Being #hygienistproud

Dental hygiene has not only been our careers, but so much more. It has impacted us physically (as you all can relate to), emotionally, mentally, pretty much every aspect of our lives. We love what we do, even with the changes and tough times it goes through, and we are so proud of being dental hygienists. 

From classroom to career, Crest and Oral-B are dedicated to continually supporting dental hygienists, so that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our patients. We’re so grateful for Crest and Oral-B’s Hygienist Proud platform and celebration for the RDH profession. Today, we’ll be sharing some defining moments of our careers and what makes us #HygienistProud!

Shelley:

I am #HygienistProud as my career and dental hygiene has had a huge impact on many aspects of my life. One of the greatest impacts is that of being a better communicator. I remember my husband coming in my second year of dental hygiene school. The dentist came over for the exam and I was discussing my husband's treatment plan with him. After the dentist left my husband looked up at me and said, “I have never heard you talk so professional like that before.” 

That was a defining career moment that helped me realize the positive impact this career was having on my life. I recognized that effective communication in my personal life would be key to a happy life and that in my professional life it would define being able to make a difference in my patients lives. 

Strong communication skills help patients modify behaviors, accept treatment plans and purchase product recommendations. I am #HygienistProud, and am grateful for a career that has helped me learn and apply professional communication. 

Jessica:

There I was sitting at my friends kitchen table during our state’s board of trustees meeting. The topic of discussion was who was going to run for President-Elect for our state association. I sat there and it became evident in my mind and heart that I could throw my hat in the ring. I was terrified, felt inadequate and then… I looked around the table. I wouldn’t be alone. Dental Hygiene has given me the opportunity to be in the arena, to grow as a person, clinician, educator, advocate, mentor, business human, it has helped ME be better. This has all been possible because dental hygiene has introduced me to other hygienists and they have made all the difference.

Melia:

When I think about my career (so far) in dental hygiene, I definitely think about opportunity. Now, I’ve had many people say to me “Doesn’t dental hygiene get repetitive?” “Is there any room for growth in your career?” “Do you ever get bored?” I’m not going to lie- yes I have been bored, and yes, at times it felt like there wasn’t room for growth in an operatory. But, pushing myself to see past these questions and opening up myself to new opportunities and experiences has definitely created so much more opportunities. I’ve been lucky enough to help on the legislative level in our state to change our practice act to allow dental hygienists to start working in alternative practice settings. I’ve been so lucky to work in education roles both in formal education and for companies, spending hours each day talking about a topic I love so much- dentistry. I’ve been able to meet some of the smartest, kindest, and hardest working people I know through this profession. And I’ve been able to expand my knowledge and creativity with Hygiene Edge. So yes, dental hygiene can be repetitive, but only if you let it. I’m so grateful for our profession and how much we can learn from it and each other each day.

Crest and Oral-B’s Hygienist Proud platform was created to ensure that dental hygienists are confidently equipped with the resources and tools needed to transform your patients’ smiles. Hygienist Proud has so much to offer -- including free CE courses, information on new products, and a community of 100,000 RDH peers on the Crest and Oral-B for Dental Professionals Facebook page. 

Why are you #HygienistProud? Have you had a defining moment in your career, or a reason why you go into your operatory each day? We want to know!

A huge thank you to Crest and Oral-B for sponsoring this post and letting us share a big part of our careers and why we love it so much!