She received her dental hygiene degree from the University of New England in Portland Maine. In 2014, Cloonan graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a Master of Dental Hygiene Degree in Education at the University of Bridgeport. Professor Cloonan began her teaching career at the University in 2012 as a part-time clinical instructor in Second Year Clinic. Deirdre’s experience of more than 8 years in dentistry includes dental assisting, clinical practice, public health, and dental hygiene education.