Dental Hygienist Reflection

Dental Hygiene has always been something I was interested in since I was fourteen years old. I had enjoyed the dentist and had grown attached to the atmosphere of a dental office where everyone was close to each other and they worked as a team. As I aged I noticed people around me and how their smiles affected their demeanor. When I began my job with a dental technology lab, I noticed the amount of people who have dentures or partials. I always thought that losing your teeth was something that was preventable, and that if people were educated, there would be a greater hope of people keeping their smiles. I was surprised to learn how little some individuals know how to properly brush their teeth, or even knew to brush their tongues. During my

When I first entered the program I did not expect everything I would have to go through to get my degree. The hygiene student needs to know more than what I expected, which to me shows how important the role of a hygienist is. I was unaware of everything a hygienist can do. I discovered that the role of the hygienist is more than a clinician and educator. As a hygienist, I would be an administer to public health and would be able to initiate changes to laws that would increase access to care for the underprivileged. I discovered that as a hygienist I would be allowed to conduct research and contribute to the study of disease

As I discovered more about the dental hygienist, I realized I can do a lot with this profession. I would enjoy using my profession in health and human services, prisons, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I plan to continue my education with dental hygiene, and hopefully receive my bachelor’s degree. With a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, it would broaden my involvement in the profession and allow me to advance my career and do more with public services, allowing me to be an advocate of public health and entrepreneur. I plan to contribute to my profession by finding ways to increase access to care to underserved populations. My philosophy is drawn closer to realism and pragmatism. I have always looked at a broader picture, paying close attention to downfalls, or what could happen. I think it is important to strive for excellence in everything I do, however I must be ready to accept things that cannot be changed, or prepare for ways to deal with situations appropriately. I think it is important to deal with situations realistically, and I believe having this attitude has helped me through this