Danna Paulson honored with Durham College Alumni of Distinction Award

Years of leadership, research and service have led to a special recognition for Danna R. Paulson, DHSc, MSDH, RDH, CCRP. The assistant professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene has received Durham College's Alumni of Distinction Award, an annual award that acknowledges graduates whose contributions have made a significant impact on their profession and community.

For Paulson, receiving the award from the college where her career began made it especially meaningful. "It's an honor to be recognized by the institution that gave me my start in dental hygiene," she said.

One of the most memorable moments came during Durham College's convocation ceremony. As a tribute video celebrating the award recipients played, Paulson looked out at the graduating class and saw her family sitting in the front row. "I realized the purpose of the video was bigger than just sharing our stories and accomplishments," she shared. "It was to encourage and inspire the graduates as they begin their own careers. That full-circle moment is something I'll never forget."

That mission reflects Paulson's own history through clinical practice, research, education and mentorship. After beginning her dental journey in Canada, Paulson spent several years practicing in the Cayman Islands, where she worked with colleagues and patients from many different backgrounds. 

"That experience broadened my worldview. It taught me the importance of awareness, adaptability and meeting patients where they are," she reflected. The time abroad strengthened her commitment to patient-centered care and continues to influence her today.

Paulson's research focuses on patient-reported outcomes and oral health-related quality of life, helping ensure that patients' perspectives remain central to oral health care. "A mouth might look healthy to us, but the patient may still be experiencing issues that we are unaware of," she explained. "If we don't ask, we don't know."

She credits the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry with expanding her vision of what dental hygiene could become. Before coming to Minnesota and being encouraged by mentors, she had never imagined pursuing graduate education, conducting research or becoming a faculty member. 

"They opened my eyes to careers in research, academia, and other areas I never knew existed. That's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about sharing those possibilities with my own students. I want them to know that dental hygiene can take them in so many different directions if they're willing to explore them,” she said.

That same desire to encourage others now drives her work as an educator. She encourages her students to "trust the foundation your education gives you, then be willing to say yes to opportunities, even if they take you outside your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to explore paths you hadn't originally imagined."

Looking back, Paulson believes the Alumni of Distinction Award reflects not one accomplishment, but a journey built by continually embracing new challenges and looking for ways to grow. "I think it reflects my willingness to embrace every opportunity and give it my all," she added. "I don't think I ever stopped asking myself, 'What's next?'"