About
Cheyenne (Branscum) Smith ’16 is a proud Carroll College alumna whose career reflects the values of service, leadership, and compassion she developed during her time on campus. A Helena native, Cheyenne earned her degree in Health Sciences with a minor in Public Health in 2016 before continuing her education with an A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene in 2019 and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2025.
Now a registered dental hygienist at Montana Roots Dental Care, Cheyenne has built a career dedicated not only to patient care but also to professional leadership and advocacy. Over the past six years, she has remained deeply involved with the Montana Dental Hygienists’ Association, serving in several leadership roles including Component Trustee and Delegate to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Most recently, she served as President of the Montana Dental Hygienists’ Association for the 2024–2025 term.
One of Cheyenne’s proudest accomplishments was helping advocate for legislative changes that allow dental hygienists to provide preventive care in Montana schools. The successful passage of this legislation has expanded access to oral health care for children across the state, reflecting her commitment to improving community health beyond the clinic.
Cheyenne credits Carroll College with preparing her through its strong emphasis on critical thinking, communication, leadership, and service. She values the personal attention of faculty, the close-knit campus community, and formative experiences such as hiking Mount Helena with her Alpha Seminar class—an unforgettable beginning to her Carroll journey.
She encourages current Carroll students to take full advantage of the college’s small class sizes, supportive professors, and unique Helena setting. “Get involved, explore, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she says. “Every experience helps you learn more about yourself and what you’re capable of.”
When asked to describe Carroll in three words, Cheyenne says: Faithful. Compassionate. Transformative.