A Journey of Dedication, Resilience, and Leadership in Dental Hygiene
**I am sharing my story as recently one of my daughters told me, “Mom, you need to share your story with others and talking about it more.” I replied, “Why do you say that? I just don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me as that is not what my story is about.” She said, “Mom, it makes me stronger, so maybe it could make someone else stronger too?”
My career in dental hygiene has been one marked by determination, resilience, and a commitment to not only improve myself but to inspire those around me. I didn’t begin with an easy path, nor did I start with any advantage, however this due to the decision I made at an early age and ones that I then took ownership for.
I was a single mother, working in retail, juggling the demands of parenting while taking classes on the side. My time was divided between trying to provide for my family and keeping a dream alive that one day, I could pursue a meaningful career that would bring stability and fulfillment. It was a time filled with challenges and doubts, but also with a quiet determination to create something more for myself and my family.
The opportunity to enter the dental field came in an unexpected way—I was trained on the job as a dental assistant with no prior experience. Despite this, I approached the role with a passion for learning and a strong desire to grow. I knew that while the job would initially be challenging, it was also a stepping stone toward a future I envisioned.
Driven by a goal to improve both personally and professionally, I made the decision to apply to dental hygiene school. The application process was intense, but when I received my acceptance, it felt like the start of something transformative. Attending dental hygiene school as a young mother was not easy, but I saw it as an investment in both my future and my girls’ future. Every exam, every class, and every hands-on training session brought me closer to my goal of obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I knew that this education would be a foundation on which I could build a successful career.
After much hard work and dedication, I earned my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, a significant accomplishment not only for me but for my family as well. After completing my degree, my career began to evolve. I was promoted to the position of hygiene coordinator, which allowed me to develop my skills further and contribute to improving clinical standards. Later, I was promoted again, this time to clinical director. Today, I proudly lead twelve locations, working alongside our doctors, office managers, and leaders, creating protocols, and implementing systems to elevate our standard of care. I have worked hard to design processes that streamline workflow, optimize patient care, and foster a positive environment for our dental professionals. However, everything I do, I do for our people among our teams, as we could not do what we do without them!
This role has given me the opportunity to be an influential leader, driving improvements that directly impact our patients and my colleagues. It’s rewarding to see our teams embrace the protocols we’ve developed, knowing they are setting a new standard of care in our industry.
Beyond my responsibilities within the organization, I am passionate about advancing the dental hygiene profession at both state and national levels. I actively participate in our state, being past president and the current Institute of Oral Health Liaison, and national dental hygiene association, as Chair of the Awards Committee, working alongside peers who share my commitment to professional growth and advocacy. Through this work, I stay informed about industry developments, advocate for improvements, and contribute to the progress of our field.
Continuing education is also a cornerstone of my career. I believe that staying current with new practices and skills is essential to providing quality care and setting an example for others. I teach a dental radiology certification program four times a year, a role that allows me to impart knowledge and skills to the next generation of dental professionals. Additionally, I am certified to teach CPR, which further enables me to support the health and safety training of my colleagues.
My work and my story are not just about advancing my career; it’s about inspiring those around me, especially my daughters. As a single mother who worked her way up from retail to Registered Dental Hygienist/Clinical Director, I hope my story shows them that any obstacle can be overcome with hard work and determination.
The best thing anyone could ever tell me is, “You can’t.” Because to me, those words are an invitation to prove that I can—and I will. I want my daughters to see that limitations are only temporary, that with resilience, dreams can become reality, and that every goal is within reach if you commit to it fully.
In my career, I am fueled by the desire to make a difference, to uplift others, and to push the boundaries of what is possible. My journey from an inexperienced trainee to clinical director/RDH helping leads twelve locations, influencing standards of care, and actively participating at state and national levels, has been marked by dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For me, this journey is not over; it’s an ongoing opportunity to create positive change, inspire others, and prove that determination can achieve anything.