VCU School of Dentistry has named LaTesha McLee, M.S.D.H., R.D.H., as the interim director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, effective August 10. McLee will step into this role following the retirement of Marion Manski, M.S., R.D.H.

As the division's longest-serving full-time faculty member, having joined the faculty in 2019, McLee has advanced from assistant professor (term) to associate professor (term) and currently serves as the division's junior year clinical coordinator.

As interim director of the Division of Dental Hygiene, McLee steps into a broader leadership role and will oversee the Dental Hygiene program, one of two B.S. in Dental Hygiene degree programs in Virginia, and the only one housed in a dental school.

"I am grateful to the school’s administration for entrusting me with this important leadership role,” said McLee. “I would also like to thank Ms. Manski for her outstanding leadership and dedication. Over the past several years, I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous growth of our program and myself as an educator under her guidance.”

“I am especially grateful to my exceptional colleagues for their support, and to our students, whose enthusiasm and commitment inspire me every day. I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been established as we continue advancing excellence in dental hygiene education," McLee added.

In her new role, McLee said she hopes to provide continuity and stability while fostering a collaborative culture that empowers faculty and learners to continue delivering excellence in education, patient care and service to communities in need throughout Virginia.

“I’m excited for this new opportunity to lead a team of great educators, and collaborate with other departments and organizations in order to advance the next generation of dental hygiene students,” said McLee.

Reflecting on the program's future as she enters retirement, Manski said she is confident the division is in capable hands.

"I have had the privilege of watching LaTesha grow as an educator and leader over the years," said Manski. "She has consistently invested in her professional development through leadership programs and has earned the respect of her colleagues through her collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to our students. She is exceptionally well prepared for this role.”

McLee earned a Certificate in Dental Hygiene (2002) and a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (2003) from the University of Pittsburgh before completing a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport in 2014. 

She is a member of the American Dental Education Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She currently serves as the secretary for the Career Development for the New Educator special interest group through ADEA.

A life-long learner, McLee completed the 2023 ADEA Leadership Essentials for Allied Dental Educators (LEADE) course and recently graduated from the Higher Ground Leadership Development Program through VCU’s Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute.

“With a proven record of excellence in education, leadership and student mentorship, Ms. McLee is exceptionally well prepared to guide our dental hygiene program through this transitional period.” said Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., M.P.H., Ed.D. “I look forward to working with Ms. McLee as she leads the program and builds upon its strong foundation of educational excellence and student success.”