Krystal Afzalzada B.Ed., RDH, CDA II (Master of Education Candidate-Completion December 2026)

Why I Love Dental Hygiene

Krystal Afzalzada, B.Ed., RDH, CDA II Master of Education Candidate

If you had told me 20 years ago that my career in dentistry would take me from the clinical chair to the classroom, onto stages, and into conversations about dementia care, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But that's exactly what I love about this profession. It has never asked me to stay in one place.

I began my journey as a dental assistant before becoming a registered dental hygienist. Like many entering the profession, I was excited about working with people, building relationships, and making a difference in their oral health. What I didn't realize at the time was just how many opportunities dental hygiene would provide or how my interests and experiences would shape the direction of my career.

One of the things I appreciate most about dental hygiene is that there isn't just one path to follow. We can explore different interests, challenge ourselves, continue learning, and discover new ways to contribute. For me, one of those paths led to education, something I never anticipated would become such a significant part of my professional life. Today, I teach future dental professionals at Durham College and George Brown College. I genuinely love being in the classroom, sharing experiences, encouraging discussions, and watching students develop their knowledge and confidence. Sometimes it's the extra time spent helping a student understand a concept or encouraging them when they're doubting themselves that makes the greatest difference. Those are the moments that remind me why I love teaching.

That same passion has taken me beyond the classroom. I've had opportunities to present with rdhu, the Alzheimer Society, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA), and dental hygiene study clubs. I've also contributed articles to professional publications and Dental Hygiene Quarterly (DHQ).

What makes these opportunities meaningful to me isn't simply being able to speak or write. It's knowing that a conversation, presentation, or article may influence how someone approaches their next client. We don't always get to see the impact of what we share, but that doesn't make it any less important. The work closest to my heart came from an experience I never expected to influence my professional journey. Watching my father live with Alzheimer's disease gave me a different perspective on aging, healthcare, and the challenges faced by families and caregivers. It made me recognize how much more we could be doing to understand and support individuals living with cognitive decline and their families.

What began as a personal experience became an opportunity to bring greater awareness to geriatric oral health and dementia care. Whether it was encouraging a clinician to recognize that a client may need more time, helping someone better understand a caregiver's challenges, or discussing how to adapt care to meet an individual's needs, these are conversations I believe matter. Sometimes making a difference is about recognizing something that might otherwise go unnoticed.

My journey has also led me to serve as an elected Council member with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, providing another perspective on our profession through governance and public protection. I'm also continuing my education through a Master of Education program, exploring how we can better prepare future dental professionals to care for older adults with complex needs.

When I look back on more than 20 years in dentistry, what stands out isn't a particular position, presentation, or accomplishment. It's the people I've met, the experiences I've gained, and the opportunities I've had to contribute in different ways. I love that dental hygiene allows us to be clinicians, educators, researchers, advocates, and leaders. I love that we can discover new interests and continue growing throughout our careers. And I love knowing that sometimes the smallest things we do can leave the greatest impact.

Twenty years ago, I thought I knew what a career in dental hygiene would look like. Today, I know it's so much more and I'm still discovering where it will lead me next.