Gwen Hlava, RDH, MS, professor and chair of the department of dental hygiene, recently retired after 50 years of service to the UNMC College of Dentistry. Gwen loyally served the college, UNMC and the broader dental hygiene community. She was the driving force behind the college’s tradition of excellence in dental hygiene education and patient care.
Dental hygiene faculty members said, “No one is more dedicated to their students, their department and dental hygiene education than Gwen. She has a unique ability to identify an individual’s special characteristics and talents to help them find their niche in dental hygiene. Her enthusiasm for dental hygiene is inspiring to students, faculty and alumni alike.”
Under Gwen’s leadership, the UNMC Dental Hygiene Program gained national prominence. For example, the program was ranked first in the nation among 256 other programs in 2006. As an educator and mentor, she inspired thousands of students to become exceptional, passionate dental hygienists.
Gwen also mentored countless faculty and staff members, encouraging them to leave their own marks on the field of dental hygiene. For example, the UNMC Dental Hygiene Program was recognized as the “2021 Employer of the Year” by the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association. Lisa Moravec, associate professor, nominated the college for the award, stating, “Gwen is a mentor to all hygienists within the department and encourages our involvement in professional organizations.”
Gwen’s journey at the UNMC College of Dentistry began in 1968 when she became a dental hygiene student. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1972 and went on to receive her master’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1975.
Her first teaching position was at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. One year later, a teaching position opened at UNMC and Gwen decided to return home. She served as an assistant professor from 1976-1983, an associate professor from 1983-2017, and was a professor for the past seven years. She became chairman of the UNMC Department of Dental Hygiene in 1985 and served in the role for 40 years.
Throughout her time at the college, Gwen’s achievements included establishing the UNMC Sealant Program and the UNMC West Division Dental Hygiene Program. She also made a broad and lasting impact through her advocacy work. For example, she was instrumental in enabling licensed dental hygienists in Nebraska to administer local anesthesia.
During her time at UNMC, Gwen received numerous honors, including many “Outstanding Teacher Awards” presented by senior dental hygiene classes, the “Outstanding Educator Award” from the UNMC College of Dentistry Alumni Association in 2009, and the “Dental Hygienist of the Year” from the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association in 1983. She held local and national leadership positions, including serving as the president of the Sigma Phi Alpha Supreme Chapter.
The College of Dentistry expresses our sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to Gwen for her years of devotion to the college and her relentless pursuit of excellence in dental hygiene education and patient care.