From an eight-teen year old freshman entering this program to now, six months away from a licensed, self-regulated health professional; I have developed as a person, and as a dental hygienist.  I had the privilege to be apart of history in making. Our dental hygiene entry-to-practice bachelor degree program would be the first in Canada. In these years, I have an the opportunity to gain experiences that is not found elsewhere. Some of these experiences are providing care for the special needs population, take part in research, and be exposured to specialities in dentistry, and the health ministry. Thus, these experiences have guided to the construction of my own practice philosophy.

As a dental hygienist I believe I am a health professional that is not providing care for only a person’s mouth. Instead, I am capable of providing care that is improving the overall-wellness of the client,family, or community. This is due to the fact that the care I endeavor to provide must include inter-professional collaboration,evidence-based research, and client-centered decision making. In addition, I am providing care for a person, family, or community and not the disease. Subsequently, it is important to be open, personable, and compassionate. Furthermore, one should be aware and understanding of the influences social determinants have on the client,family, or community’s oral health status.

Recently I saw a patient called Mr. B, a 29-year old smoker, with gingivitis, and does not floss. Instead of being judgemental and assuming that Mr.B is being negligent about his oral and overall health, I decided to “probe” a little deeper. Through our rapport building, I found out that Mr.B have been out of school for nine years and recently is in the social service worker program at Douglas College. He was now doing his practicum and struggling to complete the assignments. Thus, he said he would smoke to relief stress, and would also be too tired to floss by the end of the night. Also, he also said that he never really understood why he had the floss other than his previous hygienist use to always “nag” him about it. I then provided client education and counselling for plaque formation, periodontal disease and how flossing could serve as an intervention. Upon, receiving this knowledge Mr.B exclaims “Why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner!” As I saw that Mr.B was concerned about his oral health and is very receptive, I then talked about smoking. I told him about the effects it had on his oral health and also stress relief alternatives. We also talked about how now MSP covers for nicotine patches if he were to get a prescription from his doctor. At the end of the sessions Mr.B stated that he felt that he received a comprehensive care and was very grateful.

Thus, I envision my practice to be that of beneficence to all the clients or community. Dental hygiene care should be accessible, and given to everyone regardless of their social-status,age,race,gender, and religion. I especially have a passion to work with the undeserved population ( clients with special needs,elders,and first nations,). I want to have an impact on people’s lives and improve their quality of life. I want to help empower and give a “voice” to the unheard population. To accomplish this, I would eventually work with administrations and health ministries to reach to these populations by means of policy change, and community work.

My practice will be guided by CDHA ethics, practice guidelines,the use of evidence-based research, and critical thinking. As a result, I would be accountable for my own actions. In the near future, I would not just be the hygienist that “cleans” at Dr. So and So’s office. On the contrary, I am a health professional that provides holistic care, a change agent,and an advocate. As I graduate and become an licenced dental hygienist, I will uphold my practice philosophy, and be continuously learning, and giving my all in everything I do.

A gift from Mr.B : picture frame with a picture of biofilm