jessica granda, RDH

What Makes Me Love Dental Hygiene?

I still remember my first job at 18 years old and the dental hygienist who left a lasting impression on me. She was the shining light of the office, walking through the doors with a big smile and a warmth that made patients feel comfortable, cared for, and welcome. I didn’t know then how much dental hygiene would shape my future, but I knew I never wanted to pursue another career.

Today, I understand that her impact went far beyond her smile. She brought knowledge, compassion, and purpose to the practice, and now I have the privilege of carrying that same light forward. Every day at Touro College of Dental Medicine, I recognize that my role as a faculty member extends far beyond being a dental hygienist. I supervise students in clinical and laboratory settings, evaluate their competency in procedures such as prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, and extraoral and intraoral examinations, and guide them through patient assessments, medical history reviews, and risk analysis.

But what I love most is teaching future dentists something that cannot be measured on a competency form: the power of communication, collaboration, and genuine human connection in healthcare. Let’s be honest—as dental hygienists, we get to know more than just our patients’ teeth and gums! We learn about their fears, habits, families, and challenges. We build trust, educate, advocate, and help patients feel comfortable taking charge of their oral health. We are often the gateway to the rest of the dental practice, just as the mouth is a gateway to the health of the body.

This reminds me that dental hygiene is about so much more than cleaning teeth. It is about seeing the whole person, understanding the connection between oral and overall health, and ensuring patients receive the care they deserve. As a faculty member, I have the opportunity to instill these values in the next generation of dentists. I want my students to understand that dentistry is not just about treating teeth; it is about treating people. Through every interaction, I strive to demonstrate how professionalism, compassion, and communication among healthcare professionals can make a lasting difference in a patient’s life.

So, what makes me love dental hygiene? It is the smile I bring to a patient’s face, the knowledge I share with a student, and the confidence I help build in a future dentist. I fell in love with this profession because of a woman who lit up a dental office with her smile. I continue to love it because I understand the purpose behind that smile and have the opportunity to pass it on to others.

Dental hygiene has given me more than a place in dentistry; it has given me a purpose within it. If I can inspire even one future dentist or dental hygienist to embrace our profession with the same passion, compassion, and pride, then I know I am making a difference—one smile at a time.