Kathy Yerex, BSc, RDH, MSc

  • Portrait of Kathy Yerex.

  • Associate professor

    Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
    School of Dental Hygiene
    D212E – 780 Bannatyne Avenue
    University of Manitoba
    Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2 Canada

    Tel: 204-789-3488
    Fax: 204-789-3948
    Email: katherine.yerex@umanitoba.ca

Teaching philosophy

My teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by my background as a competitive athlete, where I learned the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and time management. Just as my coaches were pivotal in my personal development, I see myself as a coach to students, guiding them toward success both in and out of the classroom.

In the learning environment, I recognize that each student brings a set of unique experiences, strengths, and challenges. I am committed to meeting their diverse needs through creative content delivery and the integration of technology, which allows students to learn at their own pace and take responsibility for their education. My approach encourages students to be independent, evidence-based thinkers who can apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

I believe that learning happens through both successes and failures, and I provide students with many opportunities to practice and grow. When students encounter setbacks in a safe environment, it gives them the comfort and confidence to try again, learn from those experiences, and ultimately achieve greater understanding. I regularly assess their progress through formative evaluations, ensuring they grasp fundamental concepts before advancing. This ongoing feedback loop helps students identify and strengthen their weaknesses, much like how a coach supports athletes in improving their performance.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. I emphasize the importance of teamwork, both within the dental hygiene field and across professions, as interprofessional collaboration leads to better outcomes. I am honest with students about the lifelong nature of learning, modeling a commitment to continuous improvement in my own practice.

Ultimately, my goal is to equip students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in any professional environment. I aim to inspire them to be passionate leaders in dental hygiene, committed to ongoing learning and improvement, just as I strive to be in my own career.

Research achievements

Research summary

Professor Kathy Yerex is in the early stages of her research career. Her research inserts are diverse with an overall focus on improving oral health whether that is directly through patient outcomes or indirectly through the education of students. Her research has been funded locally and nationally.
Current research interests include:

  • Oral Microbiome and its relationship to oral disease
  • The oral health of Canadian Indigenous children
  • Quality Assurance in dental hygiene practice
  • Scholarship of teaching and learning

Keywords

  • dental hygiene
  • dental hygiene education
  • Indigenous oral health
  • oral health
  • oral microbiome

Biography

Kathy Yerex (she/her) is Red River Métis, born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory, with paternal roots in Treaty 4 Territory and European ancestry on both sides of her family. She is a full-time associate professor at the School of Dental Hygiene, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba. 

Since graduating from the School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Manitoba in 2004, Kathy has made service to the dental hygiene profession, the community, and the university an integral part of her career.

Kathy has been actively involved with the Manitoba Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA) since 2004, serving in various roles including president, and currently as a member of the Mentorship Committee. Her leadership experience as MDHA president was instrumental in developing her leadership skills and understanding board operations.

Additionally, Kathy serves as a director on the board of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), contributing to the profession at a national level. She has also volunteered with the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba (CDHM).

In addition to her service to the profession, Kathy is deeply committed to the University of Manitoba, where she actively contributes to various initiatives and committees. Her career has been shaped by her dedication to clinical practice, health promotion, education, and service within the dental hygiene profession. 

Kathy is an open-minded, driven individual, always seeking opportunities for growth and development both personally and for the advancement of the dental hygiene profession.

Education

Master of Science, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba (2021)

Diploma in Dental Hygiene, University of Manitoba (2004)

Bachelor of Science, University of Manitoba (2002)

Awards

The Winnipeg Foundation Martha Donovan Women's Leadership Development Award (2020)

Dean’s Teaching Award for Most Innovative Use of Teaching with Technology in the Classroom, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry (2020)

Dean’s Teaching Award for Most Innovative Use of Teaching with Technology in the Classroom, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry (2016)

Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
Room D113, 780 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada

info_dent@umanitoba.ca
204-789-3497
204-789-3950