Henderson named director of Division of Dental Therapy

Michael Henderson, DDS ’17, is the director of the Division of Dental Therapy, effective June 15, 2026.

Henderson earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of North Dakota and his DDS from the University of Minnesota in 2017. He completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Minnesota/Fairview Hospital in 2017, focusing on medically complex patients.

Henderson practiced in a variety of clinical settings, focusing on rural and community patient populations, until 2023, when he became director of the Mobile Dental Clinic. Since 2023, he has served as a clinical assistant professor within the division of Community Outreach and Engagement while continuing to practice part-time with Children’s Dental Services.

Henderson is a board member of Ready, Set, Smile and  a member of the Critical Access Dentists - Minnesota Government Affairs Committee.. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Therapy Association, the Minnesota Dental Therapy Association, the Minnesota Public Health Association, the American Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Association.

Henderson's greatest pride and joy is his family - he recently welcomed his first child this January and is enjoying his new role as Dad. He thrives on community and enjoys fostering his lifelong relationships with friends. He loves remodeling projects, large and small, and can be found walking with his two dogs and family throughout the metro.

Henderson takes on the role as Karl Self, DDS, MBA, continues his phased retirement. Self has served as director of the division since its inception in 2010. Over the past sixteen years, Self has been instrumental in instituting, advocating for and developing the curriculum for dental therapy in Minnesota and beyond. Under his leadership, the school has graduated more than 100 dental therapists, and we became the first dental school-associated program to achieve CODA accreditation.

“Dr. Self is a leader who has charted new paths in education and training, which has earned him a national reputation for excellence,” shared Dean Keith Mays, DDS, MS, PhD, in an email announcing the change to the school. “We are grateful for the impact he has had on dental therapy and on the school, and wish him the best in his next chapter.”