Allison Kuffman, EFDA

Why I Love Dental Hygiene: A Journey of Purpose, Perseverance, and Passion

When I reflect on why I love dental hygiene, I realize it is far more than a profession to me—it is a reflection of my journey, my strength, and the people who have supported me along the way. Dental hygiene represents growth, healing, compassion, and opportunity. It is the career that transformed my life from uncertainty and struggle into purpose and fulfillment. As a single mother who started with very little, I chose this path not only to provide for my family but to make a lasting impact on others through care, education, and connection. After I met my husband he encouraged to chase my dreams and pursue my love for dental hygiene.

My journey began long before I ever stepped foot in a dental hygiene classroom. For seven years, I worked as a dental assistant, where I gained the foundation of my clinical skills and discovered the profound human element of dental care. I worked with so many great dentists like Dr. Josh who was nothing but encouraging and made me want to chase more. He helped me develop my love for dental after watching him and his love for dentistry.  Those years taught me that behind every smile lies a story, and that compassion is just as essential as competence. I witnessed patients enter the office with fear or shame about their oral health, and I saw how patience, empathy, and education could transform that fear into trust. Over time, I realized I wanted to take a more active role in prevention and education—to not just assist in care, but to lead it. I wanted to help people take control of their health and feel proud of their smiles. That desire lit the spark that would eventually become my passion for dental hygiene.

Going back to school has been/was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. Balancing motherhood, academics, and everyday responsibilities was far from easy. There were long nights spent studying after putting my children to bed and early mornings fueled by determination rather than rest. Yet, every hardship strengthened my resolve. Each time I walked into clinic, I was reminded that the effort was worth it—not only for my future, but for the example I was setting for my children. I wanted them to see that it’s never too late to start over, never too hard to chase a dream, and never too far out of reach to create a better life through perseverance.

Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with incredible support. My husband, my rock, has been one of my greatest sources of encouragement. When I doubted myself or questioned if I could handle it all, he reminded me of my strength and potential. He caught many tears throughout this process. He was the one who believed in me even on days when I struggled to believe in myself. His constant reassurance, love, and patience gave me the courage to keep going. He not only encouraged me to pursue dental hygiene school—he persuaded me to chase my dreams unapologetically. His faith in me has been the steady foundation that carried me through every exam, clinic session, and late-night study hour.

Another extraordinary influence in my journey has been my step-grandmother, Joretta. Her encouragement and wisdom have shaped so much of who I am today. From the very beginning, she saw potential in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. She never stopped reminding me that I was capable of achieving great things, even when life felt overwhelming. It was her words and her unwavering belief that truly inspired me to go back to school. Without her influence, I honestly don’t know if I would have ever believed I could pursue dental hygiene. She has been a constant reminder that it’s never too late to grow, to learn, and to dream bigger. Her support helped me transform doubt into determination and fear into faith. I owe so much of my success to the way she pushed me to believe in myself and never settle for less than what I was capable of achieving.

During my time in dental hygiene school, I experienced countless moments that reaffirmed my love for this field. One of the most memorable was when I treated a patient who hadn’t been to the dentist in over a decade due to fear and embarrassment. He was hesitant and visibly anxious, apologizing repeatedly for the state of his mouth. I reassured him that he was safe, that there was no judgment—only care and understanding. As the appointment went on, his fear melted away, replaced by relief and gratitude. At the end, he smiled and said, “You made me feel human again.” That moment will forever stay with me, because it reminded me that being a dental hygienist means more than cleaning teeth—it means restoring confidence, trust, and dignity.

Another patient, a teenage girl, struggled with her self-esteem because of heavy staining and plaque buildup. Through gentle education, motivation, and encouragement, I helped her understand how small, consistent changes could make a big difference. When she returned months later with a beaming smile and proudly told me she had been brushing and flossing every day, my heart swelled with pride. Those moments—seeing patients grow in both health and confidence—are what fuel my passion for this career.

What keeps me inspired in the field of dental hygiene is the connection between science and humanity. Every patient encounter is an opportunity to not only improve oral health but to educate, empower, and uplift. I love that this career allows me to continuously learn and evolve, to apply evidence-based knowledge, and to stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation. But even more than that, I love the relationships I build—the trust, the smiles, the conversations that remind me why I chose this path.

Today, dental hygiene means everything to me. It’s my way of giving back to others what so many have given to me—support, understanding, and a chance to feel confident again. It has given me stability, purpose, and a career that I am genuinely passionate about. It has also allowed me to set an example for my children: that dreams are possible, that hard work pays off, and that perseverance leads to purpose.

In every patient I meet, I see a reflection of my own journey—someone striving for better, hoping for understanding, and deserving of care. That’s what drives me every single day. I love dental hygiene because it embodies everything I believe in: compassion, education, healing, and human connection. It’s not just about cleaning teeth; it’s about changing lives—one patient, one appointment, and one smile at a time.

Allison Kauffman