My name is Chenxue Wang, and I go by Chen. My path toward dental hygiene did not begin in a traditional way, but it was shaped through exploration and reflection. Before entering this field, I spent a year in a nursing program at Questerborough Community College, where I was the only Asian student in my class. At times, this made me feel isolated; however, it also helped me develop independence, adaptability, and stronger observation skills in a clinical learning environment. Through my nursing studies, I gained a solid foundation in patient care, communication, and the importance of empathy in healthcare.
While I valued the experience, I gradually realized my interests were more aligned with preventive care and oral health. I became especially drawn to dentistry because it combines science, hands-on clinical skills, and patient education in a way that feels both meaningful and practical to me. Looking back, the challenges I faced helped clarify my career goals and gave me the confidence to transition into dental hygiene, where I feel my strengths and interests are better aligned.
Coming into this field with no dental background, I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. However, over the past two years, that uncertainty has developed into confidence, clinical skills, and a genuine passion for patient care. What makes dental hygiene especially meaningful to me is not only the clinical work, but also the connections I build with patients. I now finish clinic days feeling accomplished, fulfilled, and truly happy with what I do.
In this e-Portfolio, I share selected work from my dental hygiene education, including my group research presentations, clinical skills, public health projects and case studies. These experiences demonstrate how I apply the dental hygiene process of care in real clinical settings, from assessment and planning to treatment and evaluation. They also reflect my growth in clinical judgment, attention to detail, and ability to provide patient-centered care based on both evidence and individual needs, with a focus on periodontal management.
Thank you for visiting my e-Portfolio and taking the time to learn about my journey. What started with curiosity has become something I truly love, and I’m excited to keep growing both personally and professionally in this field.
