Education
- 2010, Bachelor of Arts, University of Miami
- Master of Social Work, University of Chapel Hill
Areas of Expertise
Though Heidi’s previous research focused primarily on neurodevelopmental disorders, her research interests have expanded as her career has moved into the oral health arena.
Heidi’s current work focuses on integrating social work services into dental education to enhance patient care and improve access for underserved populations. She plays a central role in leading the behavioral sciences curriculum at ASOD. In addition to her teaching and program development, Heidi provides solution-focused interventions and case management services to support patients facing barriers to dental care, such as transportation and financial limitations as well as treatment interfering behaviors. Her work emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, including co-leading the Interprofessional Education and Practice rotation in partnership with the school’s clinical pharmacist.
Biosketch
Heidi McNeilly is a Clinical Assistant Professor jointly appointed to the Adams School of Dentistry and the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in a combination of clinical practice, research, and education. Her clinical background is primarily in modified DBT skill based therapy as well as mindfulness and CBT. Additionally, Heidi has an extensive research background spanning clinical and behavioral studies, particularly in neurodevelopmental disorders and health outcomes. She has contributed to multiple NIH- and DoD-funded studies examining brain development in children with autism, Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and Angelman syndrome as well as cancer research. Heidi has contributed to publications in peer-reviewed journals, including studies on early language exposure and its impact on emerging language skills. She has also presented her work at national and international conferences. Heidi is a member of a variety of professional organizations including but not limited to Social Workers In Dentistry, the American Dental Education Association, as well as the National Association of Social Workers.