What makes you love dental hygiene?
I love dental hygiene because it is an opportunity to improve not just oral health but overall well-being. Growing up in rural Kenya, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poor oral hygiene on people who had little to no access to care. That experience shaped my passion for this field. As a dental hygienist, I take pride in educating patients, building trusting relationships, and empowering them to take charge of their oral health. I am passionate about prevention and the transformative impact that education, compassion, and quality care can have on someone’s life.
Highlight the moments that inspire you
The most inspiring moments in my career often happen when patients express gratitude after experiencing a renewed sense of confidence or relief from pain. For example, seeing a child light up with joy after completing their first successful dental cleaning or watching a nervous patient overcome their fear of dental care through trust and understanding reminds me why I do this work. These moments fuel my commitment to bringing smiles back to life, both in my local practice and during my humanitarian missions through Safari N Smiles, where I provide free dental care to underserved communities in Africa.
Share a memorable patient interaction
One of my most memorable patient interactions occurred during a humanitarian mission in rural Kenya. A young boy came to our makeshift clinic with severe pain from multiple decayed teeth. His mother explained that he had been unable to eat or sleep for weeks. Despite his fear, he bravely sat through treatment as I carefully explained each step, reassuring him throughout. After the procedure, he smiled for the first time in days and asked if he could bring his friends who also needed help. That moment reminded me of the power of empathy, education, and care to make a lasting impact.
What keeps me inspired and excited in my career is the ability to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, whether in a dental chair in Washington, D.C., or under a tree in rural Kenya. Every day is an opportunity to educate, empower, and transform someone’s oral health and overall well-being. Seeing patients overcome fear, regain confidence, and take ownership of their health is incredibly rewarding.
I’m also inspired by the ripple effect of dental care. Educating one patient often extends to families and communities, spreading the importance of oral health far beyond the clinic walls. My humanitarian work with Safari N Smiles, where I combine dental care with outreach and education in underserved areas, fuels my passion for making dentistry accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
What excites me most is the potential for growth and innovation in dental hygiene. Advances in technology and techniques allow us to provide even better care, and being part of a profession that continually evolves keeps me engaged and motivated. Whether it's mentoring students, collaborating with colleagues, or creating sustainable change in global communities, I’m driven by the endless opportunities to leave a lasting impact.