Dr. MaryJane Hanlon

Dr. MaryJane Hanlon is a respected leader in dentistry whose career spans clinical excellence, academic leadership, and business acumen. She began her journey in oral healthcare as a registered dental hygienist, earning her R.D.H. from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in 1982. Driven to deepen her impact, she earned her D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1997, followed by an MBA from Suffolk University in 2012, merging her clinical knowledge with strategic business insight.

For 15 years, Dr. Hanlon successfully owned and operated a private dental practice, developing a deep understanding of patient care, practice management, and team development. Her transition into academic leadership began in 2013 when she joined Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Within a year, she was appointed Assistant Dean of Predoctoral Clinical Administration and quickly advanced to Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs by 2016. In this role, she oversaw all clinical operations across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, focusing on enhancing efficiency, compliance, and student experience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Hanlon displayed remarkable leadership and innovation. She launched the “Women in Dentistry Podcast” on iTunes to highlight inspiring female professionals, offering encouragement and mentorship to students and peers during uncertain times. She also established two impactful study clubs — the “New Dentist Symposium – An Affiliate of the Seattle Study Club” and “Beyond Oral Health” — to keep students engaged in learning while clinics were closed.

A trailblazer in organized dentistry, Dr. Hanlon made history as the 4th female President of the Massachusetts Dental Society, completing her term in June 2021.

From 2021 to 2024, she relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, to support the launch of a new dental school at Lincoln Memorial University. There, she served as Vice Dean of Academics and Clinical Affairs, playing a pivotal role in building the program’s infrastructure. Concurrently, she held the position of Senior Vice President at Promethean Dental Systems, developing remediation programs for state dental boards and supporting students experiencing academic challenges.

Dr. Hanlon recently returned to New England to be closer to her family and currently practices dentistry in New Hampshire. She now lives near her daughter, son-in-law, and beloved grandchildren, Gavin and Avery — who remain her greatest joys.