Diana Zhiyentayeva, RDH

I love being a dental hygienist because I love to see people smile—not just a quick smile, but the kind that comes from confidence, comfort, and finally feeling proud of themselves again. When I became a hygienist, I realized how important our profession truly is. We are not “just a cleaning.” We build trust. We give hope. We change lives one appointment, one conversation, and one gentle moment at a time. When we create the right treatment plan and guide patients through it step by step, we are giving them something priceless: the ability to smile without fear.

One of the most memorable patients I have ever treated hadn’t had her teeth cleaned in almost twenty years. She was a beautiful woman, but she never smiled because she was ashamed of the condition of her teeth. She would take anxiety medication before every dental visit, and her fear was so deep that even sitting in the chair made her shake. I welcomed her warmly and told her, “I’m here for you. Every small step we take, we take together. If you trust me, one day you will jump into this chair smiling and talking nonstop.”

And that is exactly what happened.

Month after month, we worked slowly and gently, building trust with each appointment. I encouraged her, supported her, and never let her feel alone. The transformation was incredible. She started smiling again. She began seeing friends. She even flew to Arizona to visit her family after years of hiding from people because of shame. Today she comes to me every three month with a big smile, literally jumping into my chair, talking, laughing, and feeling completely comfortable. Every time I see her joy, my heart melts because I know I changed one person’s life for the better. That feeling is why I love what I do.

Another unforgettable moment happened when I was volunteering at Mission of Mercy in Rhode Island. A man came in with his  children. He told me, “Teach them how to brush and floss. I don’t want them to end up like me.” He didn’t come for treatment for himself—he came because he wanted a better future for his kids. His honesty, humility, and desire to break the cycle of neglect touched me deeply. Moments like this remind me that dental hygiene is not just clinical work; it is community work, education, and compassion.

What inspires me most are the patients who walk into my room nervous, ashamed, or convinced that their situation is hopeless. I love breaking that belief and showing them that nothing is “not fixable.” Helping someone smile again—truly smile—is one of the most powerful gifts we can give.

Being a dental hygienist is more than a job. It is my passion, my purpose, and the way I help people rediscover confidence and hope. That is why I love this profession with all my heart.