My name is LiLi. I am part of the dental hygiene family of the New York City College of Technology Class of 2015. I was born and raised in China. As a little girl, I had to go through extensive dental treatments. My mother did not know how to maintain my oral health due to a lack of proper oral health education and awareness throughout our culture. I was always scared of going to the dentist. Back then, I would never for a moment dream of that someday I will enter the profession of dentistry.
I graduated from Stony Brook University in 2009 with a degree in chemistry. After endless mundane hours spent in the research laboratory for my senior thesis and an internship in a research laboratory of the Estee Lauder Companies, I realized chemistry was not the ideal career path I wanted to pursue even before graduation. A classmate of mine suggested dentistry. This was the most unexpected transition of my life.
With a desire to explore the world of dentistry, I started to search for volunteer opportunities and eventually became a chair-side dental assistant. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunities to work in both the private office setting and the non-profit community health center setting. I learned everything about dentistry from presenting a treatment plan to the patient to sterilizing instruments. I developed some essential soft skills: teamwork, establishing rapport with the patient, patient management, effective communication, empathy, punctuality, trustworthiness, and most importantly, a blossoming passion for the field. During my career as a dental assistant, I met two amazing women dentists, Dr. Chan and Dr. Khan, who became my mentors and role models. Until this day, I am still deeply touched by their passion for dentistry. Dr. Chan’s passion for public health and reaching out to the disadvantaged is very inspiring. Dr. Khan’s ideology of dentistry is about establishing mutual relationships with the patients you treat.
My strong science background, dental assisting experience and the 2-year dental hygiene education have worked together to shape me into the clinician I am today. I have to say the dental hygiene program is rigorous and challenging. However, it is truly rewarding at the end of the day hearing positive feedback and appreciation from my patients. Knowing that even a tiny piece of advice from me may help patients change their oral hygiene habits and improve their dental health is a reason for me to go on everyday. I have developed an interest in working with children. I always feel I have a special connection and rapport with pediatric patients. I teach Sunday School in my church and enjoy interacting with children. I have also developed a fondness in public health and reaching out to the communities. I truly believe education and outreach will motivate, help modify people’s behaviors and adopt good habits.
Examining a 12-year old pedo patient
Placing dental sealant with rubber dam isolation on a patient
My colleagues and I as mentors for high school students who are interested in the dental hygiene profession
Capturing the moment–on the way back from a field trip to perform dental screening and apply fluoride varnish for disadvantaged pre-school children
Children’s meeting on a Sunday morning—working on a craft project with the children
Playing with the children on a Sunday morning
