Learn more about Dr. Denton
Dr. David Denton serves as the Interim Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor in the Hanover College Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. During his years at Hanover College (since 2018), he has held several leadership roles, including serving as the program’s inaugural Director of Clinical Education (2018–2023) and Assistant Program Director (2023–2026). He also played a key leadership role in developing the Hanover DPT Program through the successful CAPTE Application for Candidacy, self-study process, and initial accreditation.
Dr. Denton earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Youngstown State University and his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration Studies from Marshall University. His doctoral dissertation examined student learning outcomes in hybrid versus traditional delivery of musculoskeletal spine assessment education in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, reflecting his longstanding scholarly interest in educational innovation and learner success.
Committed to lifelong leadership development, Dr. Denton completed the APTA Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership in 2022, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Leadership and Innovation Program in 2025, and the Council of Independent Colleges Department and Division Chairs Workshop in 2026. His leadership training emphasizes strategic planning, academic administration, faculty development, and fostering collaborative academic environments.
Clinically, Dr. Denton brings extensive experience in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, manual therapy, clinical education, and healthcare leadership. His areas of expertise include trigger point dry needling, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, thrust joint manipulation, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, vestibular rehabilitation, and manual therapy. He maintains advanced certifications in Integrative Trigger Point Dry Needling (CIDN), Point-of-Care Musculoskeletal Sonography, Titleist Performance Institute, hybrid teaching and learning, and Quality Matters course design.
Dr. Denton’s scholarship focuses on hybrid and accelerated physical therapy education, human anatomy, clinical reasoning, and dry needling. He is dedicated to advancing evidence-informed teaching practices that enhance student engagement, professional formation, and success on high-stakes licensure examinations while preparing graduates for contemporary physical therapy practice.
An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Dr. Denton is engaged in professional service through multiple specialty organizations and has contributed to leadership initiatives at the district and national levels. Outside of academia, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, home renovation projects, weightlifting, running, exploring new restaurants, and outdoor activities with his family.
Education
B.S., D.P.T., Youngstown State University
Ed.D., Marshall University
ABPTRFE Credentialed Fellowship Graduate – APTA Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership
