Adriana Fields, MHA, RDH; Jennifer Boyce, DMD; and Amanda Sargent, MSDH, RDH

Adriana Fields, MHA, RDH
Program Director, College of Health Sciences, Fones School of Dental Hygiene

Adriana Fields is an assistant professor and program director at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene. She joined the Fones team in 2020 and has served in the roles of adjunct professor and second-year clinical coordinator. She graduated from the University of New Haven, in Connecticut, with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 2007 and a master’s degree in healthcare administration in 2017. Before joining Fones, Director Fields taught in the dental hygiene program at the University of New Haven from 2012 to 2021. She is also active in the Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Association, serving as treasurer, and with the Norwalk Community Health Center, serving on the its Bboard of Ddirectors.

Jennifer Boyce, DMD
Associate Director of Clinical Affairs, College of Health Sciences, Fones School of Dental Hygiene.

Dr Boyce has extensive experience in private practice, having worked as an associate dentist from 1991 to 1993, practice owner from 1993 to 2018, and associate again in 2019. She worked at Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport as an adjunct faculty/clinic dentist from 2015 to 2019, when she became dental administrator. In 2021, she was named and is currently the associate director of clinical affairs.

Recognized for her contributions to the field, Dr Boyce received the 2020 American Dental Hygienists’ Association Connecticut Gold Star Award and the 2022 Teledentistry Innovation in Education Award. She has presented at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) National Convention in 2022 and 2023, and at the ADEA Allied Dental Program Director’s’ Meeting Conference in 2024. Additionally, she serves on the ADEA Compendium on Dental Assisting Competency Revision Committee for Dental Materials (2024 to 2026).

As a Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) Allied Dentist Site Visitor (DA/DH) since 2021 and a member of the CODA Review Committee (DA) from 2023, she is dedicated to advancing dental education. Dr Boyce has served as principal in securing more than $950,000 in grants for Fones School of Dental Hygiene since 2019, including funding from the American Rescue Plan for teledentistry innovation and from Delta Dental Foundation for the Senior Smiles program and Connecticut's first expanded-function dental-assisting program.

Amanda Sargent, MSDH, RDH
Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences, Fones School of Dental Hygiene

Amanda Sargent is a dedicated and accomplished dental hygienist with more than 30 years of experience in the field of dental health. She holds a master of science degree in dental hygiene from the University of Bridgeport, in Connecticut, and completed her undergraduate studies, earning a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene, at the former Briarcliffe College in New York state.

Sargent is currently a professor of dental hygiene at the University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene School, where she has been inspiring and educating the next generation of dental hygienists for the past 4 years. Her passion for teaching is evident in her dynamic and engaging lectures, as well as her commitment to mentoring students in both clinical and academic settings.

Throughout her career, Amanda has been actively involved in the dental hygiene community and continuing her education, specifically in areas of interest such as special needs, pediatric patients, and patients suffering with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to her academic pursuits, she maintains a part-time clinical position, providing comprehensive dental hygiene care with a focus on patient-centered treatment and preventive strategies. Her clinical expertise and compassionate approach ensure that her patients receive the highest standard of care.

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the American Mobile and Teledentistry Alliance, and the American Dental Educators Education Association. She is also actively involved in community outreach programs, promoting oral health awareness, and providing free dental hygiene services to underserved populations.

Sargent's dedication to the field of dental hygiene, her excellence in teaching, and her contributions to clinical practice make her a respected leader and advocate for oral health.