Heather Bunce is an LCC success story

By Chloe Gregg
Associate Editor

Dr. Heather Bunce is the perfect example of a success story at LCC.

Bunce has worked her way up from an associate degree from LCC’s Dental Hygiene Program to a doctorate, and now resides in her position as the program director of LCC’s Dental Hygiene Program.

“I came to LCC as a student when I was a young mother of two and went through the Dental Hygiene Program,” Bunce said. “LCC changed my family’s way of life. I am a perfect example of the college’s mission.”

After graduating from LCC in 2005 with an associate degree and a license in dental hygiene, Bunce worked as a dental hygiene clinician until 2011, when she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan.

She then worked as a dental educator while also going to school at Spring Arbor College for a Master’s Degree in Arts Education.

In 2019, Bunce became the program director at LCC and, in 2021, she received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from North Central University.

“I finally achieved something that seemed so unrealistic to me as a young mom in my 20s; I received a Doctorate in Education,” Bunce said. “Although this was not what I had in mind when I started out, this happened because different people in my life believed in me.

“Having someone believe in me when I didn’t believe in myself helped me complete unrealistic goals. Believing in students and helping them reach what seems like unrealistic goals is my passion.”

Corinna Peterson, a current senior Dental Hygiene student, said Bunce has been one of her favorite teachers.

“She has a good mix of fun and serious in her teaching style that I really like,” Peterson said. “In the same lecture I can be laughing, asking questions and learning. The classes in this program can be really hard, so it helps to lighten the mood a bit.”

Bunce said that as a student, she loved the Dental Hygiene Program.

“I also had this mindset (that), as an educator, I would inspire and help other students achieve their goals,” Bunce said. “I thought if I were the program director I could help and inspire students and faculty. We already had a great program in place and I wanted to be sure it stayed that way.”

In her free time, Bunce said she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, whether it’s hanging out, telling stories, singing songs or laughing.

For anyone interested in the dental hygiene field, Bunce gave some advice.

“Dental hygiene is a great field for anyone who cares about people and wants to make a difference,” Bunce said. “The pay is great, the work hours are great, and it is very rewarding – not to mention dental hygienists are in high demand!”

For more information on LCC’s Dental Hygiene Program, click here. For anyone interested in helping out students in the dental hygiene clinic by being a patient, click here.