Dental Hygiene Refresher Programs
Three pathways back to clinical confidence
Tusted Dental Hygiene Refreshers Since 2002
Whether you're a licensed dental hygienist returning to chairside, a US-trained dentist preparing for the ADEX exam, a foreign-trained dentist building U.S. clinical skills, or a hygienist who needs Virginia license reinstatement or reactivation, your refresher should be built around YOU. For more than two decades, dental professionals have trusted Dr. Kelly Tanner's refresher programs to rebuild their clinical confidence with personalized attention, contemporary technique, and humanistic teaching. Today, you can choose between three formats designed to meet you exactly where you are.
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Intensive 2-day program with pre-course self-study materials and hands on instruction
Small class sizes ensure individualized attention
Instruction by a seasoned clinician and professional educator
Compassionate, humanistic teaching approach
Courses are customized for what you need to meet the needs of your state and your preferences
These are not one-size-fits-all courses. They are structured for you based on your needs.
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Dental hygienists who want to learn new skills since hygiene school.
Dental hygienists who have graduated from a CODA accredited program, returning to the profession.
Foreign-trained dentists preparing for the ADEX exam (this program is not certified by the Florida Board of Dental Examiners for the remediation refresher)
Foreign-trained dentists wanting to gain confidence in their hygiene skills
Professionals fulfilling continuing education requirements
Dentists or hygienists re-entering the field and wanting to feel confident didactically and clinically
Clinical preparation for the ADEX exam
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Customized didactic and clinical refresher courses for various career stages
Practical mannequin and clinical practice coaching
Approved continuing credit hours are awarded upon successful completion
Certificate of completion issued
Flexible, hybrid learning formats
“This course rocked my world. If you're looking for something educational, dynamic, and deeply inspiring—buckle up. From the start, Dr. Kelly Tanner brought infectious energy and created a space that felt personal, powerful, and genuinely fun.
This wasn’t just content delivery—it was real-time connection, customized learning, and meaningful feedback that pushed me to think bigger and grow stronger. The mix of hands-on examples, engaging stories, and actionable insights made every concept click.
Bottom line? It changed how I think, lead, and show up. If you're ready for a course that feels more like a transformation than a class, this is it.”
-Tina V.
“I was nervous about returning to the dental hygiene field after a 7-year hiatus. Using a combination of an online webinar, face-to-face Zoom instruction, and in-person clinical training, Dr. Kelly Tanner crafted a dental hygiene refresher course that was custom to my needs and concerns. She is authentic, kind, and very knowledgeable. I feel ready and excited to start working in dental hygiene again. Thank you, Dr. Tanner!"
-Mikell B.
Why Learn from Dr. Tanner?
When you choose a refresher course, you deserve more than just a review—you deserve mentorship from someone who lives and breathes dental hygiene education. Dr. Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH, brings unmatched expertise, insight, and passion to every customized learning experience. With over 29 years in the field, Dr. Tanner has trained thousands of professionals, led academic programs, consulted for major industry brands, and shaped the future of dental hygiene through leadership and innovation.
What Sets Dr. Tanner Apart:
Proven Academic Leadership
Served as Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, and faculty at multiple accredited institutions—Dr. Tanner has helped launch and lead dental hygiene programs, trained faculty, and overseen clinical curriculum at the highest level.Clinical Expertise with Real-World Perspective
With over 29 years in active practice, she understands the day-to-day challenges hygienists face—and how to elevate your skills in ways that feel doable and effective.Trusted Industry Consultant
Collaborates with top companies to deliver training on the most current techniques, tools, and technologies in dentistry.Published Thought Leader
Lead contributor for DrBicuspid and author in Teledentistry and Peak Performance, shaping national conversations around dental hygiene and professional growth.Award-Winning Educator
Honored with numerous accolades, including the ADHA & Johnson & Johnson Award for Excellence in Dental Hygiene, the Denobi Award, and recognition by Dentistry Today as a Top Dental Consultant for 5 years in a row.
Dental Hygiene Refresher Courses
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Virginia Dental Hygiene Refresher Program
Best for dental hygienists who need the clinical refresher pathway for Virginia license reinstatement or reactivation. 12 total hours of instruction with 75% hands-on clinical practice. Offered in partnership with Germanna Community College, a CODA-accredited dental hygiene program.
Format: Hybrid — structured curriculum + 2 clinical days in Fredericksburg, VA
Audience: Lapsed VA hygienists, out-of-state hygienists relocating to Virginia
Tuition: $[TBD]
CE Credit: 12 Hours
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Customized Refresher Courses
Best for licensed hygienists and US-trained dentists who want a fully personalized refresher — whether you're returning after time away or preparing for the ADEX exam. Every program is built around your goals, timeline, and learning style.
Format: Hybrid — virtual didactic + in-person clinical day in Williamsburg, VA
Audience: Licensed hygienists, US-trained dentists, ADEX candidates
Tuition: $3,195 (payment plans available)
CE Credit: AGD PACE-approved
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Refresher for Foreign-Trained Dentists
Best for foreign-trained dentists building dental hygiene clinical skills through personalized 1:1 instruction. Every program is tailored to your background, experience level, and goals — no one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Format: Hybrid 1:1 — virtual didactic + in-person clinical in Williamsburg, VA
Audience: Foreign-trained dentists building U.S. dental hygiene clinical skills
Tuition: $5,500 (payment plans available)
CE Credit: AGD PACE-approved
Which Program is Right For Me?
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the dental hygiene refresher programs
Choose the Virginia Dental Hygiene Refresher Program if you:
Are a dental hygienist whose Virginia license has lapsed
Are an out-of-state hygienist relocating to Virginia
Need a refresher that satisfies Virginia Board of Dentistry reinstatement or reactivation requirements (18VAC60-25-210)
Want a structured program offered through a CODA-accredited institution (Germanna Community College)
Prefer a defined curriculum over fully customized 1:1 instruction
Choose the 1:1 Dental Hygiene Refresher Program if you:
• Are a licensed hygienist returning to clinical practice
• Are a US-trained dentist seeking a personalized refresher
• Are preparing for the ADEX exam (the trusted choice since 2002)
• Want a fully customized curriculum built around your specific goals
• Prefer working privately with an instructor
Choose the Foreign-Trained Dentist Dental Hygiene Refresher Program if you:
Are a foreign-trained dentist building U.S. dental hygiene clinical skills
Want personalized 1:1 instruction tailored to your specific background
Need a curriculum that meets you exactly where you are clinically
Still not sure? Schedule a discovery call and Dr. Tanner will help you choose the right path.
Course Structure
We customize the course based on your needs
Each hybrid course is a combination of online and in-person learning
In-person portion hosted in Williamsburg, VA
Tuition $3,195
(Payment plans available)