She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration, a doctorate in Adult and Higher Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. Dr. Ballard has over 20 years of experience in dental hygiene education. She has served as a Program Director and Department Chair. Her experience and knowledge of allied dental education spans the range of associate, baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in community college, health science center, and dental school settings. Currently she teaches MDH 600 Methods and Strategies of Dental Hygiene Teaching and DH 425 Oral Disease Prevention and Patient Education. Her research interest includes the development of cultural competency in health care, issues in health care disparities, and interprofessional education.