On December 13, 2024, Morgan State University held a graduation ceremony where over 450 students received their degrees. Among them was Doctor Tonya Denise Jeffries, who earned her doctoral degree in Education. She has worked in the dental field for nearly 20 years and wrote a top dissertation about Black dental hygiene students. To celebrate her achievement, she hosted an event highlighting Black-owned businesses that supported her. Doctor Jeffries is passionate about improving oral health in the Black community and was the first African American president of the Maryland Dental Hygienists Association. She aims to increase the number of Black dental hygienists and raise awareness about oral health. Doctor Jeffries also mentors others and fights for fair treatment and pay for dental hygienists. She believes that having diverse professionals in health care helps communities receive better care. Doctor Jeffries is dedicated to creating a healthier future for everyone.
On December 13, 2024, more than 450 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral candidates received their degrees during the Fall graduation ceremony at Morgan State University, a cherished national treasure in Baltimore. Among those who walked the stage was Dr. Tonya Denise Jeffries, who earned her doctoral degree in Education focusing on Community College Leadership.
A trained dental hygienist by profession, Dr. Jeffries has dedicated nearly two decades to working in the dental field. Her dissertation, recognized as one of the best of the year at Morgan State, is titled “The Effects of Student Engagement on Black Dental Hygiene Students at Blue Community College Focusing on Student Characteristics as Factors in Pre-College Experiences.” In celebration of her accomplishment, a special event was held in her honor Friday night. During the festivities, Dr. Jeffries highlighted that all the vendors and business professionals who contributed to the event’s success were Black-owned businesses.
“I believe it is important that we empower one another, which is why I want to recognize all of the vendors who supported me in celebrating my graduation,” Dr. Jeffries shared. “While it may seem like the evening was about celebrating me, it really wasn’t—because we cannot do things alone. The universe requires us to support each other, and there are many Black businesses doing phenomenal work. We need to support them with the same monetary investment that we give to other businesses.”
Advancing Oral Health in the Black Community
Dr. Jeffries’ commitment to community empowerment extends beyond her academic achievements. A native of West Baltimore, she has dedicated her career to transforming perceptions about oral health in the Black community. Recognizing that oral health is often overlooked in underserved communities, Dr. Jeffries has tirelessly worked to educate, advocate, and empower individuals through her profession. As the first African American president of the Maryland Dental Hygienists Association (2015–2016), she has been a trailblazer in her field, addressing the lack of diversity and the systemic barriers within oral health care.
Dr. Jeffries is the first African American in Maryland to develop a dental hygiene and dental assistant program at a community college. This initiative is critical, as statistics reveal stark disparities in oral health outcomes for African Americans. According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health:
- Oral cancer is most common among African American men, ranking as the fourth most common cancer in this demographic.
- African Americans are one-third more likely to develop oral cancer than Caucasians.
- African Americans have nearly twice the mortality rate from oral cancer compared to Caucasians.
“My mission is to help increase the number of Black dental hygienists and others from underrepresented communities,” Dr. Jeffries stated. “We need to raise awareness about oral health in the Black community because it is connected to overall health and systemic health. Our mouths ar.e not disconnected from our bodies, and oral health education empowers the entire community.”
A Legacy of Mentorship and Advocacy
Dr. Jeffries’ impact reaches far beyond her accomplishments. Brionna Burris, Program Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the Community College of Baltimore County, is one of many mentees who has benefited from her guidance.
“Tonya has been an exceptional mentor and leader,” said Burris. “Her wisdom, unwavering support, and genuine care have shaped my professional growth and personal development. She has worked tirelessly to increase awareness of oral health and has been a pioneer in creating initiatives like ‘Deaf and Dental,’ which demonstrated her innovative approach to meeting the needs of underserved communities.”
Dr. Jeffries’ efforts to advocate for fair treatment and equal pay for dental hygienists have also left a lasting impact. Former Maryland state Senator Joan Carter Conway recalled a legislative effort in Annapolis where Dr. Jeffries played a pivotal role. “There was a big rift between dentists and dental hygienists because the dentists wanted hygienists to do the work without proper compensation. Tonya fought for their respect and equitable pay, which was long overdue,” Conway said.
A Vision for a Diverse Future
Dr. Jeffries continues to champion the need for diversity in the dental hygiene profession, where only 3.7% of practitioners are African American, compared to 73.9% white. She believes that representation in health care professions directly impacts the quality of care and education communities receive.
“If our clinicians and providers are not diverse, we’re not effectively addressing the needs of the community,” Dr. Jeffries explained. “When patients see professionals who look like them, they’re more likely to seek care, get treated, and learn how to maintain their health.”
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Jeffries said, “I’m proud of how far I’ve come. From mentoring others to creating programs and advocating for legislation, I’ve been able to contribute in ways I never imagined. It’s an honor to be part of this industry and to work toward a healthier, more equitable future.”
