When people ask me what I’m going to do with my dental hygiene degree, I can’t help but smile (pun fully intended!) because my journey to this point has been quite unexpected. I started my academic journey in computer science, but along the way, I discovered my passion for teeth! As I approach my (hopefully) final year of dental hygiene school, I’d like to share some of my future goals, dreams and aspiration.
One of my core aspirations is to provide top-notch care to my patients. I believe in the power of preventive maintenance, and I want to educate my patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. My goal is to help them achieve and maintain optimal oral health, which leads to improved overall well-being.
Something that I am very passionate about is equal access to quality health care, and dental falls under that umbrella (as it should when it comes to medical insurance, but a conversation for another day). Beyond the dental chair, I want to engage with my community and local schools through educational programs and outreach. By spreading knowledge about oral health, I hope to bridge gap that exists where kids in lower income families are more likely to develop childhood cavities than those in higher income families.
Additionally, like with any science based field, the world of dentistry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging regularly. This means that I pretty much signed up for a life time of learning! This sounds like a nightmare for some people, but I love learning. To stay at the forefront of my field, I plan to stay updated with the latest advancements in dental hygiene and related areas. After all, lifelong learning is a cornerstone of any professional journey.
I understand that visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many. Hence, I aspire to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for my patients. Building trust and ensuring they feel at ease during their visits is a priority for me.
Above all, my overarching goal is to make a positive impact. I want to contribute to the oral health and overall well-being of my patients. It would be amazing if my impact stretches farther than the operatory!
Each day, I wake up with the anticipation of a fulfilling career that allows me to help others, while continuously learning and growing in my profession. It’s a journey filled with promise and purpose, and I couldn’t be more excited about the path ahead. Cheesy, but if you don’t romanticize your life a little, who will?
As CUNY students, you have access to free dental hygiene services, like x-rays, checkup, and cleaning as well! If anyone is interested in learning more, has any questions in regards to their oral health, or even dental insurance, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, happy brushing!
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