Karina Mendez
During childhood, oral health was not something that was heavily emphasized. In fact in my culture, preventative dentistry is not something promoted. I was inspired to pursue dental hygiene because of my strong belief in the power of preventative care and education. Growing up, I noticed that dental issues were often addressed with extractions instead of treatment. This shaped my desire to promote a preventive approach to oral health. Growing up in a culturally diverse community, I also became aware of the lack of access to dental care in many communities. This further motivated me to make a difference. As a future dental hygienist, I strive to help bridge the gap by advocating for oral health services in underserved populations and providing the tools to my patients to improve their oral health.