How to Be a Confident Dental Hygienist

Staring anything new can be a daunting experience and beginning your career in dental hygiene is no different! As you become more comfortable in your new position, your confidence will grow. We hope these words of wisdom from these more seasoned hygienists will help you feel self-assured as you begin your professional path.

“Know that the profession of dental hygiene is an exciting one. We have so many opportunities to share our great knowledge of oral health and how that contributes to general health. Whether you work in private practice, research, public health, or create an avenue for yourself that is totally unique, I assure you the sky is the limit and your future as dental hygienist is bright.”

—Lesley Harbison, RDH, EPDH, MS

President of the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association

“One of the keys to success is to be a lifelong learner. Be open to learning about the latest in instrumentation, technology, and education strategies.”

—Kathryn Dolan, RDH, MEd

Assistant professor in the Department of Public Health and Community Service at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the director of the Tufts Statewide Community Dental Program in Boston.

“With a bachelor’s degree, there are many options beyond clinical patient care and would stress that as a dental hygienist, you provide comprehensive oral health care, not just dental cleanings.”

—Katy Battani, RDH, MS

Project manager of the Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Quality Improvement program with the Office of Oral Health at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and dental outreach coordinator with the Harford County Health Department in Edgewood, Maryland

“Doing what is best for the patient has always been my philosophy. Clinical dental hygiene is repetitive, and it is easy to become complacent doing the same tasks every hour of each day. I try to approach patients as if I am seeing them for the first time and asking myself what I can do to help improve their oral health.”

—Kelly Reich, RDH, BS

Clinical practice dental hygienist in Idaho Falls and Boise, Idaho

“Being a people person, I love to motivate and help people. When someone wants to make a change in his or her life, it can be challenging to find the right path. I love to help people find the steps to incite positive changes and integrate new habits into their lifestyles in an understanding and compassionate manner.”

Melissa Obrotka, RDH, BBAOM

Implant care practitioner in Danville, New Jersey

“It is about so much more than the actual treatment provided—it is teaching patients lifelong habits that will lead to improved oral and overall health; motivating them to implement positive lifestyle changes; and seeing patients on a regular basis and getting to know them. The point when I turned my focus to positively impacting vulnerable populations and utilizing each patient encounter to make him or her feel valued is when I realized that it would be nearly impossible not to be excited about going to work each day!”

—Kylie J. Siruta-Austin, RDH, MS, ECP-III

Clinical practice dental hygienist in Wamego, Kansas

“I love to help people. After assessing patients, I ask myself what I can do to improve not only their oral health but also their overall health. Changing how patients view their oral health or overall health so they can make better choices for themselves is very rewarding. Some changes might include acceptance of dental hygiene therapy, self-care education, or recare recommendations. My goal is to make a connection and foster a relationship with patients that is built on trust and open communication. When education on the etiology of oral health signs and symptoms translates into improved self-care and oral health, I feel a true sense of accomplishment.”

—Darlene J. Swigart, RDH, BS

Clinical practice dental hygienist in Oceanside, California