Dedicated NYU Educator to Retire

Rosemary DeRosa Hays, RDH, MS, has announced her retirement as a full-time clinical associate professor in the Department of Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting at New York University (NYU) School of Dentistry, after a distinguished 46-year career. Beginning her journey in the early 1980s, she first taught at Fairleigh Dickinson University, transitioning from a volunteer to a permanent part-time faculty member by 1987. Hays joined NYU in 1993, where she became a cornerstone of the dental hygiene department, renowned for her commitment to student success and innovative teaching methods.
Throughout her tenure, Hays has been dedicated to fostering student achievement and ethical practice, leaving a lasting impact on her students, many of whom have become leaders in the dental hygiene field. In addition to her teaching, she has contributed significantly to dental hygiene research and professional development, publishing numerous articles on topics such as care for older adults and patient education.
Hays has been a supporter of Dimensions of Dental Hygiene since its inception. She has written articles, conducted peer reviews, and encouraged her colleagues and students to contribute to the peer-reviewed journal.
Despite retiring from her full-time position, she will continue as an adjunct faculty member, teaching in the baccalaureate program and continuing to influence future educators and practitioners. Her colleagues and students will miss her presence, but they celebrate her well-deserved retirement and continued contributions in her new role.