Tara Newcomb

Tara L Newcomb, MS, RDH, is an Associate Professor in the School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University and currently serves as the Chief Departmental Advisor, with past experience serving as Director of Clinical Affairs and the Entry-Level Program Director. Professor Newcomb holds a tenured-faculty research position at her University. She has multiple publications and has enjoyed presenting nationally and internationally through earning several faculty innovator grants. Her overarching research focus is considering diverse populations and practice settings. She teaches courses in head and neck anatomy, embryology and histology, practice management and cross-cultural competency and has over 18 years of experience teaching clinical dental hygiene. In 2018, Professor Newcomb received the College of Health Science (COHS) Most Inspiring Faculty Award and COHS Outstanding Teacher Award, and in 2020 was voted by dental hygiene students to receive the Reign on Faculty Recognition Award. She currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Professor Newcomb earned the distinction of certified biological dental hygienist in August 2023.

Select Publications

*‡Coelho R, Newcomb T, Tolle L. Understanding Tooth Meridians. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. (In-press, June 2023)

*‡Vest S, Bradshaw B, Voelker M, Bruhn A, Newcomb T, and Sikdar S. Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistant Students Simulated DVI Radiographic Match Accuracy. Journal of Dental Hygiene; 2023: 97 (2): 31-38.

Bradshaw B, Hunt A, Ludwig E, Newcomb T. Dental hygiene students’ matching accuracy when comparing antemortem dental radiographs and oral photographs to simulated postmortem WinID3® Odontograms. J Forensic Sci; 2023: 68; 154-162.

*Newcomb T, Bruhn A, Suedbeck J, Hunt A. Make a Patient (MAP): A Simulation-based Solution for Clinical Competency in Dental Hygiene Students. Journal of Dental Education. 2022: 86 (S1); 801-803.

*‡Tamadur F, Newcomb T, Hunt A, Al-Taiar A. Understanding the Oral Manifestations of Khat. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. October 2021;19(10)42-45.

*‡Tamadur F, Newcomb T, Hunt A, Al-Taiar A. Understanding the Oral Manifestations of Khat. Decisions in Dentistry. September 2021; 7(9)36-39.

*Bradshaw B, Suedbeck J, Newcomb T, Bruhn A. Active Shooter Preparedness: A Survey of Dental Hygiene Students. Journal of Dental Hygiene. June 2021; 95 (3): 65-71.

Bradshaw B, Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Galadima, H. Postmortem Dental Records Identification by Dental Hygiene Student. Journal of Dental Hygiene. August 2020; 9 (4): 39-46.

McCombs G, Tolle L, Newcomb T, Bruhn A, Amber W. Hunt, Stafford L, Workplace Bullying: A Survey of Virginia Dental Hygienists: A Pilot Study. Journal of Dental Hygiene. October 2018; 92(5): 22-29.

Newcomb T, Bruhn A. Disaster Preparedness and Response in Dental Hygiene. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. June 2018; 16(6): 26-29.

*‡Conover J, Tolle L, Newcomb T. The Relationship between Obesity and Periodontal Disease. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. May 2018; 16 (5): 54-57.

*Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Viswakula S. Feedback delay as an approach to teaching oral radiographic technique. Radiologic Science and Education: June 2017; 22(1):29-37.

*Newcomb T, Bruhn A, Giles B, Garcia H, Diawara N. Testing a Novel 3-D Printed Radiographic Imaging Device for Use in Forensic Odontology. Journal of Forensic Science. January 2017; 62(1): 223-228.

*‡Bradshaw B, Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Simms K, Giles B. Disaster Response and Preparedness: A survey of U.S. Dental Hygienists. Journal of Dental Hygiene. October 2016; 90(5):313-322.

*Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Manasi C. Assessment of Mass Fatality Preparedness and Response Content in Dental Hygiene Education. Journal of Dental Education. May 2016; 80(5): 605-611.

*Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Giles B. Evaluating Imaging Techniques for Intraoral Forensic Radiography with the Dental Hygienist as Part of the Forensic Radiology Team. Journal of Forensic Identification. January/February 2016; 66(1): 22-36.

*Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Tolle S. Ensuring Safe Practice in Dental Radiology. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. December 2015; 13(12): 30-33.

*Newcomb T, Bruhn A, Ulmer L, Diawara N. Research: Performance of Dental Hygiene Students in Mass Fatality Training and Radiographic Imaging of Dental Remains. Journal of Dental Hygiene. October 2015; 89 (5): 313-320.

*Newcomb T, Bruhn A, and Giles B. Critical Issues: Mass Fatality Incidents and the Role of the Dental Hygienist: Are We Prepared? Journal of Dental Hygiene. June 2015; 89(3): 143-151.

‡*Ayoub H, Newcomb T, McCombs G, Bonnie M. Research: The Use of Fluorescence Technology Versus Visual and Tactile Examination in the Detection of Oral Lesions: A Pilot Study. Journal of Dental Hygiene. February 2015; 89 (1): 63-71.

*Newcomb T, Bruhn A, Verissimo A, Ayoub H. Minimize Medication Risks in Pregnant Patients. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. December 2014; 12(12):47-50.

*Newcomb T, Ayoub H. A Natural Tooth Brush. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. May 2014; 12 (5): 56-62.

Newcomb T. Young Adulthood: A Time of Transition and Increased Responsibility. Colgate Oral Health Advisor Case Studies in Dental Hygiene. 2012; 3(3): 1-10.

*Newcomb T, Sokolick T. Cultural Competency-How to Incorporate Different Cultural

Beliefs and Practice into the Dental Hygiene Process of Care. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. April 2012; 10 (4):58–61.

*Bruhn A, Newcomb T. The Efficacy of Therapeutic Mouthrinses. Dimensions of Dental

Hygiene. November 2010; 8(11): 46-49.

*Newcomb T, Darby M, Cooper R. Malaria and the Dental Hygienist. Dimensions of Dental

Hygiene. December 2009; 7(12): 40-43.

RESEARCH PAPERS PRESENTED AT PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS:

T Newcomb*, A Hunt. Utilization of Simulated Patient Experience (SPE) for Dental Hygiene Students. International Dental Hygiene Educator’s Forum. Dublin, Ireland. August 2022.

Bradshaw, B, Hunt, AW, Ludwig, EA, Newcomb, T. “Dental hygiene students’ matching accuracy when comparing antemortem dental radiographs and oral photos to simulated postmortem WinID3 records.” American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Conference. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. February 2022.

Vest S, Bradshaw B, Newcomb T, Bruhn A, Voelker M, Sikdar, S. “Allied Dental Students’ DVI Learning Outcomes Following A Multimedia Module.” Poster Presentation. American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session. Seattle, Washington. March 20, 2022.

Suedbeck J, Bradshaw B, Bruhn A, Newcomb T. “Active Shooter Preparedness: A Survey of Health Science Students.” Poster Presentation. American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Allied Dental Program Director’s Conference. Portland, OR. June 4, 2022.

Vest S, Bradshaw B, Voelker M, Bruhn A, Newcomb T, and Sikdar S. Allied Dental Students’ DVI Learning Outcomes Following a Multimedia Module. International Symposium on Dental Hygiene. Dublin, Ireland. August 11, 2022.

Bradshaw B*, Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Galadima H. “Dental Hygiene Students’ Ability to Make

Forensic Identification Matches.” Poster Presentation. Old Dominion University College of Health Sciences Research Day. Norfolk, Virginia. April 19, 2019.

Bradshaw B*, Bruhn A, Newcomb T. “Dental Hygiene Students’ Ability to Make Forensic Identification Matches.” Poster Presentation. American Dental Education Association Annual Session. Chicago, Illinois. March 18, 2019.

Tolle L, McCombs G, Bruhn A*, Newcomb T, Stafford L. “Bullying: Dental Hygiene Workplace and Curriculum Considerations”. Poster Presentation. American Dental Education Association. Orlando, Florida. March 19, 2018.

Bruhn A, Tolle L, Newcomb T, McCombs G*. “Uncivil Classroom Behaviors: The Dental Hygiene Students Perspective”. Poster Presentation. American Dental Education Association. Orlando, Florida. March 19, 2018.

Newcomb T*, Bruhn A. “An Evaluation of a Multimedia Training Module and Lab for Teaching Radiographic Technique and Safety When Using Hand-Held Portable Dental X-Ray Equipment in Forensic Odontology”. Poster Presentation. American Academy of Forensic Science Annual Scientific Meeting. Seattle, WA. February 23, 2018.

Alkhalifah F, Daniel S, Newcomb T, Claiborne M. “Dental Hygiene Graduates’ Perceived Preparedness and Self-Confidence for Alternative Dental Hygiene Practice.” Poster Presentation. International Association for Dental Research. San Francisco, California. March 23, 2017

Newcomb T* Bruhn A, Giles B, Garcia H. “Testing a Novel 3D Printed Radiographic Imaging Device for Use in Forensic Odontology.” Poster Presentation. American Academy of Forensic Sciences 69th Annual Scientific Meeting. New Orleans, LA. February 17, 2017.

Tolle L, Newcomb T*, Bruhn A, McCombs G. “A Survey of Incivil Behaviors in the Dental Hygiene Clinical Setting.” Accepted Poster Presentation. American Dental Education Association: Annual Session. Long Beach, California. March 19-20, 2016.

Bruhn A* Newcomb T,* Giles B. “Imaging Techniques for Intraoral Postmortem Dental Radiographs.” Poster Presentation. American Academy of Forensic Sciences 68th Annual Scientific Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada. February 26, 2016.

Newcomb T, Bruhn A. (All presented). “Does Multimedia Facilitate Training in Dental Hygiene Mass Fatality Preparedness?” Poster Presentation. American Academy of Forensic Sciences 68th Annual Scientific Meeting. Las Vegas, Nevada. February 24, 2016.

Newcomb T,* Bruhn A,* Giles B, Garcia H.* “A Modified External Aiming Device for Portable X-ray Equipment: An Innovative Solution for Victim Identification, Forensic Dentistry, and Mobile Dentistry/Dental Hygiene.” Oral Presentation. Old Dominion University Office of Research Seed Funding Program Presentations. Norfolk, Virginia. February 4, 2016.

Newcomb T, Flores J. “Avatar-Mediated Practice Scenarios to Evaluate Cross-Cultural Knowledge And Understanding.” Poster Presentation. Canadian Dental Hygiene Association National Conference. British Columbia, Victoria. October 30, 2015.

Lemaster M, Bruhn A, Newcomb T. (All presented) “Interactive Technology in Learning: What Students Expect and What Faculty Should Know.” Oral Presentation. American Dental Hygienists Association. Nashville, Tennessee. June 19, 2015.

Bradshaw B*, Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Giles B, Simms K. “Disaster Preparedness and Response: A Survey of U.S. Dental Hygienists.” Poster Presentation. American Dental Hygienists Association: 2015 Center for Lifelong Learning at the 92nd Annual Session. Nashville. Tennessee. June 17 – 23, 2015.

Bradshaw B*, Bruhn A, Newcomb T, Simms K, Giles B. “Disaster Preparedness and Response: A Survey of U.S. Dental Hygienists.” Poster Presentation. Office of Graduate Studies Graduate Research Achievement Day. Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. April 16, 2015.

Bruhn A,* Newcomb T,* Sheth-Chandra M. “An Assessment of Mass Fatality Preparedness in Dental Hygiene Education.” Poster Presentation. American Dental Education Association: Annual Session. Boston, Massachusetts. March 8, 2015.

Newcomb T, Bruhn A. (All presented) “Radiographic Imaging for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) in Dental Hygiene.” Table Presentation. Center for Learning and Teaching, 2014 Annual Teach Fair. Old Dominion University. Norfolk, Virginia. October 28, 2014.

Bruhn A, Newcomb T (All presented). “Radiographic Imaging for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) in Dental Hygiene.” Poster Presentation. 3rd North American/Global Dental Hygiene Research Conference. Bethesda, Maryland. Oct 16-19, 2014

Newcomb T*, Flores J*,Adcock A, Cook B, Craigen L. ”Avatar-mediated Practice Scenarios to Evaluate Cross-cultural Knowledge and Understanding.” Poster Presentation. 3rd North American/Global Dental Hygiene Research Conference. Bethesda, Maryland. October 16-19, 2014

Newcomb T, Bruhn A. (All presented) “Radiographic Imaging for Disaster Victim Identification in Dental Hygiene Students.” Poster Presentation. 2014 American Dental Educators Association Annual Session & Exhibition program. San Antonio, Texas. March 16, 2014.

Newcomb T, Downs J. (All presented) “Avatar-mediated Practice Scenarios to Evaluate Cross-Cultural Knowledge and Understanding.” Poster Presentation. 2014 American Dental Educators Association Annual Session & Exhibition Program. San Antonio, Texas. March 15-18, 2014.

Newcomb T, Downs J. (All presented) “Avatar-mediated Practice Scenarios to Evaluate Cross-cultural Knowledge and Understanding”. Oral Presentation. 2014 American Dental Educators Association Annual Session & Exhibition Program. San Antonio, Texas, March 15-18, 2014.

Newcomb T, Bruhn A (All presented). “Radiographic Imaging for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) in Dental Hygiene.” Oral Presentation. Old Dominion University’s Continuing Education Dental Hygiene Winter Weekend. Virginia Beach, Virginia. February 22, 2014.

Newcomb T*, Bruhn A. “Radiographic Imaging for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) in Dental Hygiene.” Oral presentation. The 2014 International Conference on Healthcare System Preparedness and Response to Emergencies & Disasters. Tel Aviv, Israel. January 13, 2014.

Ayoub H*, Newcomb T, McCombs G, Bonnie M. “Comparing Fluorescence Technology versus Visual and Tactile Examination in the Detection of Lesions: A Pilot Study.” Poster presentation. Annual Session for the American Dental Hygienists Association. Boston, Massachusetts. June 19-25, 2013.

Lemaster M, Bruhn A, Newcomb T. (All Presented). “Kicking the Habit: Evidence-Based Interactive Approaches to Improve Learning.” Oral presentation. American Dental Education Association: Annual Session. Seattle, Washington. March 18, 2013.

Downs J*, Newcomb T, Adcock A, Cook B, Craigen L. “Agent-mediated Simulations to Reduce

Oral Health Disparities Among Culturally Diverse Dental Hygiene Patients.” Poster presentation. 2012 Science of Eliminating Health Disparities Summit. National Harbor, Maryland. December 17-19, 2012.

Adcock A*, Cook B, Newcomb T, Downs J, Craigen L. Designing Cross-cultural Awareness Training for Dental Hygiene Students Using an Avatar-mediated Simulation. Concurrent Presentation. 2012 AECT International Convention. Louisville, Kentucky. November 3, 2012.

Newcomb, T.* “Cross-Cultural Dental Hygiene Practice.” Oral presentation. Old Dominion University’s Continuing Education Dental Hygiene Winter Weekend. Virginia Beach, Virginia. February 26, 2012.

Newcomb, T*, Melvin, L, Ayoub H. “Use of Primal 3-D Anatomy software for Computer-supported Learning in Oral Anatomy Assigned Viewing Labs”. Poster presentation. 2012 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition. Orlando, Florida. March 17-21, 2012.

*Presenter if more than one author

HONORS, AWARDS AND PRIZES and RECOGNITION:

2020 Reign-on Faculty Recognition Award, Student Engagement and Enrollment Services

2018 Most Inspiring Faculty Award, COHS

2018 COHS Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award

2017 Induction into the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honors Society, Sigma Phi

2016 Faculty Star Award: You Make the Difference Recognition, Old Dominion University, Division of Student Engagement and Enrollment Services

2015 Induction into the Alpha Eta, National Honors Society, Old Dominion University, College of Health Science