Mentorship That Shines Bright: Dental Hygiene Professor Recognized for Outstanding Student Service
Professor Nadine Thompson of Metuchen was recently named the 2025 Mary Jane Kellogg Dutton Faculty Mentorship Award recipient by the New Jersey Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Professor Thompson with student Zeina Abdel-Kader at the 2025 Dental Hygienists pinning ceremony in May.
The Mary Jane Kellogg Dutton Faculty Mentorship Award is given to a faculty person in New Jersey who demonstrates a commitment to the future of the dental hygiene profession and provides outstanding service to students. This year the award has been given to Middlesex College Professor Nadine Thompson.
“I’m truly touched and honored to receive this award, especially following in the footsteps of mentors who helped shape my own path,” said Thompson.
Thompson earned her associate degree in dental hygiene from Middlesex College in 2008, where she returned as an adjunct clinical instructor in 2014 and a full-time faculty member in 2021. She states that the opportunity to work alongside some of the faculty and adjuncts that mentored her as a student has been a career highlight.
“I owe so much to my mentors; it was through their guidance, encouragement and example that I discovered my passion for teaching and am where I am today,” said Thompson. “I didn’t have to think twice about returning to Middlesex College with its commitment to excellence. It felt like coming home.”
In Thompson’s time teaching at Middlesex College, the program opened a new dental hygiene clinic and was recognized with a Teledentistry Innovation Award in 2023.
“Working to develop and integrate new technology into our curriculum to provide screenings and preventive treatment for children with special needs at ESCNJ [Educational Services Commission of New Jersey] was also very exciting,” said Thompson. “This academic year will be the third of our continued collaboration with ESCNJ.”
Thompson’s enthusiasm and passion permeates through all that she contributes to this program.
“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Nadine for over 10 years, and I can say with confidence that she truly embodies the excellence, leadership, and dedication this award represents,” said Middlesex College Dental Hygiene Chair Michelle Roman.
Though a panel of judges selects the winner, nominations for the award are submitted by students. In their nomination, Middlesex College dental hygiene students stated that Thompson was not just a teacher, but a “true leader who supports her students’ success and journey both mentally and emotionally.”
Thompson will be formally recognized at the 2025 New Jersey Dental Hygienist Association Annual Conference in October.
