Unwavering Commitment to Clinical Care
From Patient to Practitioner: How One Hygienist Ignited My Passion for Dental Care
My passion for clinical dental hygiene care was ignited long before I enrolled in dental hygiene school. It all began in a dental office I had grown up in, but this time, something was different: I was seeing a new hygienist. I was navigating a challenging chapter in my life, and he quickly became one of the most compassionate individuals I had ever met—personable, warm, and effortlessly able to make me feel at ease. His thorough exam left me feeling well-informed, and he offered personalized tips to improve my oral care. What stood out the most was when he asked me about my toothbrush color preference, making me feel as though my individual needs and preferences truly mattered.
As I continued to see him for appointments, I noticed something even more remarkable: he remembered details from our previous conversations. It wasn’t just about my oral health; it was about me as a person. My oral health steadily improved, not only because of his expertise but also because of the safe, comfortable environment he created during each visit. He made going to the dentist fun, and for the first time, I genuinely listened to his advice. One day, he shared with me that he had been older when he went to hygiene school, and this sparked something in me. I thought, Why not? If he could do it, so could I.
While I was a single mom, he invited me to shadow him, and over the years, he became a mentor who helped guide me toward my path as a dental hygienist. His unwavering dedication to oral health was truly inspiring, and his passion for the profession ignited my own. Today, I am proud to pass on that same inspiration to others. He often shared how he struggled to find his calling until he discovered dental hygiene, which he described as the perfect fit for him. His perspective on the role resonated deeply with me: a hygienist is a 'detective,' searching for hidden calculus; a 'therapist,' building personal connections with patients; an 'artist,' crafting beautiful smiles with fluoride varnish; and a 'photographer,' capturing detailed images of teeth. These multifaceted roles are why I continue to find joy and fulfillment in being a hygienist, and why I am passionate about sharing the profession’s depth with others.
The importance of commitment to clinical care, for me, began when I experienced firsthand how a hygienist made me feel incredibly special. That moment showed me the profound unforgettable impact that genuine care and attention can have on a patient. It made me realize that every patient deserves to feel valued and respected. This experience has shaped my belief that each patient is important, and as a healthcare provider, I have the responsibility to give them the utmost respect. Providing the highest standard of care means showing respect through practices such as welcoming each patient with a hospitable smile, maintaining an accurate periodontal probing chart, offering ethical treatment options, detailed health history, and consistently delivering your best work.
You never know if you are the only person showing them kindness or making them feel cared for on any given day. This understanding has fueled my commitment to always deliver compassionate, personalized care. Whether it's reassuring them that their comfort matters by asking them to raise their left arm if they need a break, offering a pillow/blanket or chapstick, or simply inquiring about what could make their visit more comfortable. I want my patients to leave feeling seen, heard, and genuinely cared for, just as I felt when I was treated with that same level of respect and kindness.
Community Impact
Empathy in Action: Transforming Lives Through Volunteerism and Compassionate Care
Volunteering at a local clinic that provides free care to homeless and low-income families has been a profound honor and a transformative responsibility. In this role, I actively contribute to addressing healthcare disparities in my community through outreach, education, and compassionate care. Each interaction allows me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and meet them where they are, whether through shared understanding, tools like Google Translate, or speaking simple Spanish phrases to foster trust and comfort.
These experiences go beyond providing care—they empower individuals by connecting them to resources and encouraging healthier lives. Witnessing the impact of a single conversation or intervention, such as helping a family access critical dental treatments or guiding a patient to preventative services, has been both humbling and inspiring. This work is deeply personal, as it honors the legacy of my late grandfather, a humanitarian who championed empathy and service.
His values fuel my dedication to creating meaningful change in underserved areas. Through this journey, I have come to understand the extraordinary power of compassion, communication, and human connection in driving positive outcomes for my community. It has not only inspired me to continue volunteering at the local clinic but also motivated me to encourage my friends and colleagues to join and experience the opportunity to make a difference as well.
Professional Development
Empowering Growth, Committing to Lifelong Learning for Meaningful Impact
My commitment to professional development is a core priority in my career. I firmly believe that as I continue to grow, I am better equipped to make a meaningful impact on those around me—whether it's my community, colleagues, patients, or students. I actively pursue ongoing education by attending multiple CE conferences each year, staying current with emerging technologies like 3D scanners and AI in dentistry, and continuously refining my skills and expertise. This commitment extended when I completed my MBA in 2023 and to continue earning new certifications. Professional development also enhances my ability to provide exceptional patient care.
It allows me to refine my communication style, personalize care approaches, and introduce innovative ideas such as recommending new toothpaste options or preventative measures. Adapting to new challenges and building patient confidence are also key elements of my growth. Sharing compelling statistics, like research showing that up to 50% of pathogens in the mouth can contribute to heart disease or other medical conditions, often surprises and educates my patients. Presenting these facts with confidence fosters trust and strengthens my rapport with patients. They appreciate that I take the time to explain the reasons behind daily dental habits, like flossing and brushing, and I view this as an essential part of my professional development.
Collaboration and Networking
Empowering Connections: Inspiring Stories from the Dental Community
Interviewing individuals from the dental community for my podcast is truly inspiring. Each conversation offers a fresh perspective and reinforces my passion for dental hygiene. The chance to collaborate, learn, and connect with these professionals plays a crucial role in fueling my enthusiasm for the field. These experiences not only keep me motivated in my career but also serve as a source of inspiration for my listeners, encouraging them to pursue their own passions. Whether it's engaging at continuing education events, participating in UDHA and ADHA gatherings, or working alongside dentists, specialists, and fellow hygienists, these connections are vital to the practice of my dental hygiene career.
One interview featured a hygienist who had spent time in foster care and reflected on how she was judged by her own hygienist. She shared an experience where she didn’t have floss during an appointment, but felt too judged to ask for it. She wondered if things might have been different if she hadn’t felt that judgment and had simply asked for help. Her story embodies resilience—taking charge of one’s life, overcoming barriers and defying statistics.Every person brings something unique to the table, and we all have valuable lessons to share with one another. This dynamic exchange continuously energizes my genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and our community.
Leadership and Advocacy
A Ripple of Change: How Advocacy, Mentorship, and Compassion Transforms Lives
Inspired by the mentorship I’ve received throughout my journey, I feel a deep commitment to giving back by guiding and supporting others who seek my advice. I’ve had the privilege of advocating for classmates, patients, and colleagues in meaningful ways. As a UDHA delegate, I’ve represented my fellow dental hygiene professionals, actively participating in voting processes that shape our field. I’ve also welcomed aspiring students to job shadow, fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment for their learning. For me, advocacy is not about doing things for others but empowering them to achieve their goals with confidence and support. I had a patient who frequently came in with severe periodontal issues, heavy calculus buildup, and significant bone loss. Oral care had not been a priority for them. Over time, though, I witnessed a remarkable change as they began to improve their habits. Eventually, they shared how much better their whole body felt after improving their oral health. They then asked me what inspired me to become a hygienist, and I told them about my own hygienist, who had a profound impact on me. At the time, my hygienist was working at a practice across the hall. To my surprise, the patient walked over there in tears to thank him, explaining that his influence on me had ultimately transformed her life as well. This experience was deeply meaningful and unforgettable. It showed me just how powerful advocacy and mentorship can be.
This passion has led me to speak at a local dental hygiene college, advocate for my profession through my podcast, and participate in my state’s lobby day to promote legislative progress. Additionally, I am honored to assist ThatDeafRDH Foundation as a secretary, contributing to their mission of inclusion and opportunity. We are all here to support and inspire one another, and it's truly amazing to witness the ripple effect of positive influence.
In conclusion, I am deeply committed to the core values of the Heart to Hands Award, consistently working to enhance patient care and quality of life. I am eager to learn about the other nominees and am inspired by the collective impact of their stories and contributions. By combining compassion with innovation, I have been privileged to make a positive difference in many lives. It is with great humility that I nominate myself for this award, confident that my work embodies Philips' mission and serves as a source of inspiration for others to follow.