Samantha Sykes, RDH, MPH earned her B.S degree in dental hygiene at the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry in 2017, and her master’s in public health at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine in 2020. Ms. Sykes joined the faculty in 2023 and provides a unique perspective when teaching students in clinic and directing didactic courses due to her longtime position in a Maxillofacial Prosthodontic practice. Ms. Sykes’ public health focus is Community and Population Health, and her research interests include the implementation and development of Emergency Department diversion programs to address non-traumatic dental emergency room visits.