Hi everyone! My name is Rowiyah Khan, and I was born and raised in Guyana, South America. In 2012, I moved to the United States, stepping into a completely new and unfamiliar world. I settled in Queens Village, New York, where I lived with my extended family in a small apartment. Shortly after my arrival, I experienced the overwhelming impact of Hurricane Sandy. Having grown up in a tropical climate, I had never encountered such weather, and the devastation it caused was both frightening and eye-opening. Watching my community struggle to rebuild left a lasting impression on me. This experience not only taught me the importance of community support but also highlighted how critical access to basic resources for others, like healthcare, can be—especially during times of crisis. It was a turning point that inspired me to pursue a path where I could help make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Growing up, dental care was not a priority in my family, both in Guyana and after moving to the U.S. Oral health was often overlooked, and dental visits were rare unless there was an emergency. I experienced firsthand how the lack of dental education and access can negatively impact a person’s health, confidence, and overall quality of life. These early experiences shaped my understanding of the crucial role preventative care plays in maintaining overall well-being.
Since 2012, I’ve visited Guyana multiple times, and during these visits, I’ve witnessed the ongoing challenges in dental care access. Many of my family members still live there, and I’ve seen how difficult it is for people to receive proper dental treatment due to the high costs, limited clinics, and lack of health literacy. Preventative care, something many take for granted, is often inaccessible due to the scarcity of resources and awareness. It became clear to me how much more we need to prioritize oral health, not just for treatment, but for education as well.
This realization sparked my passion for dental hygiene. As I progressed through my education, earning high honors in elementary through high school, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. I wanted to be someone who didn’t just treat oral health issues but also empowered individuals to take charge of their own care through education and prevention. This drive led me to pursue a career as a dental hygienist, where I could make a tangible difference, particularly in underserved communities.
Every day, I bring this perspective into my work, striving to create a supportive, informed, and comfortable environment for all my patients. My journey from Guyana to becoming a dental hygienist has shaped me into a provider who not only has the skills necessary for excellent care, but also approaches every patient with empathy, integrity, and a focus on education. It’s a privilege to now be in a position to serve others in ways I once wished had been available to my own community.