Melissa Calhoun, MSDH, RDH is a dental hygienist, educator, researcher, and international speaker dedicated to advancing the dental hygiene profession through evidence-based education and preventive care. A graduate of Pensacola State College, Melissa earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from St. Petersburg College and her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  She serves as a full-time faculty member in the Dental Hygiene Program at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas, where she teaches oral anatomy, radiology, pharmacology, and periodontology. Melissa is a Past President of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH) and has presented nationally on preventive dentistry, guided biofilm therapy, pharmacology, educational methodology, and patient-centered care.  In 2026, Melissa was honored with the Sunstar GUM | RDH Award of Distinction in Research for her contributions to dental hygiene research, recognizing her work to advance evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes. Her passion lies in translating research into practical clinical strategies that empower dental professionals to elevate patient care and inspire lifelong oral health.