Kenneth Molen D.D.S., M.A.- Founder and Board Chair
B.A. Education 1963 - Brigham Young University
M.A. Education 1968 - Chapman College

D.D.S. Doctor of Dental Surgery 1976 - Loyola Of Chicago Dental College

Dr. Molen is the owner and founder of the Utah College of Dental Hygiene (UCDH) and was the dental hygiene Program Director from 2008 to September 2014. 

Dr. Molen taught in Newport Beach Ca, from 1963 to 1972.  He holds two lifetime teaching credentials in Elementary and Junior College teaching.  In 1968 he was granted a Masters Degree in Education from Chapman College in Orange, CA.  It was while doing graduate work on a doctorate at USC that Dr. Molen transferred to Loyola of Chicago Dental College. Dr. Molen has successfully passed the Dental Board Exams of 10 states.  He has practiced in New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.  In 1985 - 86 Dr. Molen was the supervising dentist at Weber State College, School of Dental Hygiene.  He supervised the clinical work of 20 hygienists. In 1984 Dr. Molen opened his first Dental Assisting Training School.  During the following 13 years, over 1000 dental assistants from the United States and Canada, graduated from his program.  He has over 31 years in the private practice of dentistry, and 40 years as an educator.  It is this background that he used to begin the Utah College of Dental Hygiene and Chair the

Brent Molen RDH, BS, M.A. Ed.
Program Director/College President  & Faculty-Assistant Professor

M.A. Ed – Education and Curriculum Development - University of Phoenix
BS - Business Marketing - University of Phoenix
AAS - Dental Hygiene - Utah College of Dental Hygiene
AAS - Dental Laboratory Technology - Idaho State University and Associate of Science - Utah Valley University/Utah Valley State College 

Professor Molen currently serves as a permanent Board Member and as President and Program Director of the Utah College of Dental Hygiene.  He has been or is currently a course instructor/professor for the following core dental hygiene curriculum subjects taught at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene: Dental Morphology, Dental Embryology, Dental Histology, Dental Materials, NBDHE /Board  Review, Professional Dental Hygiene IV, and Professional Dental Hygiene I - Expanded Functions.   Professor Molen has also served as a clinical instructor for first and second year dental hygiene students. 

Professor Molen has been working in the dental field for more than twenty years. His first job in the dental field was as a dental laboratory marketing assistant at Snow Mountain Orthodontic Laboratory in 1985.  Since then, he has worked as a dental hygiene instructor/professor, dental hygienist, dental laboratory technician, dental laboratory owner (DentOvationsÓ Dental Lab), dental front office manager, pediatric surgical center/O.R. dental assistant, and as a dental assisting instructor teaching subjects related to dental anatomy, dental materials, dental morphology, dental radiology, and dental laboratory concepts.

Professor Molen has produced various dental awareness and education materials.  Some of these are currently being utilized to increase awareness of dental services and emphasize the importance of dental health education among elementary school-aged children. Professor Molen  has been the WREB School Coordinator for the Western Regional Exam Board dental hygiene and anesthesia exams conducted at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene since 2008.  Professor Molen has contributed various illustrations and how-to guides to the medical/dental education profession as a medical/dental illustrator. In 2012 Professor Molen was presented with the Instructor of The Year Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Meet our Director, Dean and Founding Class

Meet our College's Director, Dean,and Founding Class

 Dr. Ken Molen DDS, MA is the Founder and Dental Hygiene Program Director at UCDH

Dr. Jason Allan DDS is the Academic Dean and a Part-Time Professor at UCDH

The Class of  April 2007.  The First Graduating Class at UCDH began in August of 2005.

The History of the UCDH logo and Seal

Do you know the symbolism behind the UCDH seal and logo?

The UCDH College Logo and Symbolism

In 2004, the College President, Dr. Kenneth Molen, mandated the creation of the College Logo.  The logo design is meant to emphasize the abbreviated letters of the Utah College of Dental Hygiene ("UCDH").

The mountain outlines that can be seen above the letters UCDH represent the triumph that comes with genuine challenge and achievement.  Mountains are also seen as symbols of timeless and infinite endurance.  The three mountains represent the mountains (with their peaks) that are visible from the front entrance of the college. These mountains are Y-Mountain, Maple Mountain, and Buckley Mountain.  When we view mountains, they remind us of the heights to which we must climb to achieve our worthwhile goals and what attaining those goals will mean to us, as well as those who are important to us and who have supported us.

The logo does not share the formal or ceremonial functions or the Official College Seal.  The logo commonly appears on business cards, T-shirts, and can be seen on the college Web site.

UCDH Official Logo Colors

The official college logo colors are white and royal blue.  The color of white symbolizes light, reverence, purity, and peace.  The royal blue color symbolizes confidence, conservatism, and wisdom.  These colors are incorporated into the college logo to continually remind all of the faculty and students attending the college of their representative meanings.

Licensed Uses of the Logo

The logo is the exclusive intellectual property of the college and is protected by law. Unauthorized use of the logo is expressly prohibited. Persons or organizations with questions about the lawful (or unlawful) use of the logo may contact the college by calling (801) 426-8234.

If you are interested in purchasing commemorative merchandise, McGee's Stamp & Trophy Company in Orem, Utah, is licensed to produce commemorative merchandise featuring the UCDH logo and seal. Please visit their Web site or call their store for options and prices. You can contact McGee's Stamp & Trophy Co. at http://www.rubberstamp-awards.com or(801) 226-7890.

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What is the College Seal?

In 2008, the College President, Dr. Kenneth Molen, mandated the creation of the college seal.  The seal should be "approximately the size of a silver dollar, and the inscription beginning underneath the upper rim should contain the name 'Utah College of Dental Hygiene.'  The year of the establishment of the parent institution will be presented in Roman numerals on the front of the seal.  The seal will bear the Latin inscriptions 'Lumen' and 'Munus' to symbolize the enlightenment (light) and dedication to service that the college maintains and strives to instill into all of its students and graduates.  By order of the College President, the seal shall be presented during all formal or ceremonial functions and will be embossed or present on all diplomas, transcripts, honorary degrees, and other official college publications.

 Symbolism

  The circles that encompass and provide a backdrop for the seal components represent the four interacting Earthy Spheres (the Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere, and Lithosphere) of the world in which we live.

  The shield suggests that it (along with all of the elements within it) protects the college's mission and goals. The shield protects the college's identity and efforts during times of adversity as the college continually moves forward toward educational improvements and growth.

  The lemniscate of Bernoulli (also know as the mathematical symbol for infinity) and the flame above it expresses the eternal commitment to learning and bringing scholarly light to illuminate and broaden the mind while pushing back the darkness of ignorance. 

  The setting sun symbolizes the west, where the college was founded and currently resides.

  The mountain outlines emblazoned on the front of the shield represent the triumph that comes with genuine challenge and achievement.  Mountains are also seen as symbols of timeless and infinite endurance.  The three mountains represent the mountains (with their peaks) that are visible from the front entrance of the college. These mountains are Y-Mountain, Maple Mountain, and Buckley Mountain.  When we view mountains, they remind us of the heights to which we must climb to achieve our worthwhile goals and what attaining those goals will mean to us, as well as those who are important to us and who have supported us.

  The windmill reflects the rich heritage of the founders of the college.  The word "Molen" is Dutch for "Windmill."

  The caduceus (or Wand of Hermes) is a symbolic sum of its parts.  The staff is a symbol of authority.  The wand of Hermes has a winged component that reflects a tie to both the ancient and traditional alchemical sciences.  This connection to the ancient science of alchemy contributed significantly to the scientific fields of chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, physics, and others.  There is also a tie to the planet, God, and the element of Mercury, which represents fluidity, information, transformation, and new beginnings.  As a whole, the caduceus reflects the authority to quickly deliver vital information, wisdom, aid, and enlightenment.

  The key is a symbol of knowledge and guardianship. 

  The laurel wreath, with its incorporated banner, reminds us of the need to strive for excellence.  A laurel wreath was conferred in ancient times as a symbol of honor and glory.  The recipient was recognized not only for their excellence but for exhibiting traits of honor, truth, and justice.  The laurel wreath crown is awarded to those who are the very best, and is a significant mark of achievement.      

The Official College Colors

The official college colors are white and royal blue.  The color of white symbolizes light, reverence, purity, and peace.  The royal blue color symbolizes confidence, conservatism, and wisdom.  These colors are incorporated into the college seal to continually remind all of the faculty and students of their representative meanings.

Licensed Uses of the Seal

The seal is the exclusive intellectual property of the college and is protected by law. Unauthorized use of the seal is expressly prohibited. Persons or organizations with questions about the lawful (or unlawful) use of the seal may contact the college by calling (801) 426-8234.

News and Upcoming Events at UCDH

Save the Date!

The Annual Give Kids a Smile Event will be held at UCDH again this year on Saturday March 1st 2014.

 

 Take a look at our newest billboard advertisement just outside of Rexburg, Idaho.

 We are getting excited for our next UCDH graduating class of August 2014. These are the new banners for the commencement ceremonies.

 

Utah College of Dental Hygiene

       Chelsea is a 2009 graduate of UCDH and was featured in our latest highway billboard advertisement

 Three happy graduates! The Class of 2014 will be graduating in August of this year. Updates for the time    and location will be posted shortly.

                        Chelsea is a graduate of 2010. She is featured here with one of her favorite patients.

 

  The class of 2007 featured with a life size tooth during the "Sealants for Smile: community volunteer activity.

            The Clinical Faculty of 2012 and 2013 at UCDH. This picture was taken in the west clinic at            UCDH.