The University of Louisville School of Dentistry’s Dental Hygiene program has added cutting-edge technology to its training arsenal. Thanks to the generous donation of an Ultradent Gemini EVO^TM diode laser from Mortenson Dental Partners, students will now receive training in evidence-supported applications of laser therapy in a dental hygiene setting.

Advancing patient care

Dental Hygiene Program Director Jacqueline Singleton said the technology will immediately enhance patient care.

“It’s important to train students to provide optimum care for our patients,” Singleton explained. “They’ll be able to use this for nonsurgical periodontal therapy including bacterial reduction and debridement, pain management, and even to reduce bleeding during procedures.”

Unlike other lasers designed only for dental hygienists or only for dentists, the Gemini EVO has settings for surgical procedures and nonsurgical procedures, so it can be used by both.

Improving career readiness

Professor Julie Drury, who will lead the laser training, said the addition will give students a distinct advantage in the job market.

“In private practice, many hygienists have to take continuing education courses to get laser certified,” Drury said. “Our students will have the training needed for laser certification as soon as they obtain their license to practice dental hygiene in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, plus hands-on patient experience, which shortens their learning curve and boosts their confidence.”

Erica Gaunt, Ultradent’s Southeast University Territory Account Manager, emphasized that this early exposure is a game-changer.

“Before, new hygienists would need extra training after they were hired, often at their own expense,” Gaunt said. “Now, UofL graduates will walk in the door ready to treat patients with laser therapy.” 

Erica Gaunt from Ultradent shows some of the features of the EVO laser unit to UofL dental hygiene faculty and staff.

From one generation of alumni to the next

Mortenson Dental Partners – which was founded by UofL School of Dentistry DMD program graduate Wayne Mortenson and his wife Sue in 1979 – employs many UofL dental hygiene and DMD graduates. For Andrea Edelen, Director of Dental Hygiene and Clinical Support – and a UofL alumna – the investment reflects both professional and personal pride.

“It’s a fantastic tool to put in your toolbox,” Edelen said. “The fact that UofL is giving students this experience shows their commitment to the profession and to producing career-ready graduates.”

Melissa Hodges, Mortenson’s Director of Dental Hygiene, agreed.

“This gives them a big step forward in providing the best care possible to the community,” Hodges said. “Many of us are UofL graduates ourselves. We’re committed to fostering this relationship because we know the caliber of talent this program produces.”

With this gift, UofL dental hygiene students will not only graduate with advanced skills but will also enter the workforce prepared to deliver high-quality, modern care – benefiting patients and practices alike.

Jennifer Rudy, Erica Gaunt, Andrea Edelen, Melissa Hodges, Heather Hendricks (Territory Account Manager for Louisville, Ultradent Products), Julie Drury, Jackie Singleton, and Kandice Salter (Dental Hygienist, UofL School of Dentistry) with the new laser unit.

Written by Paige Moore
Published Sept. 5, 2025