Ë®¹ûÅÉ has nominated Kami Burgess as a Minnesota State Board of Trustees Outstanding Educator for her contributions as an educator and leader in dental hygiene.
Burgess’ teaching is rooted in active, student-centered learning and cultural responsiveness, blending innovative strategies like clinical simulations, technology-driven assessments, and service learning. Beyond the classroom, she founded Serving Smiles to lead mission trips to Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Grenada, giving students hands-on experience while addressing global oral health disparities.
Locally, Burgess partners with clinics and organizations to expand service-learning opportunities, including programs like Team Smile and Special Smiles. Her leadership as president-elect of the Minnesota Dental Hygiene Association and chair of the state educators’ association reflects her commitment to advancing the profession statewide.
Burgess exemplifies Ë®¹ûÅÉ’s mission—empowering students to become skilled, compassionate professionals ready to make a difference in their communities.
The Minnesota State Board of Trustees names the statewide Outstanding Educator in April of each academic year during the Awards for Excellence.