Dr. Rosemarie Hemmings has a Masters in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Public Health. Currently she is an Assistant Professor in Public Health Dentistry and Director of Social Work at Oregon Health Science University School of Dentistry. She has developed and teaches an innovative inter-professional curriculum related to social determinants of health, health equity, social and racial justice 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, Simmons University and Widener University who provide social work interventions to patients within the dental clinic, and residency program. Furthermore, Dr. Hemmings has presented her research nationally and internationally in the areas of social determinants of health, intimate partner violence and social work curriculum within dental education. 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.
With over 30 years of experience as a social worker, Dr. Hemmings has been in private practice as a psychotherapist for over 15 years and currently has a practice in Oregon where she focuses on working with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, couples and families. Dr. Hemmings also provides clinical supervision for social workers seeking licensure. Additionally, she serves as COO – Board of Directors for Gifted and Aligned an Atlanta based organization that teaches kiddos/teens holistic skills to empower them to manage stress. Furthermore, Dr. Hemmings serves as a mentor to several BIPOC social work students and social workers in the Portland area and consults with various organizations on Diversity Equity and Inclusion related matters including the Oregon State Bar and Oregon Community Foundation. Dr. Hemmings is currently working with Oregon State Representatives to improve access to mental health providers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.