Biography

My name is Ethel and I am currently enrolled in the UBC Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program.  This will be the final year of my very long journey to graduation.

I am a registered restorative dental hygienist and work for three private dental offices in the Toronto and Durham regions in Ontario.  My specialty is educating clients and working in collaboration with dentists, hygienists, specialists and other medical/dental professionals.  Understanding the clients’ individual needs is key to a fruitful and long lasting partnership.  As a dental hygienist, I am responsible for diagnosing any dental hygiene oral health related issues and make specific recommendations  that are within my scope of practice.

My interest in the dental field started in high school when I participated in the Co-op program and eventually started working as a dental assistant before the end of the school year.  Eventually, I attended George Brown College to obtain my dental assisting diploma and Canadore College for my dental hygiene diploma.

The great thing about being in the dental field is that you meet people from different backgrounds.  Last year, I collaborated with a client who is the health coordinator for one of the mental health organizations in Toronto and started a one-year dental hygiene volunteer program in one of their facilities.  This opportunity has given me a hands-on experience in understanding the psychological and physiological impact of mental illness and treatment medications on the overall oral health of the individuals with mental illness.

A few years ago, I decided to enroll in the degree completion program as part of my continuing education which has been very challenging in managing between family and professional life.  Yet, through perseverance and great family support I am now nearing the end of the journey.

          Sunset at Cyprus Lake