Throughout the course of the final year of my Bachelor’s degree in Dental Sciences, my professional development plan has shifted from a primarily clinical focus to a clearly defined public health, education, and research pathway. Moving forward, I plan to deepen my skills in academic writing, integrated knowledge translation, and interdisciplinary collaboration so I can help design and evaluate gamified tools that meaningfully incorporate oral health into HIV education and prevention.

Clinically, my last term strengthened my skills in instrumentation, radiography, and local anaesthesia, but it also confirmed that I do not see myself in a predominantly chairside role. Instead, I plan to maintain a baseline of clinical competence through selective practice, preceptorship, and continuing education, using this experience to inform teaching and resource development.

Looking ahead, I aim to hopefully work and pursue graduate training in public health, contribute to UBC Faculty of Dentistry as a clinical instructor and eventually a lecturer, and work toward publications and projects that embed oral health into HIV prevention and youth-focused digital tools. By setting intentional goals for scholarship, collaboration, and knowledge translation, I hope to grow as a dental hygienist who leverages both clinical insight and research to address critical gaps and elevate oral health within broader public health conversations.