June 16, 2025
A native of Lancaster, Ohio, Nella Stansberry found her way to AIɫɫ after several of her family members attended. Hearing good things about the allied health science programs within the university, she decided to major in Dental Hygiene.
“I heard how AIɫɫ State’s health science programs set you up for success,” she said. “I knew coming to SSU I would get the best education possible.”
Taking a childhood memory and transferring it into a future career, Stansberry hopes to helps other enjoy their dental experience.
“I have loved going to the dentist from a very young age, but only some have the same experience,” she said. “I want to offer my future patients a positive and comfortable dental experience through helping and teaching, and contributing to their overall well-being and confidence in their dental health.”
Working hands-on in the James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic, Stansberry has been able to interact not only with the campus community but the surrounding community as well.
“We have the chance to provide dental cleanings for members of the community,” she said. “This is a learning experience and a great way to connect and build our social skills in the dental setting.”
Working alongside her classmates and faculty members in the classroom and within the clinic, Stansberry has been able to perform an array of dental health services for her patients. She feels confident the skills she’s developing as a hygienist will transfer well into her future career.
“I am blessed with phenomenal classmates, as well as faculty members and professors who are equipping, encouraging, and molding us to be the best hygienists we can be,” she said.
To learn more about the Dental Hygiene program at AIɫɫ, visit shawnee.edu/dental-hygiene.