My journey as a dental hygienist began in 1985, and I can say without a doubt that it has been a life-changing path—one that continues to inspire me every single day, even at the age of 65. The profession of dental hygiene is more than just a career to me; it is my calling. From the moment I entered this field, I knew that I wanted to do more than just clean teeth. I wanted to make a difference—both in the lives of my patients and in the communities I serve.
Over the years, my passion for dental hygiene has only grown stronger, leading me to serve in various leadership roles. I have had the honor of being the President and Director of the Ontario Dental Hygienists Association (ODHA), as well as an Executive Council Member for the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO). These opportunities allowed me to advocate for the profession and push for positive changes that would benefit not just dental hygienists, but the patients we care for as well. I was also fortunate to play a key role in the planning and implementation of the Dental Hygiene Program at Maxwell College in Belleville, Ontario, where I went on to serve as the Dental Hygiene Director. Today, I proudly hold a Director position with the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), which gives me the chance to continue advocating for my profession at a national level.
Each of these experiences has shaped me into the dental hygienist I am today. They have given me the opportunity to not only help those in need but to mentor and inspire the next generation of dental professionals. What I have learned throughout my career is that when you find your passion, your career becomes a lifelong journey. It evolves, grows, and challenges you in ways you never imagined, yet it never loses its spark. Every day I walk into the clinic, I am still excited, still passionate, and still dedicated to helping those who need it most. I have never lost the joy of doing what I love.
In 2008, I founded Gift from the Heart with a simple yet powerful mission: to offer free dental care to the working poor in my community. What began as a humble initiative in my independent clinic has since grown into a national nonprofit organization, one that now encourages dental professionals from across Canada to come together on the GFTH National Day of Giving to offer free care to those who need it most. The mission of Gift from the Heart is close to my heart, as it embodies everything I believe about the power of dental hygiene to change lives. Providing dental care is about more than just improving oral health—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of confidence in those who need it most.
At Gift from the Heart, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of a smile. I’ve seen patients who have been living with dental pain for years experience relief for the first time. I’ve seen people regain their self-esteem and confidence, knowing they are worthy of care and compassion. Every patient we treat is a reminder of why I chose this profession and why I continue to give back, even as I approach my retirement years.
What drives me, even at 65, is the knowledge that there is still so much work to be done. In these challenging times, many people in our communities are struggling—whether it’s with financial hardship, health issues, or simply the burden of daily life. As dental professionals, we have the unique ability to provide relief, but also to offer something far greater: hope. Through my work with Gift from the Heart and the countless other organizations I’ve been a part of, I’ve learned that the impact we can have on our patients goes far beyond their oral health. We help them rediscover their joy, their dignity, and their confidence.
The privilege of serving my profession in various leadership roles has shown me that giving back is not just about providing care—it’s about creating opportunities for others to grow, thrive, and make a difference. I believe that as dental hygienists, we are uniquely positioned to not only improve oral health but to change lives. That belief has fueled my passion and commitment to this profession for nearly 40 years, and it continues to inspire me today.
What makes me love dental hygiene is the knowledge that I am making a difference. Whether through the clinical care I provide, the work I do with Gift from the Heart, or the leadership roles I have held over the years, I am proud to be part of a profession that empowers me to help others, inspire hope, and make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you for considering my story. I am proud to be a dental hygienist and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve, give back, and make a difference. My journey is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and the incredible impact our profession can have on the lives of those we serve.