1:1 Refresher Course for Foreign-Trained Dentists
Personalized one-on-one dental hygiene training designed specifically for foreign-trained dentists, building confidence in U.S. clinical skills.
A Personalized Path to Clinical Confidence
If you're a foreign-trained dentist building your U.S. dental hygiene clinical skills, you deserve training that's built around YOU — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum. This 1:1 refresher pairs you directly with Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH, for personalized instruction tailored to your background, experience level, and goals. Whether you're new to specific instrumentation techniques or building on years of clinical practice in another country, you'll work through a customized curriculum that meets you exactly where you are.
Upcoming Events
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Key Features
Fully customized 1:1 program — built around your goals, your state's requirements, and your timeline
Pre-course self-study materials so we make every minute together count
Hybrid format: virtual didactic instruction + hands-on clinical in Williamsburg, VA
Compassionate, humanistic teaching approach — no judgment, no "one-size-fits-all."
Small instructor-to-learner ratio: it's just you and Dr. Tanner
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Ideal For
Licensed dental hygienists returning to clinical practice after time away
Hygienists who graduated from a CODA-accredited program and want to refresh contemporary techniques
US-trained dentists preparing for the ADEX exam
Clinicians re-entering the field who want to feel confident, both didactically and clinically
Professionals fulfilling continuing education requirements
Any licensed clinician seeking a private, focused refresher experience
Foreign-trained dentists: see our Refresher for Foreign-Trained Dentists. Hygienists needing the Virginia license reinstatement or reactivation pathway: see our Virginia Dental Hygiene Refresher Program.
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Our Offerings
Customized didactic and clinical instruction across all stages of your career
Hands-on coaching with a mannequin/typodont
ADEX exam clinical preparation — instrumentation, periodontal assessment, and case selection
Approved AGD PACE continuing education credit hours upon successful completion
Certificate of completion issued at program close
Flexible hybrid format — virtual sessions + in-person clinical days
Integration of the latest technology and products into your hygiene process of care
“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.
FAQs
Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the one-on-one dental hygiene refresher program
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Discovery Call – We begin with a one-on-one call to identify your areas of focus and what you’d like to improve or revisit.
Personalized Learning Plan – You’ll provide a list of topics and techniques you want to cover, and I’ll design a plan tailored specifically for you.
Live Zoom Session – We’ll schedule a virtual learning session to cover the theory and didactic portion of your learning.
Hands-On Training Day – We’ll meet in Williamsburg, VA, for a full day (or two) of clinical instruction using a typodont or live patient—whichever best supports your learning objectives. We will also incorporate the latest technology and products into your dental hygiene process of care.
Hours are approved for AGD PACE credit
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Yes — this is the right place for ADEX preparation, and it's been the trusted choice for ADEX candidates since 2002. Because it's fully customized, we focus the clinical day on the exact skills assessed in the ADEX exam: instrumentation, periodontal assessment and probing depth verification, calculus detection and removal, and case presentation.
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It’s personalized, and I take your learning personally :). We work through what you want to focus on, and I bring my knowledge of contemporary applications and build on what you already know. No refresher is exactly the same and it prepares you to confidently step back into the workforce.
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Tuition is $3, 195 which includes AGD PACE continuing education credit for your learning. Payment plans are available.
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ItemFor ADEX-specific exam preparation, yes — this is the right place. For general dental hygiene clinical skill building, our Refresher for Foreign-Trained Dentists is designed specifically for your background. Schedule a discovery call and we can help you choose. description
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Limited refreshers are offered each year and they sell out quickly — please reach out as early as possible to discuss timing.
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)