Sharon Compton

Biography

Sharon graduated from the University of Alberta in 1980 with a diploma in Dental Hygiene and in 2002 with a PhD from the Faculty of Education. Her dissertation was titled, “Meanings of mentoring relationships between junior and senior academics in higher education.” After completing her PhD, Sharon accepted the position of Director of the Dental Hygiene program in September 2002. Sharon’s primary research area includes oral health issues in older adult populations. Additionally, Sharon is involved in various topics in educational research. Her teaching includes two fourth year dental hygiene courses titled: Long-term Care and Dental Hygiene Services and Topics in Dental Hygiene. Both courses are delivered through distance education. Sharon is the Program Director for the Master of Sciences in Medical Sciences (Dental Hygiene) and recently accepted the role as Director, Educational Research & Scholarship Centre in the School of Dentistry. Qualifications Doctor of Philosophy; University of Alberta (1996-2002) Master of Arts in Education; University of Alabama in Birmingham (1982-1983) Bachelor of Science; University of Alabama in Birmingham (1981-1982) Dental Hygiene Diploma; University of Alberta (1978-1980)

Research Interest

Oral health and older adults/seniors, geriatrics Teaching and learning through distance delivery methods Education and evaluation research Current Research: Oral health issues in older adult populations Oral health assessment and daily mouthcare for older adults in long-term care settings Academic detailing for provision of tobacco treatment services in dental/hygiene practices Educational Research in various areas including study of online learning, and the use of OSCE's in clinical education.