West Liberty University

Michelle G. Klenk, RDH, EdD served as Department Chairperson of the Bridge Valley Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene Program for a total of 24 years. In addition, her service to the profession includes a gubernatorial appointment to the West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners, where she completed a three-year term. She continues to serve as a dental hygiene examiner for the American Board of Dental Examiners. Through the American Dental Association, Dr. Klenk has served on the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination Test Construction Committee and as both a site visitor and team chair for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Oral Health Coalition.
Dr. Klenk earned her dental hygiene bachelor’s degree from WVU, a Master’s degree in Dental Auxiliary Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate in Education Administration from WVU. She holds specialty certification as CDIPC (Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control). She was the recipient of the WVU Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year Award for 2022 as well as being awarded the 2022 WVDHA Distinguished RDH Award. She was honored in 2026 with the naming of the Michelle G. Klenk Professionalism and White Coat Ceremony for the Bridge Valley Community and Technical College Department of Dental Hygiene.
Dr. Klenk is a consultant and continuing education presenter in the dental field specializing in the areas of OSHA/Infection Control, Substance Use Disorders, and Medically Emergencies. She is a current member and past president of the West Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association, member and past section chair of the American Dental Education Association and member of the Association for Dental Safety.