Carla M. Bassett
Louin,USA
Summary
Accomplished dental professional with over 29 years of comprehensive experience, currently serving as a Regional Oral Health Consultant for the Mississippi State Department of Health, Office of Oral Health. Expertise includes dental program development and management, oral health education, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance community health outcomes. As a representative of the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety, I work as a connector for Head Start staff and families to advance oral health initiatives for pregnant women and children. Proven track record in driving impactful programs that promote better oral health practices within diverse populations in Mississippi.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Region IV Dental Hygienist Liaison Coordinator
National Center of Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
05.2022 - Current
- As an RDHLC, I coordinate and mentor 7 states DHL's including Mississippi with the goal to improve the communication bridge between the Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety and the DHL Project.
- I connect dental hygienists within a specific geographic region, primarily focused on promoting oral health awareness, advocating for best practices, and facilitating access to quality dental care for the local community by connecting with dental professionals and community groups in their area; essentially serving as a representative for dental hygiene issues within their region.
- I serve on a National Oral Health Work Group for dental research and best practices for the Office of Head Start.
Dental Hygienist Liaison
National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
08.2017 - Current
- As a DHL, I serve as a link between oral health resources and Head Start programs, sharing information on oral hygiene, dental homes, and injury prevention.
- I collaborate with state organizations and provide training for Head Start staff and families on preventive practices.
- I promote and teach oral health best practices for pregnant women and young children in Head Start programs.
Regional Oral Health Consultant
MS State Department of Health
02.2006 - 10.2025
- Served as a Regional Oral Health Consultant for the MS State Department of Health including working as a Program Manager, and School Based Dental Sealant Coordinator role for MS.
- Collaborated with dental professionals to deliver health education to their communities for advocacy with public health measures such as Community Water Fluoridation.
- Taught oral health education classes for MS State Department of Health Community Health Workers, WIC Program, Healthy Moms Healthy Babies, Tobacco Control, MS Comprehensive Cancer Control, and Chronic Disease Prevention programs.
- Conducted oral health surveillance and dental assessments to identify and address public health needs.
- Analyzed health data trends to inform decision-making and improve service delivery outcomes to improve oral disease rates.
- Led training sessions for multidisciplinary professionals on best practices in oral health promotion and dental disease prevention.
- Researched and developed an essential public health program and materials for child care centers to prevent and control dental diseases.
- Delivered engaging presentations on various dental health topics, fostering increased understanding among diverse audiences at conferences and summits.
- Optimized team efficiency by developing streamlined workflows and enhancing communication practices among field staff members.
- Educated and promoted culturally sensitive oral health messaging and targeted outreach efforts.
- Trained and mentored dental hygiene staff on best practices and operational protocols.
- Conducted interviewing, onboarding, and terminations for the program.
- Coordinated inventory management, optimizing supply levels to support clinical needs effectively.
- Led budget planning efforts, aligning resources with organizational goals for financial sustainability.
Clinical Dental Hygienist
Dr. Sammy McLaurin, Dr. Fred Drews, Dr. Steve Rowland, and Dr. Tony Bounds
01.1997 - 01.2006
- Delivered comprehensive dental cleanings and assessments, ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene practices, enhancing their understanding of preventive care.
- Utilized advanced dental technology to perform accurate diagnostics and improve clinical outcomes.
- Managed patient records with accuracy, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Education
Associate of Arts - Dental Hygiene
Meridian Community College
Health Related Professions coursework
William Carey College
Skills
- Oral cancer screening coordination
- Dental prevention program implementation
- Project coordination for dental missions
- Nutritional guidance and counseling
- Dental hygiene program lecturer
- Skilled public speaker
Accomplishments
- Supervised 15 dental hygienists including in state programs and 7 states outside Mississippi.
- Piloted and developed the Make a Child Smile and MS SEALS Programs in MS for preschool and school aged children.
- Served as a Project Director for the Delta Health Alliance Project in the State Oral Health Program including grant management, budget, and project summary.
Certification
- Registered Dental Hygienist and licensed by the MS State Board of Dental Examiners: RDH
- American Dental Hygiene Association Professional Fellows Program: FADHA
- Region IV Dental Hygienist Liaison Coordinator-National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety: RDHL
- Mississippi Dental Hygienist Liaison-National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety: DHL
Timeline
Region IV Dental Hygienist Liaison Coordinator
National Center of Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
05.2022 - Current
Dental Hygienist Liaison
National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
08.2017 - Current
Regional Oral Health Consultant
MS State Department of Health
02.2006 - 10.2025
Clinical Dental Hygienist
Dr. Sammy McLaurin, Dr. Fred Drews, Dr. Steve Rowland, and Dr. Tony Bounds
01.1997 - 01.2006
Health Related Professions coursework
William Carey College
Associate of Arts - Dental Hygiene
Meridian Community College
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