My name is Kirsten Fisher and I have been a dental hygienist for almost 14 years. I have wanted to be in the dental field since I was 5 years old, watching my mom work as an RDA and go into the office to “help the team” was my absolute favorite as a kid!
31 years later, I’m living my dream as an RDH! My passion for this profession runs deep, as I’m committed to prevention and educating patients on how oral health impacts their overall well-being. To expand my reach, I created an Instagram account where I share tips and insights to help both the public and fellow dental professionals achieve optimal oral health. I also sprinkle in a bit of humor to connect with my dental peers and highlight the relatable challenges we all face in the field.
I love the meaningful connections and relationships that we build with our patients over the years. Some of my patients have been with me for over a decade, and it's incredible to see how much trust and rapport we have developed. As dental hygienists, we are unique in that we have the opportunity to see our patients 2-4 times a year, giving us a special role in their ongoing healthcare. I truly believe hygienists are one of the few professions who take the time to look at our patients as a whole person and not just one area of the body. With our comprehensive medical histories, extraoral/intraoral exams, and deep understanding of the mouth-body connection, we often catch things that other healthcare providers might overlook. As the front-line defense for prevention, I’m proud to be part of the healthcare hygienist movement and make a positive impact on our patients' overall health.
During one of my oral cancer screenings for a patient of mine, a small bump was noted on her lip. It looked innocent however we referred her to the oral pathologist just to be safe. It turned out to be HPV, and the lesion was removed immediately with no further consequences to the patient. I am forever grateful that this was caught early, and it is a reminder that what we do is important!
I am also a GBT trainer for EMS and a Clinical Education Specialist for BioGaia. Bringing education to my dental peers is incredibly rewarding. Engaging in thoughtful discussions and exchanging ideas about our field is both challenging and fulfilling, and it creates opportunities for all of us to grow professionally.
Continuing education is what fuels my motivation to be a better hygienist. There’s always room for growth and new knowledge, and I believe this is what keeps me excited about being a dental hygienist year after year! Dental can get repetitive and mundane, but connecting with others in the profession, and sharing stories and tips that can help benefit yourself and your patients inspires me! Creating a dental hygiene community has helped me find passion in my work and has given me opportunities to expand my role beyond the clinical setting as well. I love being a dental hygienist, and my goal is to inspire fellow RDHs to embrace their careers and find as much value and joy in it as I do.