Today we’d like to introduce you to Brionna Watson.
Hi Brionna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Baltimore native, so my story really starts here. My interest in dentistry began at a young age through my own experiences as a patient. I had a lot of dental issues as a child and, for a long time, I didn’t enjoy going to the dentist because of some of those early experiences.
That changed when I met a pediatric dentist, Dr. David Hasson, who completely shifted my perspective. I connected with him and his team in a way I hadn’t before, and for the first time, I actually enjoyed going to my appointments. Even after he opened his own practice in Mount Airy, Maryland, my mom continued to drive me there because she saw how much I trusted him. That experience stayed with me. It showed me how powerful a positive dental experience could be and inspired me to want to create that same impact for others.
By the time I graduated high school, I already knew I wanted to pursue dentistry—I even wrote it in my yearbook. My path wasn’t completely direct, though. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in mass communications, but I ultimately found my way back to my original passion and entered dental hygiene school the same year I graduated.
As I grew in the profession and moved into education, I discovered how much I enjoyed teaching and helping others gain understanding. I found it incredibly rewarding to support students as they developed confidence in their clinical skills and truly grasp the “why” behind what they were learning. That passion led me into leadership, and I now serve as the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the Community College of Baltimore County.
Through my work, I began to recognize broader challenges in our field, including gaps in access to care, oral health awareness, and understanding of the dental hygiene profession. At the same time, I developed a growing interest in how technology could enhance education and better prepare students for clinical practice.
That interest began to take shape during the 2024 CIAA Tech Summit in Baltimore, where I connected with Howard R. Jean, CEO of Black Meta Agency. Through our conversations, we explored how virtual reality could potentially be used in dental hygiene education. While there were existing VR tools, they were either designed for dentists or did not align with U.S. dental hygiene standards.
Recognizing that gap, we partnered with Gleechi, a virtual reality software company, to co-develop a solution tailored specifically for dental hygiene education. Together, we contributed to the development of what is now the first virtual reality training software designed specifically for dental hygienists in the United States. My role focused on ensuring clinical accuracy, educational design, and alignment with U.S. dental hygiene standards.
We launched the initiative at the Community College of Baltimore County, where the program served as the pilot site for implementation within dental hygiene education.
Today, my work sits at the intersection of education, public health, and innovation. I’m focused on expanding access to the profession, strengthening student preparation, and continuing to explore how emerging technologies can enhance the way we train future clinicians. It’s been especially meaningful to see this kind of forward-thinking work take shape in Baltimore, in the same community that shaped me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road and I think that’s a big part of what has shaped who I am today.
Even early on, my path wasn’t straightforward. Although I had a strong interest in dentistry, I initially pursued a degree in mass communications at Towson University after receiving scholarships to attend. At the time, it made sense financially, but as I got deeper into the program, I realized it didn’t fully align with what I wanted long term. I found myself at a crossroads, trying to decide whether to stay on that path or pivot back to something I had always been drawn to.
I made the decision to pursue dental hygiene at Baltimore City Community College while finishing my bachelor’s degree at Towson, which meant taking on additional science prerequisites at the same time. It wasn’t easy managing both, but I knew I had to make a choice that aligned with the future I wanted.
As I entered the dental hygiene profession, I began working in private practice while also pursuing my master’s degree at the University of Baltimore. After a few years of clinical practice, I started looking for a way to break up the monotony of clinical work and challenge myself in a different way, which led me to begin teaching one day a week in a dental hygiene program at the Community College of Baltimore County.
Around that same time, I experienced a significant personal loss that deeply impacted my life. Although teaching wasn’t something I transitioned into because of that moment, it became something that supported me through it. It gave me a sense of structure, purpose, and an opportunity to focus on helping others grow during a time when I needed that as well.
What started as one day a week as an adjunct clinical instructor gradually grew into something much more meaningful. I found that I genuinely loved helping students build understanding and confidence, and over time, that grew into a full career in education. I later stepped into the role of clinical coordinator, where I oversaw the clinic more directly, and eventually into leadership as a program director.
In my current role, I oversee the entire program, including our on-site dental clinic, where students provide low-cost preventive dental hygiene services to the community. It’s a meaningful part of the program because it gives students hands-on clinical experience while expanding access to care. Services like basic cleanings, which can be as low as $20, help make oral healthcare more accessible and affordable while reinforcing the public health mission of dental hygiene.
Along with that responsibility, there have also been challenges—whether it’s managing the demands of leadership, navigating staffing limitations, or continuing to evolve a program in a constantly changing field. There was also a point where I felt a sense of stagnation and started to question what was next for me.
That’s what led me to explore technology and ultimately attend the CIAA Tech Summit in Baltimore. I didn’t go with a clear plan—I just knew I needed to be in a different environment and open myself up to new ideas.
As I began working with Howard R. Jean of Black Meta Agency to explore the possibility of integrating virtual reality into dental hygiene education, one of the biggest challenges was realizing that it wasn’t as simple as implementing an existing solution. Most available VR software tools were designed for students training to be dentists, and the alternative that existed did not align with U.S. dental hygiene standards. That meant we weren’t just adopting technology—we had to help shape and refine it. A large part of my role involved ensuring clinical accuracy and building out concepts that aligned with how dental hygienists are trained in the United States.
This work was supported through grant funding from the Delta Dental Foundation, which played an important role in advancing the initiative from development into implementation. Developing and implementing this work required time, collaboration, and a willingness to step into something new, but it ultimately led to the development and implementation of something that didn’t previously exist in our field.
Looking back, I wouldn’t describe my journey as easy or linear, but I would describe it as intentional. Each challenge pushed me to grow, to make decisions that aligned with who I wanted to become, and stay open to new possibilities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as a Registered Dental Hygienist and Program Director at the Community College of Baltimore County, where I lead the largest dental hygiene program in the state of Maryland. Our program admits up to 40 students each year, and my work is centered on preparing those students not just to graduate, but to enter the workforce as confident, competent clinicians.
My focus goes beyond traditional clinical education. I specialize in building systems that support student success from entry to graduation. Dental hygiene programs are rigorous, and while many students are capable, they often need additional structure, resources, and support to navigate the demands of the program. A large part of my work is creating those tools—whether through curriculum design, academic support strategies, or innovative learning environments—to improve student retention and ensure more students successfully complete the program.
That work directly impacts the profession. By supporting students through completion, we are strengthening the dental hygiene workforce and helping to meet the growing demand for oral health providers.
What I’ve become known for is my ability to pair that educational focus with innovation. Through collaboration with Howard R. Jean of Black Meta Agency, and in partnership with Gleechi, we contributed to the development of the first virtual reality software designed specifically for dental hygienists in the United States.
Our program at the Community College of Baltimore County serves as the pilot site for this initiative, where we are integrating virtual reality as a supplemental training tool. This allows students to build clinical skills, strengthen decision-making, and gain confidence in a risk-free, immersive environment before working with live patients.
What I’m most proud of is being able to create opportunities and systems that help students succeed in a program that is known to be challenging. Whether that’s through academic support, mentorship, or introducing new technologies, my goal is always to meet students where they are and help them reach their full potential.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to see gaps and take action. I don’t just focus on maintaining existing structures—I focus on improving them. I’m constantly thinking about how we can expand access, strengthen outcomes, and better prepare students for the future of healthcare. My work is driven by a commitment to advancing dental hygiene education in a way that is both innovative and impactful.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is really a collection of moments—growing up in the 90s and being surrounded by family.
I was blessed to have my great-grandparents in my life for many years, and they had a profound impact on who I am today. One of the things I cherish most is our tradition of Sunday dinners. Every week, we would go to church and then gather at my great-grandparent’s house. Those moments were filled with love, laughter, and incredible meals, but more than anything, they created a strong sense of connection.
At the time, I didn’t realize how special that was—having that consistent time with family, without distractions, just being present with one another. I still find myself quoting my great-grandmother often because of the wisdom she shared and the values she instilled in me.
Some of my other favorite memories are the simpler ones—roller skating with my mom, dancing in recitals, and even watching my dad and great-grandfather play checkers. Those everyday moments are the ones that stayed with me.
When I look back, I realize those experiences shaped my foundation. They taught me the importance of family, connection, work ethic, and character. Those are the values I carry with me today, and they influence how I show up both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/brionnawatson
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brionnawatson_/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brionnawatsonrdh
- Other: brionnawatsonrdh@gmail.com
