Kaylie Verdin, BHS-RDH

When asked, “What makes you love dental hygiene?” I can visualize hundreds of patient interactions that give life to my answer. Put simply, I love dental hygiene because it has helped me find my purpose in helping others. As a child and into early adulthood, I longed for a career that allowed me to make a difference in people’s lives. I explored various professions, but none fulfilled me the way dentistry did.

My journey in dentistry began in 2017 as a dental assistant. I immediately fell in love with the field and experienced firsthand the incredible impact that education and access to care had on my own family. I knew then that I needed to do more. Growing up, preventive oral care was not a priority; however, my parents did the best they could with the knowledge and resources available to them. Pursuing dental hygiene became my way of helping bridge the gap between preventive oral health knowledge and my community. I was motivated to change the narrative of only seeking dental care when pain was present.

As a registered dental hygienist, my mission has been to educate with empathy, prevent disease before it starts, and make comprehensive, compassionate care accessible to every patient, regardless of background. As a proud Mexican immigrant, I carry with me the voices and experiences of my community—those who taught me that a smile is not just a reflection of good oral health, but also a reflection of dignity and hope. Being bilingual has allowed me to bridge gaps, connect, build trust, and remind patients that their health matters—that they matter. Whether I am treating a patient with special needs, calming someone experiencing severe dental anxiety, or witnessing the immediate relief when patients discover I speak their language, these moments fill me with immense joy and gratitude and reaffirm that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

In my three years as a registered dental hygienist, in addition to working full-time in private practice, I have had the privilege of volunteering at multiple events advocating for the importance of preventive oral health. I have partnered with local community health centers, private LLCs, and nonprofit organizations serving African and Latino immigrant communities. Together, we have served hundreds of children and adults by providing free oral health education, oral cancer screenings, dental screenings, and fluoride varnish applications. In August 2025, my efforts extended internationally during a week-long dental mission trip to an impoverished region of Honduras. During this time, we delivered free dental screenings, oral health education, and essential dental hygiene services to hundreds of children and adults across a dental clinic and local elementary schools.

Beyond direct patient care, dental hygiene has also strengthened my leadership and interpersonal skills. Currently, I serve as Secretary and Public Health Committee Chair for the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association. This year also marks my second year participating as a mentor to dental hygiene students and new graduates.

I strongly believe in prevention as empowerment, education as transformation, and compassion as the foundation of quality care. My passion for dental hygiene has allowed me to lead with heart and has inspired me to contribute to a healthier, more equitable future—one smile, one patient, and one act of compassion at a time. I look forward to the ongoing growth and development of our career, expanding our impact, and finding new ways to serve patients and communities.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Best regards,

Kaylie Verdin, BHS-PH, RDH