Meet NAU Dental Hygiene’s new dentist, Dr. Jessica Hardy
Dr. Hardy joined the dental hygiene program this fall as an associate clinical professor and the staff dentist at the NAU Dental Hygiene Clinic– the first dentist in the program since 2019! Read on to get to know Dr. Hardy.
1. Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a dentist? What inspired you to pursue this career?
Absolutely! I grew up on a farm in rural Utah dreaming of becoming a large-animal veterinarian. I was well on my way, finishing prerequisites and shadowing vets, when I joined Rural Health Scholars at Southern Utah University. During my junior year, I participated in a humanitarian trip to Nicaragua where I assisted a local dentist. Watching patients walk in with pain and leave smiling was transformative. I realized dentistry wasn’t just about teeth, it was about restoring dignity, crossing cultural and language barriers, and making an immediate difference in someone’s quality of life. From that moment, I was hooked.
2. Can you share a bit about yourself?
A fun fact about me is that I attended Southern Utah University on a rodeo scholarship. I’ve been passionate about horses my whole life, and I’ll happily talk your ear off about them if you let me! After earning my acceptance to Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine, I received a Health Professions Scholarship through the U.S. Navy. I had the privilege of serving six incredible years as a Navy dentist, caring for sailors and Marines across the country. That blend of rodeo grit, military discipline, and a love of service has shaped both my personal and professional journey.
3. What brought you to NAU, and what excites you most about joining the Dental Hygiene program?
Education brought me to NAU, but the community is what excites me most. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and helping the next generation of dental professionals find their place in the field. NAU allows me to teach, mentor, and prepare students for careers where they’ll not only excel clinically but also impact patients’ lives. I still get to connect with patients myself, which keeps me stay grounded in the “why” behind the work we do.
4. How has your experience in the Navy shaped your approach to dentistry and patient care?
The Navy taught me that dentistry is never “one-size-fits-all.” Working with diverse populations under unique circumstances, I developed a holistic, patient-centered philosophy. I’ve embraced a One Health mindset, collaborating with other healthcare disciplines to ensure patients receive comprehensive, integrated care. Whether treating a Marine recruit or a community member here in Flagstaff, I’ve learned that listening, adaptability, and teamwork are as important as technical skill.
5. How do you hope to impact the future of dental hygiene through your work here at NAU?
My hope is to empower students with confidence, curiosity, and a spirit of collaboration. Dental hygiene is so much more than clinical skill. It’s about being a lifelong learner, working seamlessly with a team, and advocating for patients. If I can help students leave NAU not only technically excellent but also inspired to keep growing and innovating, then I’ll feel I’ve made a meaningful impact.
6. What’s one thing you’d like the community to know about oral health and why it matters?
Oral health is not separate from overall health, it’s a window into it. Issues in the mouth can reflect or even cause problems throughout the body, from heart disease to diabetes. I’d also love people to know that those of us in dentistry, dentists, hygienists, and assistants, are here because we care deeply about helping. We’re partners in your health, ready to listen and work alongside you so you can smile, eat, and live with confidence.
Contributed by Business Administration, Marketing undergraduate student, Katie Fahy