Gina M. Drane, MEd, RDH is a 2004 graduate of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
and has worked as a dental hygienist for over two decades. She spent eleven years in
various private practice settings before finding her true passion in 2015, where she
began working at a federally qualified health center. The community health center where
she is currently practicing provides comprehensive services—including medical, dental,
behavioral health, and midwifery care—to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay,
with a focus on compassion, dignity, respect, and culturally sensitive care.
After graduating from Tri-C, Gina earned a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health from
Youngstown State University and a master’s degree in Education from Cleveland State
University, specializing in Adult Learning and Development. She is now in her fifth year
as part-time adjunct faculty in the Tri-C dental hygiene program, where she enjoys
mentoring students and feels her career has come full circle.
Gina began her involvement with the Cleveland Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA)
as an alternate delegate five years ago and now serves as Treasurer, Delegate, and Tri-
C Student Liaison for the component. Her active participation in CDHA has deepened
her understanding of the profession and the importance of supporting organized dental
hygiene at the local, state, and national levels. Through her work with CDHA, Gina has
gained invaluable knowledge and developed meaningful friendships with colleagues
who share a commitment to advancing the dental hygiene profession.
Gina is also serving in her second year as a Hygienist Inspired Ambassador. There are
36 Hygienist Inspired Ambassadors currently serving in the U.S. Created by ADHA in
partnership with the Foundations of Delta Dental, Hygienist Inspired is an innovative
chairside recruitment program that leverages the strength of the relationships between
dental hygienists and their patients to make a difference for the profession. It was
created to: Address workforce shortages, improve access to care, and increase
diversity in the profession.
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