Hands-on experience, mentorship and community-focused learning help University of South Dakota dental hygiene students transition from the classroom into successful careers through a growing partnership with Neighborhood Dental.
While considering a career change, Haley Eichacker joined Neighborhood Dental as a sterile technician to gain exposure to the profession and better understand the day-to-day responsibilities within a dental office. As she continued working at Neighborhood Dental, Eichacker earned her radiology certification, expanded her patient-care experience and completed prerequisite coursework before being accepted into USD’s dental hygiene program.
Now a USD graduate preparing to return to Neighborhood Dental, Eichacker said the university’s emphasis on clinical experience and community outreach played a significant role in preparing her for the field.
“USD does a great job at preparing their dental hygienists for the field,” Eichacker said. “There were so many different clinical hours and experiences we participated in. We saw prison rotations, mobile rotations (where we were helping in our community at nursing homes), elementary schools and so much more.”
In addition to classroom instruction, Eichacker said students gained experience through USD’s clinics in Vermilion and Sioux Falls, where they worked directly with patients while serving communities, faculty and staff through accessible care. She also encouraged future dental hygiene students to pursue internships or workplace experiences while enrolled in the program, noting how beneficial early exposure to the field can be.
“I recommend anybody going into the dental hygiene field to do some sort of internship,” Eichacker said. “The more you’re exposed to the logistics of it, like tooth numbers, x-rays and patient interaction, the easier it is to navigate the program.”
That commitment to real-world learning is something Neighborhood Dental has intentionally prioritized through its longstanding relationship with USD.
For Tia Meyer, clinical director for Neighborhood Dental’s locations across South Dakota and Nebraska, supporting USD students is both professional and personal. Meyer started her own career with Neighborhood Dental before attending USD’s dental hygiene program, eventually moving into leadership within the organization.
Today, she continues working closely with students and graduates entering the profession.
“I've always had this relationship with USD because they took a chance on me, and I created a loyalty partnership with them because of that,” Meyer said. “I believe in their program and I believe in what they do. I see the output and the success of the graduates. I like to say USD set me up for success in life.”
Over the years, Neighborhood Dental has hired numerous USD graduates across its South Dakota locations. Meyer said the university consistently prepares students with the professionalism and skill set needed to succeed in the workplace. Meyer added that many students continue building long-term careers with Neighborhood Dental because of the relationships and support established previously.
“There have been many dental hygiene students who have come from USD and walked through our doors. The caliber of these students is high-level,” said Meyer. “We currently have four USD alumni who are working for us in our South Dakota locations—they’ve been with us for years. It is rooted in our initial opportunity to welcome them into the organization, foster a strong relationship and ensure continued growth opportunities.”
For Eichacker, that support system was one of the most impactful parts of her experience both at USD and Neighborhood Dental.
“I felt supported throughout my time both at USD and here at Neighborhood Dental,” Eichacker said. “Knowing they were always in my corner, helping me get where I needed to be and, when I graduated, helping me figure out the best place that fits my needs.”
As the partnership between USD and Neighborhood Dental continues to grow, both remain focused on creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience, build confidence and establish meaningful careers in healthcare.
“It’s wonderful to support a program that pours back into us,” Meyer said. “If we can continue to work together to make a lasting impact and help build the pipeline into the workforce alongside USD, it only makes sense to strengthen and continue that relationship.”
