Rebecca Ortiz Bodensteiner, EdD, MAT, BSDH, RDHAP
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Special Patient, Geriatric and Behavioral Dentistry. Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Special Patients, Geriatric, and Behavioral Dentistry
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Special Patient, Geriatric and Behavioral Dentistry. Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry, Special Patients, Geriatric, and Behavioral Dentistry
Rebecca is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP). She works in the Special Patients Clinic at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and serves on the faculty for Ostrow’s Online Programs. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from USC, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the USC Rossier School of Education, completed educational requirements for the RDHAP license at the University of the Pacific, and earned a Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education from A.T. Still University. Prior to returning to her alma mater to serve students and treat patients, Rebecca spent 23 years in private practice serving communities in Tulare and Visalia in Central California.
Current & Upcoming Courses
| COH 706 | 2 units | Foundations and Strategies in Health Education Examines the impact of education in community health, identifying strategies to engage and empower the members of the community to achieve health and wellness. |
| COH 702 | 2 units | Social and Behavioral Sciences Explores the social and behavioral factors of diverse groups that can affect the health status and choices of communities. |
| COH 701 | 2 units | Community Health Sciences Examines common theoretical and conceptual models, health education methodologies and emerging technology to provide health services in community settings. |
Current Articles
Does the Integration of Technology in Healthcare Translate Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Innovation into Effective Interdisciplinary Collaborations?
July 3, 2026
From Chairside to Community: How Everyday Hygiene Encounters Power Public Health Campaigns
November 10, 2025
A Model Approach to Effective Communication for Postoperative Tooth Extraction Care in ASA II and III Patients
June 25, 2025
Tooth Regeneration: Communicating Novel Dental Research Responsibly
April 4, 2025
Adopting Innovation Initiatives
February 17, 2025
Return of Investment in Pursuing Oral Health Education
December 6, 2024
Oral Health Education Impact on Oral Health
November 13, 2024
Teledentistry: Embracing Its Utility for Oral Healthcare
June 14, 2024
Overlooked Factors for Dental Service Utilization
May 16, 2024
Aphthous Ulcers: Causes, Types, and Treatments
January 15, 2024
Social Cognitive Theory: Understanding its Role in Education
April 19, 2023
