Maryam Khan, BSc,RDH

My name is Maryam Khan-Minhas, and I am a proud Registered Dental Hygienist based out of Ontario, Canada. From a very young age, I aspired to work in the dental field and spent countless hours volunteering in high school at local pediatric offices and orthodontist clinics. The atmosphere, patient care, and the wonderful clinicians I had the opportunity to shadow and volunteer alongside left me excited to one day provide exceptional care.

Shortly after completing high school, I enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program at the local community college. Once I completed the program and obtained my dental assisting license, I was eager to get my career started. I acquired a job early on and was able to work with some wonderful general dentists and specialists at a practice in Vancouver, BC.

It's been a long journey. I come from parents who didn’t have the privilege to go to college or university, and being their eldest child, I truly take every opportunity given to me as a blessing. The world of dentistry has changed my life and constantly amazes me with the opportunities it presents me with.  

I am currently a part-time educator and part-time clinician. The flexibility of the career path I chose provides me with the ability to be present as a mother, wife, and daughter. Connecting with patients and building relationships with long-time clients has truly been the most heartwarming part of this career. The growth you experience as a clinician with the bonds you carry forward each year is truly unmatched. My nephew–in–law said something to me in recent years that really resonated with me. He told me he wanted to be a dentist because he saw how much I enjoyed my career, and my passion indirectly influenced him to want to pursue dentistry. My 6-year-old nephew left a mark on my heart. His words help me understand that not only am I currently helping individuals better their oral systemic health, I also am influencing and guiding young individuals into the path of dentistry and the branch of dental hygiene.

My passion for dental hygiene has only grown since the moment I walked through the doors of my college. I hope I continue to add value to the profession, connect with like-minded individuals in our community, and continue to advocate for our profession.

This is my nomination for the Heart to Hands Award.

Thank you kindly,

Maryam Khan-Minhas