As dental hygienists we are responsible for providing preventative dental care and oral

health education to patients. Oral health impacts quality of life in a wide variety of ways from
self-esteem to the food a person can eat. As dental hygienists we know that oral health is a part
of systemic health and is of utmost importance. That said, it is my belief that every person has
the right to accessible dental care. Following the public health roots of dental hygiene, we as
dental hygienists should be catalysts for change in the continued battle for achieving this goal.
Until this goal is realized, we must bridge the gap through volunteerism. In becoming dental
hygienists we learn a specialized skill that differentiates us from the rest of the population. I
believe that with obtaining the skills needed to practice dental hygiene that we also gain a
responsibility to utilize those skills to give back to the community. Community involvement is an
integral part of my vision of a dental hygienist. Providing care to underserved populations is a
great way to give back to the community. As a student I have been lucky enough to be involved
with the Missions of Mercy project and I plan on continuing this involvement as a practicing
dental hygienist. I will also continue to advocate for the rights of patients to access dental care.
When providing patient care I will provide all patients with the same high level of care. It
is important to meet the standards of care for all patients that sit in the treatment chair. It is
important to do what is right not only by the patient but by the practice of evidence based dental
hygiene. I will recognize that patient care may vary from patient to patient as it needs to be
tailored to the individual needs of the patients. Not all patients will be the same and it is
important that I not only recognize that, but educate myself so that I can be respectful and
informed while dealing with each patient. Patient care will follow evidence based decision
making. Incorporating didactic learning into the clinical setting will allow me to provide patients
with the current best practices in dentistry. In order to utilize up to date research and treat
patients using new clinical techniques I will dedicate myself to lifetime learning. Continuing
education is just one way that I can stay current in order to provide my patients with a high level

of care. As dental hygienists we are both clinicians and educators. With dual roles, I must
maintain a high level of clinical care as well as devoting time to educating patients on their oral
health, the implications of oral health on systemic health, and through oral hygiene instruction.
Additionally I must educate patients and the community on the role of dental hygienists and the
importance of preventative dentistry and its components, such as water fluoridation.
Involvement with the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) is important in
order to advocate for the profession of dental hygiene. It is my hope that through the ADHA
hygienists with additional training can function with an expanded scope of practice as mid-level
dental practitioners. I also hope to see changes in the regulations that govern supervision of
dental hygienists in order to improve access to care and promote preventative dental services. I
will follow the code of ethics set forth by the ADHA in order to provide the highest standard of
care. I am grateful for the values and outlook instilled in me through the Virginia
Commonwealth University Dental Hygiene program and I know that these tenants will follow me
wherever my course of practice takes me.