SCTCC has nominated Kami Burgess as a Minnesota State Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator for her contributions as an educator and leader in dental hygiene.
Burgess’ teaching is rooted in active, student-centered learning and cultural responsiveness, blending innovative strategies like clinical simulations, technology-driven assessments, and service learning. Beyond the classroom, she founded Serving Smiles to lead mission trips to Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Grenada, giving students hands-on experience while addressing global oral health disparities.
Locally, Burgess partners with clinics and organizations to expand service-learning opportunities, including programs like Team Smile and Special Smiles. Her leadership as president-elect of the Minnesota Dental Hygiene Association and chair of the state educators’ association reflects her commitment to advancing the profession statewide.
Burgess exemplifies SCTCC’s mission—empowering students to become skilled, compassionate professionals ready to make a difference in their communities.
The Minnesota State Board of Trustees names the statewide Outstanding Educator in April of each academic year during the Awards for Excellence.