Karen J. Ridley, M.S., assistant professor of dental hygiene, periodontics and oral medicine-dental hygiene in the School of Dentistry, will retire from active faculty status June 30, 2014.

Professor Ridley received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Columbia University in 1971 and 1972, respectively, and her Registered Dental Hygienist (R.D.H.) licensure from the State of Michigan in 1974. She joined the University of Michigan faculty as an assistant professor in 1974.

Professor Ridley is a leader in the field of dental hygiene education with unique expertise in the treatment of patients with special healthcare needs. She developed and co-authored numerous instructional resources including Advanced Root Instrumentation (1981), Preclinical Instrumentation Manual (1983), Dental Hygiene Clinical Techniques Manual (1983), and Oral Examination Procedures for Dental Hygienists (1984). Professor Ridley served as director of the Dental Hygiene Graduate Program for ten years, played an instrumental role in the transition to the baccalaureate degree program, and coordinated the online Master of Science Dental Hygiene Program. A gifted instructor and dedicated mentor, she taught a broad range of courses including Clinical Dental Hygiene, Pain Control, Pharmacology, and Special Patients. Professor Ridley was actively involved in numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Education Association, the American Dental Hygienists Association, the Michigan Dental Hygiene Association, and the Michigan Association of Dental Hygiene Educators. Professor Ridley is the recipient of many honors including the Excellence in Teaching Award from the School of Dentistry in 1998 and the Overall Outstanding Instructor Award from the Dental Hygiene Class of 2007.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Karen J. Ridley assistant professor emerita of dental hygiene, periodontics and oral medicine dental hygiene.