Nomination for Heart to Hands Award - 2025
Nominee: Saloni Modi
Hi! I am Saloni Modi, a Registered Dental Hygienist from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I am practicing Dental Hygiene for 1.5 years now love how the dental hygiene field is making me grow in all aspects of my life. Dental hygiene is more than a career to me—it is a calling that combines my love for health sciences with my passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. What makes me love dental hygiene is the opportunity to bridge the gap between clinical care and human connection. I don’t just see teeth; I see people—individuals with unique stories, challenges, and aspirations. Helping patients understand how oral health influences their overall well-being, is a privilege that never grows old. It is the blend of education, prevention, and empowerment that keeps me deeply invested in my work every single day. Every day, I am reminded that my work matters—not just for the beautiful smiles I help create but for the confidence and comfort I see blooming in my patients.
The moments that inspire me most are the transformations I witness in my patients. Seeing someone go from feeling self-conscious about their oral health to smiling with confidence is an unmatched feeling. I am inspired by the courage patients show in facing their fears and by the trust they place in me to guide them through that process. A small child proudly showing off their brushing skills or a nervous adult expressing gratitude for a pain-free appointment are moments that reaffirm why I chose this field. These moments remind me of the power of empathy and education in building lasting connections.
One patient interaction that remains close to my heart involved an elderly gentleman who had been avoiding dental care for years due to fear and financial barriers. His first visit was one with anxiety and apprehension. I took the time to listen to his concerns, explaining each step of the process in a way that was clear and reassuring. We worked together on a treatment plan that addressed his oral health needs while staying within his means. Over time, his visits became less about fear and more about collaboration and trust. On his last visit, he brought me a handwritten note thanking me for restoring his faith in dental care and for helping him feel human again! That moment validated the essence of my work—not just treating teeth but caring for the person behind the smile.
What keeps me inspired and excited in my career is the ever-evolving nature of dental hygiene and the opportunity to continue learning. Advances in technology, techniques, and research constantly challenge me to grow and adapt, ensuring I provide the best care possible. Beyond that, it is the stories of resilience and progress from my patients that fuel my passion. Every patient has their unique journey, and being a part of their milestones, whether big or small, reminds me that my work has some purpose. My colleagues and the collaborative environment we foster, also play a huge role in keeping me motivated. I am surrounded by professionals who share my commitment to patient care and who inspire me to strive for excellence. Together, we create a team-space where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Ultimately, what drives me is the knowledge that I can make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. Whether it is giving a child their first positive dental experience, helping an adult overcome years of fear, educating a patient on the importance of prevention or simply providing a kind word during a stressful visit, every moment matters. The trust and gratitude patients show me are what make this career so meaningful and remind me everyday why I chose this path. It is an honour to be able to serve others, and it is the heart behind every patient interaction that continues to inspire me to strive for excellence. Dental hygiene is my passion, my purpose, and my way of leaving a lasting impact on the world—one smile at a time!