“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” —Plutarch
Editor Edie Gibson, RDH, MS
Happy March! When I was in dental hygiene school, my professors were the masters of “ignition.” They ignited my passion for our profession, and it continues to grow and burn in me daily. They mentor me still today and, for that, I am forever grateful. I pay-it-forward every chance I can. I have since surrounded myself with many more mentors that share my passion and offer endless encouragement when I need it the most. Because of this guidance, I have come to own my profession! I took charge of what I wanted in my career and pursued it relentlessly. You can do the same.
In Ideas to Inspiration, Jackie Sanders, RDH, MBA, manager of professional relations for Sunstar, talks about this very concept. Career development is all about owning your profession. Jackie shares some valuable tips and tools for you to implement immediately to start moving your career forward.
Amber Auger, RDH, MPH, shares her journey from school to clinical to the podium. She offers incredible information on how to move your career forward in the direction you want through volunteering and mission work. She truly owns her profession.
Cindy Purdy, BSDH, CEAS, is the ergonomics expert of our time. She is a certified ergonomic assessment specialist and offers invaluable information on preventing occupational pain. In this first article, in a series of many, Cindy shares her expertise on proper loupe selection. You know the old saying—if I knew then what I know now—I would have worn loupes from the beginning of my dental hygiene career. I had career-ending spinal surgery in 2009 due to poor ergonomics. Please don’t make the same mistake. Own your profession and invest in yourself!
We have a dedicated section to showcase your dental hygiene program. Our March program highlight is the University of Maryland, where Professor Marion Manski, RDH, MS, is the director of dental hygiene for the only baccalaureate program in Maryland, a designation her students are very proud of!
We strive to deliver relevant content that inspires and encourages you. Keep filling your mind with new information, seek out mentors, give back, work smarter not harder, and surround yourself with people that inspire you and lift you up. A great teacher once said, “If you hang with the turkeys, you’ll never soar with the eagles.” Cherish that thought and…
Go out and make it a great day!
Edie Gibson, RDH, MS
