Welcome!
My name is Sajma Feratovic and I am currently a senior in the Dental Hygiene program at New York City College of Technology. When I first entered college my dream and goal was to become a Dentist. I took on a double major in Biology and Psychology at Brooklyn College, which I’ve since graduated from with a B.S. degree. The field of health always enamored me and continues to do so. There is a joy I find in helping individuals when it comes to their health. My dream of becoming a Dentist fell through once my father lost his job after 9/11. Financially we struggled as he searched for a new position at his age which proved to be difficult. I took it upon myself to help financially and so I got a job at a Dental practice as a receptionist. What began as a job just to make some income to help my family, ended up paving the road for my future career in Dental Hygiene. I learned many things about life while working in the dental field. However, my biggest lesson was that not all individuals are privileged to have dental care.
Listening to some of the patient’s stories and seeing the condition of their oral health was devastating to me, yet inspiring. The relationships I built with various patients helped mold me into the type of Hygienist I soon wish to be. I’ll never forget a patient named Martha I met who didn’t have a single tooth for years! She finally got dental insurance and managed to save up enough money to get a set of dentures. Dentures are a tricky process and are always a bit hard to get used to, especially in her case. Her bone level had deteriorated so much over the years, which raised fear that the dentures wouldn’t have anything to sit on. However, when she finally put them in, she cried out of happiness. It was very emotional to witness. She said she hadn’t enjoyed a single meal in years because she had no teeth and suffered many other health complications as a result of not being able to chew properly. That very moment brought me so much joy, satisfaction and it confirmed my love for the oral health field so much so that I decided to return to school to pursue dental hygiene. I have since then worked in prestigious dental offices and gained a tremendous amount of knowledge. I was appointed Patient Care Coordinator in the last position I held and ran a staff of six people. We were rated one of ZocDoc’s best Dental Practices in New York! My goal is to continue to provide and contribute the knowledge and skills I have gained to all patients equally. Life is short and I want to make as many people smile while they still have their teeth!
When I am not studying, I focus on doing charity work such as collecting clothes and food for the needy both locally and internationally. I want to be able to share the blessings my family and I have been given with those less fortunate. I enjoy traveling when possible so I can experience how others live and learn from them because you never know where life can take you. Another one of my passions also includes cooking. I am in the kitchen as much as possible on a daily basis when I have a free moment. It brings me comfort to be able to do something I enjoy, which benefits my health and the health of those whom I love.
I hope you enjoy this brief look into my journey & accomplishments thus far as a Dental Hygiene student!
Note: Permission was obtained to use the above photos.
