Kimberly Ensminger

Community involvement has been a long time passion of mine for many years. Rather it is providing access to healthcare or simply extending an act of kindness, in the community is where you will find me most weekends. I believe I have the attributes that exemplify the skills and knowledge associated with the characteristics of this award.

To illustrate specific tasks and projects, I have chosen the following to exemplify my interest, my involvement, and even my achievements through my willingness to serve in my community, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
-• I am in the final stages of conducting original and scholarly research to complete my master's degree. “Dental Hygiene Program Goes Mobile: A Descriptive Overview” where I describe the outcomes of a Dental Hygiene Mobile Unit, providing preventative services within my community. This project has better prepared my ability to synthesize information from evidence-based literature to conduct better research. I anticipate publishing my research demonstrating my community involvement by July 2023.
• I have served as site coordinator of a community based Mobile Dental Hygiene Unit since 2018. As coordinator, I conduct a needs assessment within my surrounding communities to secure a target population lacking access to oral health care services.
• As a full-time educating instructor, working towards becoming an associate professor in higher education, I have written grants and received funding to provide continued support for a community based Dental Hygiene satellite clinic and community service events.
• As a dental public health course instructor, I oversee all student community involvement for my students. In addition to community involvement, I oversee my student's involvement in IPE (Interprofessional Education). I plan, attend, and have presented presentations to various groups within my community including the following in 2022- 2023 (excludes graduate presentations):
o School of Allied Health High School Recruitment, West Ouachita High School
o Browse on the Bayou at University of Louisiana at Monroe
o Stepping into Spring with Children’s Coalition
o Cypress Point Elementary – Based Health Center Grant, Monroe City; ULM Dental Hygiene Mobile Unit Mission & Goal Presentation
o Living Well Foundation, Well Ahead, CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Division of Oral Health (DOH) SEALS (Sealant Efficiency Assessment for Locals): Program Evaluation Collaboration/Report for the ULM Dental Hygiene Program.
o Spring Into Health Interprofessional Health Fair. Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo Pavilion. How does PH affect Oral Health.

Today, I strive to demonstrate my expertise as an instructor, a grant writer, a student mentor, and an administrator. It is my hope that by reading my reflection you see my creativity, dedication, passion, and organizational commitment to to my community.