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Editor's Note: Welcome to your dental hygiene future

Jan. 17, 2017
Edie Gibson, RDH, previews the content contained the January 2017 issue of RDH Graduate, a newsletter for dental hygiene students and recent graduates.

“I don’t expect you to memorize everything. I just expect you to know where to go to find the answer.”

—Sarah Toevs, RDH, PhD, former Dental Hygiene Director at Weber State University

Editor Edie Gibson, RDH, MS

Welcome to 2017! A new year, a new day, a new way to connect with your profession. The opening quote above resonates with me, and it is the exact reason for the RDH Graduate newsletter. We aim to be your go-to resource for all things dental hygiene.

I’ve been where you are. I remember the terror, the excitement, the doubt, and the butterflies as I picked up my scaler for the first time on the first patient in private practice. I worked three jobs, six days a week, and mostly in capitation clinics (30-minute appointments, no gloves, no masks, or sharp instruments).

I remember thinking six months into my career, “Is this all there is?” I’ve now been in this amazing industry for over three decades with more passion for dental hygiene now than when I graduated. Although I can’t practice clinically any longer, I stay inspired and current on what’s happening in our profession by attending symposiums, reading trade journals, and collaborating with my colleagues. I have learned much from my new graduate hygiene friends and value their perspective on our ever-changing profession. We also have a lot of fun along the way. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner!

You may be thinking, “How do I get or stay inspired?” Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA, shares insight to this very question in her monthly column, Ideas to Inspiration.© Each month, she will share insights from past Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction recipients on how they stayed inspired—tips from those who have been there!

When you read Angela Fullers’ (RDH) article about her career path, I hope it brings you joy and encouragement. She shares her story about overcoming obstacles and making a new life for herself, all because she never lost her passion for dental hygiene. Amber Auger, RDH, MHP. shares what it’s like in the “real world” for the millennial hygienist and shares three key elements to look for in your new career—mentorship, gratitude, and leadership. I hope you feel her passion, and it ignites yours as well. We have many more fun, engaging and thought-provoking articles in this newsletter. Dive in. Read one. Read them all. Read them often and share them with your colleagues!

We have a dedicated section to showcase your dental hygiene program. Do you love your program? Do you want to tell others about your amazing program? This is the place. Our January program highlight is for Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, alma-mater of our own Jackie Sanders.

Do you see the theme? Passion, inspiration, determination, and application. A new day, a new way, a new place to learn. Welcome to your future, my friends. This is the place to find the answers you’ve been seeking about our crazy, fantastic world of dental hygiene. Onward and upward.

Go out and make it a great day!

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