I chose to pursue a career in dental hygiene because of my passion for helping people. I was drawn to this profession because I knew that I could make a profound impact on others’ lives, and dentistry is a field where I can do just that. Upon learning about the oral systemic link, my passion for oral hygiene grew. I realized that on would not only be making a difference in someone’s smile, but in their overall health, too.
Furthermore, the interpersonal aspect of dental hygiene appealed to me. Building relationships with patients and guiding them towards better oral health practices is immensely fulfilling. Being able to educate and empower individuals to take control of their dental hygiene habits and see improvements in their oral health is incredibly rewarding. Through dental hygiene, I’ve found a meaningful way to merge my passion for helping others with a profession that allows me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives every day.
Throughout my two years in the program, I treated many patients with dental anxiety. These interactions were the most rewarding. My method was to listen to their stories, uncover the root of their fear, clearly explain all procedures, and frequently check in to make sure they felt safe and comfortable. Watching a few of my patients go from near trembling in the dental chair to being visibly relaxed and expressing how comfortable they felt by the end of the appointment, is what constantly reaffirms me that I am in the right profession. To read more about one of these cases click here.
