Mariela Velasquez-Valle, RDH

My journey in the dental field started in 2012 as a dental assistant. I spent roughly 8 years working chairside along dentists, when I finally decided to pursue dental hygiene. You might be wondering what prompted the shift; my concise answer is, my patients. For years I assisted dentists in restoring broken down teeth, and my heart would break each time a patient was diagnosed with a cavity that was too far gone, beyond repair. The countless crowns, extractions, and implants I assisted with only solidified the choice in becoming a dental hygienist. I no longer wanted to aid in restoring teeth, I wanted to prevent the need for restoration all together. It was those experiences with my patients that inspired me to pursue dental hygiene because I wanted to become a champion of prevention.

In 2020, I began a dental hygiene program and no amount of experience as a dental assistant could have prepared me for the new role I was taking on. I have since graduated and actively practice as a dental hygienist. Three years into my new role as a preventative care provider, my patients continue to inspire me. I can recall one significant experience with a patient that I hold onto dearly. That moment was with a 35-year-old patient whose oral hygiene I helped stabilize through proper oral hygiene instruction. The improvement in my patient’s oral hygiene as a result of my direct instruction provided me a great sense of pride. This patient experience was the first moment I realized I was actually practicing true prevention. I saw first-hand how impactful it was to provide preventative services. My patient thanked me for taking the time to explain the condition of their oral health, for being kind, and providing care that was compassionate, but the one comment that has been forever ingrained in me from that day, was when my patient said that no one had ever taken the time to explain or demonstrate how to properly brush and floss. My patient’s comment was shocking! It made me wonder how this could be.

While in that moment I was shocked and saddened by my patient’s comment, it also fueled me. The interaction fueled my dedication in continuing to provide compassionate preventative healthcare. Through my experience, I now see that this action is one of the most impactful a hygienist can make! Providing care that is free of judgement gives space for patients to feel heard, understood, and to let go of any shame surrounding their oral hygiene habits. Nothing but experience can truly prepare you for the role of dental hygienist; every day is molded by the interactions and care we provide to our patients. To be a preventative care provider is so much more than cleaning teeth. Prevention starts in the mouth, but it truly is a whole-body undertaking. Within our profession it is known that poor oral hygiene has a negative effect in the mouth, and this can also be seen systemically. This ideology is what keeps me excited for the dental hygiene profession. Hygienists bringing awareness to the link between oral and systemic health is just the start! Personally, I see a future where hygienist have the autonomy we deserve and the collaboration with other healthcare providers to better serve patients. My patients and this hope for the future is what makes me love dental hygiene!