1 answer
Zalynn
Student
Waller, Texas
1
Question
Updated
1132 views
Can you describe a moment during your dental hygiene education or career that tested your commitment to the field, and how you worked through it? #Spring25
I’m honored to share that I’ve been accepted into the Blinn Dental Hygiene program! I’ve worked very hard to get to this point, and being accepted into this program means a great deal to me. Becoming a dental hygienist has been a goal of mine for a long time, and I’m proud to be one step closer.
I would greatly appreciate any advice on how I can stand out not only as a student but also in the field of dental hygiene. I want to do my best, learn as much as I can, and find ways to go above and beyond. Thank you so much for this opportunity and for supporting students like me.
Login to comment
1 answer
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey, Zalynn, Buddy, Congratulations on getting into the Blinn Dental Hygiene program! That’s a huge achievement, and you so well earned it man.
Now lemme tell you that, there’s always a moment in every health profession journey that really tests your commitment. For me and for many others I’ve spoken with, it usually hits during those early clinicals when theory meets reality. Yea, you’ll encounter patients who are nervous, uncooperative, or dealing with real oral health neglect. I remember one particular case my auntie who is a dentist now, told me when she was shadowing a dental hygienist, a young patient came in with severe gum disease and had never been taught proper oral care. That session took everything she had, clinical skill, empathy, patience, and still, she walked away wondering if she did enough. But that moment shifted something. It reminded her why this work mattered. It’s not just about teeth but it’s about education, trust, and helping people who might’ve never had access to proper care.
So now, when it comes to standing out, in school and in the field, I would say consistency and curiosity go a long way. Be the one who asks the extra question. Be the one who takes the initiative, even when it’s not required. Show up early. Offer help. Be the person patients remember not just for your skill, but for how you made them feel. Learn from your instructors and your classmates. Everyone’s journey brings a different strength to the table.
If you want to go above and beyond, consider getting involved in professional dental hygiene associations early on. They often have student memberships, leadership roles, and networking events that’ll give you a head start. Keep a little journal or digital folder where you reflect on challenging patient cases, how you handled them, and what you’d do differently next time. That kind of self-awareness builds clinical excellence over time.
You’re clearly motivated, and with that mindset, you’re going to make a difference, not just in your program, but in the lives of the patients who will one day sit in your chair. Keep going Zalynn, and know anytime you need something you can reach out here.
Now lemme tell you that, there’s always a moment in every health profession journey that really tests your commitment. For me and for many others I’ve spoken with, it usually hits during those early clinicals when theory meets reality. Yea, you’ll encounter patients who are nervous, uncooperative, or dealing with real oral health neglect. I remember one particular case my auntie who is a dentist now, told me when she was shadowing a dental hygienist, a young patient came in with severe gum disease and had never been taught proper oral care. That session took everything she had, clinical skill, empathy, patience, and still, she walked away wondering if she did enough. But that moment shifted something. It reminded her why this work mattered. It’s not just about teeth but it’s about education, trust, and helping people who might’ve never had access to proper care.
So now, when it comes to standing out, in school and in the field, I would say consistency and curiosity go a long way. Be the one who asks the extra question. Be the one who takes the initiative, even when it’s not required. Show up early. Offer help. Be the person patients remember not just for your skill, but for how you made them feel. Learn from your instructors and your classmates. Everyone’s journey brings a different strength to the table.
If you want to go above and beyond, consider getting involved in professional dental hygiene associations early on. They often have student memberships, leadership roles, and networking events that’ll give you a head start. Keep a little journal or digital folder where you reflect on challenging patient cases, how you handled them, and what you’d do differently next time. That kind of self-awareness builds clinical excellence over time.
You’re clearly motivated, and with that mindset, you’re going to make a difference, not just in your program, but in the lives of the patients who will one day sit in your chair. Keep going Zalynn, and know anytime you need something you can reach out here.