April 20, 2026
Facing the next chapter of her life, Professor Christine Dobberstein is preparing for retirement as the 2026 Michigan Dental Association Allied Dental Professional Educator Award recipient. She has taught at Grand Rapids Community College since 1998 and has served as the community dentistry instructor for 10 years. Dobberstein leaves a legacy of compassion, mentorship and enthusiasm for the industry that has defined her life’s work.
The Start of Her Career
Dobberstein began her dental hygiene journey at Ferris State College. While working as a front desk receptionist in a dorm, she discovered a talent for teaching and decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in allied dental health education.
After working as a hygienist for 6 months and student teaching at KVCC, she was offered a teaching position but declined.
“I didn’t feel comfortable walking into a teaching position without knowing more about the industry firsthand,” Dobberstein said. “When you're teaching in a field like mine, you can't tell students what it's like in the real world if you haven't really been there.”
Instead, she spent the next 10 years working as a dental hygienist and eventually teaching part-time.
Seeking a change of pace, Dobberstein later earned her master’s degree and transitioned into full-time teaching when she accepted a position at Sheridan College in Wyoming, where she gained valuable classroom experience.
“I had a mentor tell me she wanted to hire me whenever she had a position open,” Dobberstein said. “She knew I needed teaching experience, so she encouraged me to find that out west. I think back on how wonderful it was that someone was there to encourage me — someone who told me they wanted me to work with them when an opening came up.”
After three years in Wyoming, she and her family returned to Michigan when a position opened at GRCC.
“I know I’m in this position at GRCC because of so many mentors who saw in me what I didn’t always see in myself,” Dobberstein said. “I wanted to pay that forward to my own students throughout my career.”
Giving Back to Community
As the community dentistry instructor for the dental hygiene program, Dobberstein has served on several committees, including the advisory committee for Exalta Dental Clinic and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.
“I love learning,” Dobberstein said. “I went to national conferences and found mentors within the dental public health field.”
Though she did not initially envision herself in the role, she said it became the right fit.
“I also learned from great mentors in local public health, like Dr. Colette Smiley, how to become an advocate for the community. Together we work to make dental hygiene available to everyone in our area, not just those who can afford it.”
Award Recipient
Dobberstein’s work as an educator and her role in the community earned her the 2026 Michigan Dental Association Allied Dental Professional Educator Award. She has maintained a passion for the industry while continuing to work actively within it.
“I still like working with patients,” Dobberstein said. “It’s been incredibly valuable to continue working in the field. I can lead students not just because I’ve been teaching a long time, but because I also know what it's like to work in a dental team. I can stay relevant by continuing to practice our craft.”
With the MDA award being less than a decade old, Dobberstein said she appreciates its significance.
“I think it’s wonderful that the Michigan Dental Association recognizes people who are doing good work teaching in the allied health fields,” she said. “I don't think many people know how hard teachers work. It’s a great honor not just to be considered for this award, but to join the others who have received it.”
A Synergy in the Department
During her tenure in the dental hygiene program, Dobberstein experienced several leadership changes. She welcomed new perspectives and fresh ideas that helped move the department forward. Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of the field, she has embraced continuous learning and growth.
“I realize how quickly our field changes,” Dobberstein said. “I haven't been overwhelmed by the idea of change, but I’ve been honest about the fact that change can be difficult. We have such an amazing department. Some of the new faculty and leadership have been instrumental in bringing fresh energy into the space. I’m entering retirement feeling very grateful for all the support from my GRCC team over the years.”
Dobberstein credits her long tenure at GRCC to the department’s camaraderie and shared commitment to a common goal.
Paying It Forward
Dobberstein attributes much of her success to mentors who guided her throughout her career. In turn, she has passed that support on to her students.
“I was recently asked what my teaching ‘superpower’ is,” Dobberstein said. “I believe I’ve learned over the years how to walk through our clinic doors and be present for my students and their patients no matter what is going on in my personal life. It is important to model excellence and resilience for our students. Words are encouraging, but actions set the example for behaviors that lead to professional success.”
She has also seen former students return as colleagues.
“Recently, I was in a staff meeting,” Dobberstein said. “When I looked around the room, I saw six of my former students among our teaching team. We’re all colleagues now. Watching them listen, engage and demonstrate their passion for our field and what we’re doing as a department was a full-circle moment for me. I felt like we’ve done our job at creating the next generation of educators, and I can pass the baton now.”
Visit the Dental Hygiene program web page to learn more about their areas of study.
This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.