Victoria J Cabello, RDH

My career has been built on the belief that meaningful work is not measured solely by personal success, but by the lasting impact we make on the lives of others. I began my career in public health in 2007 as a dental assistant, and I quickly fell in love with the profession. I knew I wanted to do more, which inspired me to pursue dental hygiene. In 2016, I graduated from dental hygiene school and have continued to practice in public health ever since. Throughout my journey, one piece of wisdom from my grandmother has remained a guiding principle: “Never forget where you come from.”

Working in public health has taught me that improving oral health goes far beyond cleaning teeth. It is about meeting people where they are, earning their trust, and ensuring they feel valued, seen, heard, and cared for. Some of the most rewarding moments of my career have come not from the clinical work itself, but from the conversations, shared experiences, and trusting relationships I have built with my patients. I have learned that the person sitting in the dental chair matters just as much as their oral health.

One patient who has profoundly impacted me has been under my care for eight years. When I first met Xochitl, she was a healthy, active marathon runner with a smile that could light up a room. Just twelve months after our initial appointment, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Her health rapidly declined, and within a few years, she could no longer walk without the assistance of a walker. Despite these challenges, she never missed her dental appointments, and her smile never changed. She consistently expressed gratitude for the patience and compassion I showed her, and she continued to return to my care by her request. Her resilience has reminded me that while a patient’s circumstances may change, the importance of feeling cared for, respected, and understood never does.

Another patient, Norma, has also left a lasting impression on me. When I first met her five years ago, she was struggling with alcohol use and tearfully expressed how desperately she wanted help. After a difficult initial interaction with a dentist, she came to me feeling guarded and distrustful. She was deeply distressed by the severe erosion of her front teeth because of her alcohol use. Rather than focusing solely on her dental concerns, I took the time to listen, reassure her, and encourage her as she navigated a difficult chapter in her life. Over time, we developed a trusting relationship that grew into a friendship.

Recently, Norma walked into my office for a cleaning, and I immediately noticed a difference. She was smiling brightly, proudly showing off her new veneers. She told me she had come specifically to share her new smile and some wonderful news: she had been entrusted with the responsibility of opening a recovery home in her community. Seeing how far she had come was incredibly rewarding. She was filled with gratitude, but I reminded her that she deserved to feel proud of herself, too. Her journey reinforced my belief that compassionate care can create a space where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable, find encouragement, and recognize their own potential for change.

Experiences like these have shaped my philosophy of care, which is grounded in compassion, trust, and human connection. I believe that listening without judgment, creating a warm and welcoming environment, and helping patients feel comfortable are essential to meaningful care. When patients feel respected and understood, they are better equipped to take an active role in their health and well-being. For me, success is not simply measured by the treatment provided, but also by the confidence, dignity, and trust patients carry with them beyond the dental chair.

My career has taught me that while my hands provide clinical care, it is my heart that brings compassion, trust, and genuine human connection to that care. My grandmother’s words, “Never forget where you come from,” continue to remind me of the importance of humility, empathy, and remembering the person behind every smile. These values remain at the center of my commitment to public health, my profession, and every individual entrusted to my care. I strive to ensure that each patient leaves knowing they have been seen, heard, and valued, because I believe that is what makes care truly meaningful.