Melissa Ray, RDH, BS, MS, is an assistant professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University (ISU) in Pocatello. She teaches dental material and tooth morphology, coordinates and operates labs for both courses, and is a clinical instructor in preventive, restorative, and local anesthesia clinics. Ray has 25 years of clinical practice and community experience. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and American Dental Education Association.