Yvette Rainbow

Dr Yvette Rainbow serves as a Lecturer in Clinical Dentistry at Charles Sturt University's School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Orange campus. A dual-qualified dentist and dental hygienist since 2001, she integrates clinical expertise with educational innovation to prepare resilient dental professionals.

Her academic qualifications include:

• Diploma in Oral Health Therapy (Dip OHT)
• Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) with multiple academic excellence awards
• Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (GCLTHE)
• Graduate Certificate in Education (GCEd)
• Master of Education (Higher Education) (MEd)
• Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)

Dr Rainbow's research pioneers digital dentistry solutions through teledentistry and mobile dentistry initiatives to expand access to preventative oral healthcare, while simultaneously investigating systemic barriers faced by first-generation university students. Her work bridges clinical practice with educational equity, emphasizing proactive oral health strategies and institutional support frameworks.

Her educational contributions have earned significant recognition:

• Senior Fellowship, Higher Education Academy
• Multiple academic excellence awards during BDSc studies

As an educator, she develops future clinicians through integrated curricula combining technical dental skills with mindfulness practices and stress management techniques. Her mentorship focuses on cultivating professional resilience and work-life balance, particularly supporting first-generation students through tailored academic pathways. Dr Rainbow actively advocates for enhanced institutional support systems to improve retention and success rates among underrepresented student cohorts in dental education.