A Calling Beyond the Chair: My Journey as a Proud Dental Hygienist
As someone who comes from a family of nurses, I have always been deeply aware of how purposeful the healthcare profession is. My family, ever passionate about their work, tried to convince me to follow in their footsteps and become a nurse. Yet, even as a young child, I felt an unshakable pull toward the dental field. Choosing to pursue a career as a dental hygienist was not just a decision—it was an affirmation of my calling. Today, I am proud to say that this path has given me the chance to positively impact lives, both in my private practice and through community service.
Helping people and making them smile is more than just my job; it’s my purpose. Being a dental hygienist fills me with a sense of accomplishment and pride. My mission is rooted in principles of visibility, representation, clinical care and community giving. As a member of a minority community and an immigrant, I am passionate about highlighting the contributions migrants like me make to society while promoting oral health and well-being.
Over the course of my 25 years in the dental field, I have witnessed heartbreaking instances where people are turned away from treatment or opt out due to reasons like affordability, discrimination, lack of oral health knowledge, or accessibility. These experiences left me wondering: What happens to these individuals next? Do they suffer in silence? If this is the reality in Canada, how much more dire must the situation be in developing countries?
The pressing need for solutions led me to action. My curiosity and desire to help gave birth to a vision: a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free dental hygiene services to those in need. This vision became a reality with the establishment of The Filipino-Canadian Dental Hygienists’ Society (TFCDHS). Founded on the principles of service and unity, TFCDHS is a non-profit organization that unites dental hygienists committed to giving back to the community. Our society organizes community events to provide no-cost dental hygiene services to vulnerable populations across the Greater Toronto Area and the Philippines. Our mission is threefold: Supporting Professional Growth, Promoting Oral Health and Promoting Oral Health.
Through initiatives like No-Cost Dental Day Clinics, together with my team, we provide basic dental services such as hygiene exams, cleaning/scaling, oral cancer screenings, oral hygiene education, and referrals to low-cost dental facilities. These efforts aim to alleviate the oral health challenges faced by low-income communities and educate them on the importance of preventive care.
For as long as there is a need in our community, my team and I are committed to continuing this gift of service. Together, we aim to expand our outreach and ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to oral health care.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference, not just as a dental hygienist but as a proud advocate for representation and giving back. It is my hope that our work inspires others to join us in creating healthier, happier communities—one smile at a time.