At OHSU School of Dentistry, Dr. Hemmings is an assistant professor in community dentistry and director of social work. She is developing and teaching an innovative inter-professional curriculum related to social determinants of health within the school of dentistry. Additionally, Dr. Hemmings directs the social work program, which includes masters of social work interns from Portland State University, Arizona State University and Simmons University who provide social work interventions to patients within the dental clinic, and residency program. As a social worker for some 30 years, she has seen the psychological impact of socioeconomic status on who gets their oral health needs met. Additionally, as a public health practitioner, she knows the impact of access issues related to oral health insurance, oral health practitioners and affordable oral health care on marginalized populations. Dr. Hemmings states that one of the greatest rewards of being at a school of dentistry is being able to help educate dental students about the human factor(psychological and social) related to the oral health of their patients both now and in their future practice.