NORFOLK, VA - November 13, 2025 - PRESSADVANTAGE -

The Foleck Center to Participate in Old Dominion University’s Community Weekend, Addressing Critical Dental Hygienist Shortage

Dr. Adam Foleck to Share Industry Insights with Students and Alumni as Part of Ongoing Commitment to Dental Education

The Foleck Center is proud to announce its participation as an official sponsor of Old Dominion University’s Community Weekend, strengthening an already meaningful connection to one of the region’s most respected dental hygiene programs. During this event, Dr. Adam Foleck, nationally recognized implant dentist, educator, and leader in advanced clinical dentistry, will meet with dental hygiene students, alumni, and faculty to discuss the current state of the dental industry, career opportunities for new graduates, and the expanding role of dental hygienists in modern practice. The Foleck Center’s participation reflects the organization’s continued commitment to supporting emerging dental professionals at a time when the industry faces a significant shortage of trained hygienists across the United States.

As a well-established and highly regarded academic institution, Old Dominion University has long been known for producing exceptional dental hygiene graduates. The university’s program, widely considered one of the strongest in the region, has consistently prepared students with the clinical, academic, and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving dental landscape. The Foleck Center’s involvement during Community Weekend highlights the importance of collaboration between leading practitioners and the educational institutions preparing the next generation of dental care providers.

Dr. Foleck, who has earned national distinction as an expert in dental implants and advanced restorative dentistry, will be speaking directly with students during the weekend event. With more than two decades of clinical experience, extensive advanced training, and a teaching career that includes mentoring dentists across the country in implant placement, complex reconstructions, and digital dentistry, he brings a rare combination of practical knowledge and visionary leadership. His participation provides students the opportunity to hear firsthand from one of dentistry’s most respected implant clinicians regarding what it takes to succeed in a dynamic profession that continues to grow, adapt, and embrace new technologies.

“We are facing a nationwide shortage of dental hygienists that has continued to affect patient care long after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Foleck. “The lack of trained hygienists is not just a staffing problem; it’s a public health issue. Dental hygienists are essential to the lifespan of every dental practice and central to preventive care, early diagnosis, and long-term patient wellness. Supporting the next generation of these professionals is critical to the future of dentistry, and these students at Old Dominion represent exactly the kind of talent and passion that will shape the direction of our field.”

Throughout Community Weekend, Dr. Foleck will share insights on the changing expectations placed upon hygienists, the importance of clinical excellence, and the expanding responsibilities hygienists can expect as practices incorporate digital scanning, implant maintenance protocols, advanced periodontal therapy, and collaborative, team-based models of care. As one of the nation’s most accomplished implant clinicians, Dr. Foleck will also provide an inside look into the specialized role hygienists play in implant dentistry, a field that has seen unprecedented growth over the last decade. He will highlight how highly trained hygienists contribute significantly to patient outcomes, implant longevity, and overall practice success. His goal is to inspire confidence in students entering the profession while helping them understand how far-reaching their impact can be in modern dental practice.

Dr. Foleck’s commitment to education extends far beyond this single event. He is an active instructor and mentor in Chicago, where he regularly teaches and guides practicing dentists in advanced implant techniques, surgical principles, and restorative planning. His passion for education also includes supporting hygienists as they develop the clinical skill set required to care for implant patients. Because implant dentistry requires a team-oriented approach, hygienists trained under his mentorship often gain a deeper understanding of how comprehensive implant maintenance protocols directly affect patient satisfaction and long-term clinical success. This emphasis on excellence and lifelong learning directly reflects the values upheld by The Foleck Center.

“Mentorship is at the heart of what we do,” Dr. Foleck added. “Dental hygienists are central to the quality of care patients receive. When we invest in these students, we’re investing in the health of our communities. Old Dominion’s program consistently produces highly qualified graduates, and it’s an honor to be able to support their professional development and be part of their Community Weekend.”

The nationwide shortage of dental hygienists has become one of the most pressing challenges in dentistry today. According to industry data, the profession has seen a significant reduction in available personnel since COVID-19, when many hygienists left the workforce permanently due to safety concerns, early retirement, or career changes. As a result, dental practices across the country continue to struggle to maintain appointment availability, keep up with preventive care demands, and meet patient expectations for routine services. In many areas, the shortage has directly impacted patients’ access to timely and consistent oral health care.

For new graduates entering the dental hygiene profession, the shortage presents both challenges and exceptional opportunities. The demand for well-trained hygienists is stronger than ever, giving new professionals flexibility in choosing their work environments, negotiating competitive compensation, and shaping their career paths. The Foleck Center’s participation in Old Dominion University's Community Weekend serves as a bridge between academic education and real-world practice, helping students understand not only the opportunities available to them but also the responsibilities and professional standards that come with serving a public that increasingly depends on them.

During the event, The Foleck Center’s team will spend time speaking with students about the importance of maintaining high standards of patient care, preserving strong communication skills, and staying current with innovations in dentistry. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and expectations at a high-performing dental practice and to ask questions about the realities of transitioning from classroom to clinic. Dr. Foleck will address how a commitment to excellence can elevate a hygienist's career and how those who strive for continuous improvement often find themselves in leadership roles within their offices.

The Foleck Center has long upheld a philosophy of exceptional care, patient-focused service, and continuous clinical advancement. Through mentorship, continuing education, and hands-on guidance, the practice remains dedicated to cultivating the next generation of dental professionals who will carry these values forward. Dr. Foleck’s experience as both a practitioner and instructor places him in a unique position to provide meaningful guidance to students contemplating their next steps as they move from education to practice.

The connection between The Foleck Center and Old Dominion University represents more than sponsorship, it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the dental hygiene profession and ensuring that future practitioners receive not only a strong academic foundation but also access to the insights and support of seasoned professionals. By bringing real-world experience to students before they graduate, The Foleck Center helps prepare them for a seamless transition into the workforce and contributes to a healthier and more resilient dental community.

The Foleck Center is a leader in comprehensive dental care and dental education, recognized for its clinical excellence, patient-centered approach, and commitment to advancing the profession. Led by Dr. Adam Foleck, a nationally respected implant dentist, educator, and mentor, the practice is dedicated to supporting dental education programs and developing skilled dental professionals, with particular focus on addressing the critical nationwide shortage of dental hygienists.

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, maintains a long-standing, well-established dental hygiene program known for its academic rigor, clinical excellence, and successful preparation of graduates for meaningful and impactful careers within the dental industry.

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For more information about The Foleck Center, contact the company here:

The Foleck Center
Dr. Adam Foleck
757 863 3968
[email protected]
201 College Pl Suite 111,
Norfolk, VA 23510

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