additionally, many alums fondly remember her being the long-term advisor for the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA).

Darlene leaves a legacy of passion for community outreach; she was instrumental in setting up many rotations to give students opportunities to help the underserved and other special groups.

“Darlene, I extend a heartfelt thank you for caring about our patients and our students,” Gwen said.

To celebrate her retirement, Darlene’s colleagues presented her with the Oral-B Award for being a passionate educator and humanitarian.

They also surprised her with a presentation outlining what’s important to her – and what subsequently makes Darlene an extraordinary teacher and colleague – including her love of dental hygiene, her farm and the Huskers, and the following:

Her Faith – “As a steadfast and integral part of who she is, Darlene’s faith has been her guide through all the joys, challenges, adventures, disappointments and journeys she has traveled thus far, and those yet to come,” said Lindsay Mundil, RDH, MA, an assistant professor.

People and Relationships – “Darlene became my mentor through the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) when she served as a delegate for Nebraska and I was a student delegate,” said Jane Broekemeier, RDH, a clinical instructor.

Darlene also was the president and legislative chair for the Nebraska Dental Hygiene Association (NDHA). She was involved in many advancements of the dental hygiene profession in Nebraska, including administration of local anesthesia and N2O sedation, unsupervised practice in public health settings, and prescription writing. 

“If she was not leading the mission, she was behind the scenes, ensuring success by mentoring others,” Jane said. 

“Darlene has been a great mentor to all her students and colleagues, always encouraging and demanding the best from us. On behalf of your students and colleagues, thank you for always demonstrating drive and perseverance, and always giving your very best,” she said.  

Music – “For many years, Darlene has played the piano and organ. We believe this contributed to her skills as a dental hygienist due to the dexterity demands of playing instruments,” said Noni Henderson, RDH, a clinical instructor.

Emily Lindquist, RDH, a clinical instructor, ended the presentation with an emotional farewell.

“Darlene, you have meant so much to the UNMC College of Dentistry and the Department of Dental Hygiene. It’s hard to put into words how much we appreciate you and all you have done,” Emily said.

“Together, we want to congratulate you on your retirement. You will be greatly missed.”