End of an era for dental hygiene rotation at VA
By Levi Brinkerhoff, Chief of Dental Service
Two longtime educators whose careers helped define dental hygiene training in northern Wyoming are retiring, leaving behind a shared legacy that spans decades at both the Sheridan VA Medical Center and Sheridan College.
For more than 30 years, dental hygienists Tammie Madson and June Biss played central roles in shaping the clinical experience that has trained hundreds of students while serving area Veterans. Though their careers began in different settings, their work eventually converged into one of the region’s most enduring academic‑clinical partnerships.
Parallel Paths into Dental Hygiene
Madson and Biss entered the profession in 1988, graduating from Sheridan College and the North Dakota State College of Science, respectively. Both spent their early years in private practice and part‑time instruction before committing themselves fully to education and Veteran care.
A Foundation in Academic Excellence
In Biss’s early career in higher education, she served as a clinical dental hygiene instructor at North Dakota State College of Sciences from 1992 to 1995, later earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in health education. When she joined Sheridan College’s full‑time faculty in 1999, she became a driving force behind curriculum development and instruction.
For over 27 years, Biss taught nearly every core course in the program, including periodontology, community dental health, clinical laboratory series, and local anesthesia. She also coordinated the junior class for more than two decades, influencing the academic foundation of nearly every Sheridan College dental hygiene graduate of the past generation.
Leadership in Veteran Care
Madson joined the Sheridan VA Medical Center in 1995, where she became a cornerstone of the dental service. Known for her clinical expertise and long‑term patient relationships, she was frequently called upon to maintain clinic continuity and support staff during periods of leadership transition.
Her impact extended nationally as well. Madson served on VA committees, developed system‑wide hygiene orientation materials, facilitated communities of practice, and presented educational webinars for VA clinicians across the country.
Building a Model Rotation
The two educators’ work came together during the students' VA dental hygiene rotation, when they gain hands‑on experience providing care to Veterans. Biss initially covered both Tuesday and Thursday rotations before transitioning to Tuesday instruction, while Madson led the Thursday sessions.
Their coordinated leadership created a rotation known for high expectations, consistent mentorship, and strong collaboration between the college and the VA. Their partnership helped ensure that students entering the clinic understood not only dental hygiene practice, but also the professionalism and compassion expected in Veteran care.
Generations of Impact
More than 650 students have come through the VA rotation during Madson and Biss’s tenure. Many credit the experience—and the mentorship of both educators—as formative in their development as clinicians. Biss shaped students academically, while Madson refined their clinical performance and patient interaction skills inside the VA setting.
Contributions Beyond the Profession
Outside of work, both educators were deeply engaged in Wyoming’s outdoor and community life. Madson spent her free time fly fishing and exploring the region with family. Biss pursued an array of outdoor activities—from hiking and biking to skiing and paddle boarding—and contributed to local music ministry as a pianist and accompanist.
A Lasting Legacy
As Madson retires from the Sheridan VA and Biss retires from Sheridan College, colleagues say their influence will continue to shape both institutions. Their combined efforts strengthened the relationship between the college and the VA, supported continuity of care for Veterans, and elevated the quality of dental hygiene education in Wyoming.
The program they helped build, leaders say, stands as a model of academic‑clinical partnership—and a lasting tribute to their shared commitment to service, mentorship, and excellence.
A Hole to Fill
Sheridan is hiring a dental hygienist. If interested, please check out this post on USAJobs for more information about applying: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/867259700 .