Name: Leah Lavoie
What dental hygiene school do you attend?
New Hampshire Technical Institute � Concord
Why did you go to dental hygiene school?
I chose to go to dental hygiene school because I had to wear braces for seven years! And every time I went to my orthodontist's office or to visit my hygienist, they were always happy and pleasant people. Even though the offices were usually very busy, the entire staff always exuded confidence and satisfaction in their jobs and I was really impressed by that.
What do you feel is your greatest strength and worst weakness?
I feel that my greatest strength is perseverance; no matter how hard things get, I am determined to succeed. My worst weakness is that I sometimes do not have enough patience, but I'm working on it!
What do you want to accomplish in your dental hygiene career?
Throughout my career, I want to educate my patients about oral health and how to achieve better oral hygiene. I love this aspect of health care. I hope to develop a strong professional relationship with my patients because they are so interesting and I learn so much from them.
What is your favorite nonhygiene activity?
Shopping! A little retail therapy always perks me up!
What three words describe you?
Friendly, caring, and outgoing.
What is your message to fellow hygiene students?
I would like to say to my fellow hygiene friends that it's been so much fun sharing these last two years with you. Your words of support have been some of the things that kept me going. I will forever appreciate you, and I wish you the best of luck with your dreams!
Director's note: Students are the future of our profession. And they are as diverse as the different colored and shaped shells on a sandy beach. These inspirational accounts will remind you why you went into hygiene and help support current students with the knowledge that they are not alone in their journey. If you want to be or know of a student who deserves to be part of the RDH eVillage Student Stories, e-mail me at Kristine Hodsdon.
