Carri Shamburger is the director of the Dental Hygiene Program at UAA and has recently earned her Ph.D. in General Psychology, specializing in Cognition and Learning. This impressive achievement further strengthens her commitment to advancing education and supporting student success. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, "I am grateful for the opportunity to work in a profession that combines my love for education, healthcare, and mentorship. Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about achieving goals but also about building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact on others. Whether it’s helping a student overcome challenges, seeing alumni thrive in their careers, or contributing to the oral health of our community, these moments are what make my work so fulfilling."

UAA's College of Health is proud to highlight Carri and her accomplishments—congratulations!

Name: Carri Shamburger

Title: Program Director

Unit: School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences

Hometown: Homer, Alaska

How long have you worked at UAA/in this position?: 18 years

Tell us about your job. What do you do? What makes it unique?:

As the Program Director of the University of Alaska Dental Hygiene Program, I have the privilege of guiding the educational journey of aspiring dental hygienists. My role involves overseeing curriculum development, guiding faculty, and ensuring that our program provides a high-quality education. The heart of my work is fostering the success and growth of our students.

What makes this position truly special is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students in our close-knit program. With small cohort sizes, I can work closely with each student, understanding their unique strengths, challenges, and goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to mentor students as they develop their clinical expertise, professional confidence, and a deep sense of compassion for the patients they will serve. Seeing them graduate and go on to make a positive impact in their communities is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.

Being in Alaska adds another layer of uniqueness to the program. Our students have the chance to serve a diverse population, from urban areas to remote villages, gaining firsthand experience in culturally sensitive and adaptable care. This exposure not only broadens their perspectives but also prepares them to excel in a variety of professional settings.

Throughout my career, I’ve prioritized creating an environment where students feel supported and inspired to thrive. Whether it’s developing innovative learning strategies, navigating challenges like those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, or celebrating student milestones, I’m deeply committed to their success. My role is not just about academics—it’s about building relationships that empower students to reach their full potential and become leaders in the dental hygiene profession.

What is the most common question you receive at work?:

The most common question I receive is: "How can I balance everything and still succeed?"

Students often ask this when they’re navigating the rigorous demands of our dental hygiene program, balancing coursework, clinical requirements, personal commitments, and sometimes even part-time jobs. It reflects their determination to excel while managing life's challenges.

I encourage them to prioritize self-care, build time-management skills, and seek help when needed. I remind them that success isn’t just about achieving high grades but also about maintaining their well-being and growing as professionals.

What was your personal and/or professional journey that led you to working at UAA?:

My journey at the University of Alaska Dental Hygiene Program has been both personal and professionally rewarding. I began my career as a clinical dental hygienist in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1990, where I grew as a clinician and developed a strong connection to the local community. My clinical practice ignited my passion for education and mentoring.

In 2014, I earned my Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene, which allowed me to combine my clinical expertise with academic goals. Teaching became a natural next step, as I wanted to share my knowledge and inspire the next generation of dental hygienists. Over the years, I had the opportunity to revise and enhance dental hygiene courses, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education rooted in both evidence-based practice and real-world application.

In 2022, I achieved tenure as an Associate Professor, and my commitment to advancing dental hygiene education became stronger. Throughout my career, I’ve emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with students, fostering their success, and preparing them to navigate the profession with confidence.

Now, as Program Director, I draw on over three decades of experience to lead a program that not only educates but also empowers future dental hygienists to make a difference in their communities. Alaska’s unique diversity and the collaborative environment at UAA have made this role especially meaningful, and I feel privileged to contribute to the profession in a place I’ve called home for so many years.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment while working here at UAA?:

What truly stands out to me is the personal impact this program has had on students. Hearing from alumni who state that their confidence, clinical skills, and career success is due to our program and knowing that I played a role in helping them reach their goals is incredibly rewarding.

Leading our program through the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant milestone. Ensuring that students could continue their education safely, adapting to alternative models, while maintaining high standards of clinical training during challenging times required creativity, resilience, and teamwork. That experience reinforced my belief in the strength of our program and our ability to adapt and succeed in the face of challenges.

My greatest accomplishment is in building an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and empowered to succeed, not just during their time at UAA but throughout their careers.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?: An Orthodontist.

What advice would you give to youth interested in pursuing a career in your field?:

My advice to youth interested in pursuing a career in dental hygiene is to embrace both the technical and personal aspects of the field. Dental hygiene is more than just clinical skills ,it’s about building relationships, educating patients, and making a tangible difference in people’s health and confidence.

Be prepared for a rewarding but challenging journey. Dental hygiene programs are rigorous, but they prepare you for a career with incredible opportunities for growth, flexibility, and impact. Whether working in private practice, education, public health, or research, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful contribution to your community.

What is your favorite Alaska activity or other hobbies? What do you love about them?:

I also enjoy spending time gardening during the summer months. Alaska’s unique growing season is short but rewarding. There’s a special satisfaction in nurturing plants and seeing them thrive, especially when you get to share fresh flowers or produce with friends and family.

Who inspired or continues to inspire you and why?:

I have a number of family members and colleagues that have supported and inspired me.

What has been your biggest challenge, personal or professional, and how did you overcome it?:

One of my biggest challenges has been pursuing my Ph.D. in General Psychology with a focus on Cognition and Learning while balancing my professional responsibilities as a Program Director and my personal commitments. The journey has been both demanding and life changing, requiring resilience, discipline, and a lot of late nights.

Support from colleagues, friends, and family was vital. Whether it was encouragement during tough times or practical help with day-to-day responsibilities, their belief in me kept me motivated. Additionally, I leaned into my passion for learning, reminding myself why I started this journey, to grow as an educator and leader and to contribute meaningfully my field.

What is your favorite quote? Why?:

One of my favorite quotes is "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world" by Nelson Mandela.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.:

I grew up in Homer, Alaska and raised on a homestead that did not have electricity or running water. I was a young teen and for the first year, I lived in a tent before our one room cabin was built.

Is there anything else you would like to share?:

I am grateful for the opportunity to work in a profession that combines my love for education, healthcare, and mentorship. Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about achieving goals but also about building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact on others. Whether it’s helping a student overcome challenges, seeing alumni thrive in their careers, or contributing to the oral health of our community, these moments are what make my work so fulfilling.

I’m proud to be part of the University of Alaska Anchorage, and the students we prepare for successful careers in our communities.

School of Preventive and Therapeutic Sciences News

Student Stories
Research
Events and Highlights
Alumni
In the News

Awards
Community
COVID-19
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

View all COH News
Media Inquiries
Content Experts