Rate My Professor Brigette Cooper

Brigette Cooper is Professor and Chair of the Department of Dental Education in the College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Credentialed as MS, RDH, she holds the position of professor, advisor, and department leader, managing a team of faculty and staff dedicated to dental hygiene education. Her oversight includes clinical training programs where students gain hands-on experience in restorative functions, such as placing amalgam, composite, glass ionomer, and stainless steel crowns, following the 2003 amendment to the Minnesota Dental Practice Act that expanded the scope of practice for dental hygienists and assistants. Cooper also serves as a Career Champion for the university's Career Development Center, supporting student professional development.

In her research, Cooper authored the 2008 study 'Patient Satisfaction in a Restorative Functions Dental Hygiene Clinic,' published in the Journal of Dental Education. The research involved surveying 82 adult patients (64 respondents, 78% response rate) treated by dental hygiene students. Patients, averaging 31-40 years old, Caucasian, full-time workers without insurance, and from $20,000-$40,000 income brackets, reported 98% satisfaction or very high satisfaction with overall experience, care quality, fees, communication, caring, organization, and student preparedness—significantly higher (p<.001) than prior private dentist visits via Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Nearly all (97-98%) would return, recommend the clinic, and found care equal or better. Cooper co-presented posters such as 'Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Dental Hygiene Students Regarding Medical-Dental Integration' (2021, Journal of Dental Hygiene) with Angela Monson and Trisha Krenik-Matejcek, and 'Pairing of Junior and Senior Dental Hygiene Students for Complex Cases in Clinic' at the 2025 ADEA Allied Dental Program Directors' Conference. She has pursued grants including Compeer Dental Hygiene Scholarships, MSU-Mayo-Apple Tree Dental subawards, and dual-track advanced dental therapy funding.

Cooper leads the medical-dental integration pilot with Mayo Clinic Health System, where dental hygiene students conduct oral health assessments during well-child visits, treating over 200 underserved children and educating parents. She described it as 'the beginning of a movement and a very unique program in higher education' that makes 'a huge difference in the well-being of a child.' The initiative featured her interview in Twin Cities Public Television's documentary 'Uncovered: Minnesota's Dental Crisis.' Community efforts under her direction include the Miles for Smiles 5K fundraiser, Senior Smiles events providing exams and cleanings for seniors, and free dental care days for children.