My name is Jessica and I am a registered dental hygienist from a small town in Ontario. I decided to continue my studies at the University of British Columbia in order to obtain my Bachelor of Dental Sciences. Upon completion of my dental hygiene diploma in Toronto at George Brown College, I decided I wanted to further my knowledge in the areas of scientific research, microbiology, and pathology. In order to obtain these goals, I started my schooling online here. I am currently in my second year of the five years it will take to complete my degree part-time.
While in college I did additional placements and volunteering to get a feel for the more uncommon roles of a dental hygienist. I worked as a research assistant in collaboration with the University of Toronto to sample bacteria and biofilm from the dental unit water lines. Additionally, I worked with a public health hygienist to do screenings for dental decay in public schools and daycare centres. Also, I was able to provide dental services for newly immigrated Canadians and individuals with low income. I did a placement at a geriatric hospital to better my skills in treating and communicating with patients with dementia and in wheelchairs. All of these roles were great experiences for me.
I currently work at a few different dental offices part-time in my surrounding area. Eventually I would like to have a position at an orthodontic practice as movement of the jaw and teeth fascinates me. Teaching dental hygiene may also be a possible career route in the future. I’ll have to see where life takes me!
Aside from dental work, I also work as a pharmacy assistant at a local drug store and teach swimming lessons/lifeguard in the summer. It is such a rewarding experience to be able to work with the elderly population and young children.
In my spare time, I enjoy doing yoga, drawing, reading, swimming, and dancing. I volunteer my time in the summ
er to do photography at an annual tractor heritage show. I also recently started into tractor pulling…anyone heard of it?
Thanks for reading!