Convocation 2026: Keely Favel

Keely Favel

Graduating with a bachelor of science in dental hygiene, Keely Favel was driven to her field by a lifelong interest in healthcare and a passion for addressing barriers to care in underserved communities. As an Indigenous professional, she aims to increase representation in dentistry and provide culturally safe experiences for her patients. For Keely, the most meaningful moment of her academic journey is walking across the convocation stage with her daughter watching, celebrating the culmination of a path defined by perseverance, balance and community volunteerism with the Access for All initiative.

Financial Support and Awards

Throughout my degree, I was fortunate to receive financial support through several scholarships, awards, bursaries and Indigenous student funding. University of Alberta support included the Patty Gainer Memorial Scholarship in Clinical Dental Hygiene, the Patricia Ann Peat Award in Health Sciences and the Community Builders Opportunities Award. I also received the Jason Lang Scholarship for four consecutive years, the Strathcona Resources Momentum Scholarship for two consecutive years, various Indspire bursaries and post-secondary funding support from the Freehorse Family Wellness Society throughout my studies.

What drew you to your area of study?

I have been interested in a career in healthcare, particularly in dentistry, for as long as I can remember. I was drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and help address barriers to care in underserved communities. Over time, that interest became clearly focused on dental hygiene as I discovered the impact prevention and education can have on both oral and overall health.

The profession also became more personal to me as I reflected on my own experiences. Growing up, I rarely saw Indigenous representation in healthcare, and even less in dentistry, which inspired me to pursue a career where I could help change that.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

Walking across the stage at convocation with my daughter there is a moment I am most proud of. It represented so much more than earning a degree. It marked the end of a journey that challenged me both personally and academically, and having her there to share that moment made it especially meaningful. Seeing everything I had worked toward come together reminded me why I kept pushing forward.

Another highlight of my time in the program was volunteering with Access for All, a student-led initiative that provides free dental and dental hygiene care to rural and Métis communities. Being able to provide care for patients who may not otherwise have access to dental services was incredibly rewarding. The gratitude each client expressed and the changes I saw in their confidence after receiving care left a lasting impression on me. Those experiences showed me how much of a difference even routine dental hygiene services can make in someone’s life and reinforced why I chose this profession.

Do you have anyone in particular you'd like to thank for helping with your success?

I would like to thank my family, friends, classmates, instructors and mentors for their support throughout my degree. My mom and my daughter have been especially important to me throughout this journey. My mom has been a steady source of encouragement throughout my education, while my daughter has been my biggest motivation and the reason I kept going, even during the most challenging moments. Their support has meant everything to me throughout this journey.

What advice would you give to a student considering your area of study?

I would encourage prospective students to take the time to really explore the profession by speaking with and, if possible, shadowing dental hygienists. It is a challenging program, but it is also very rewarding and opens the door to many opportunities.

One of the biggest things I learned throughout the program is the importance of balance and taking care of your own well-being. It can feel overwhelming at times, so having a strong support system and leaning on the friendships you build within your cohort makes a big difference. You really do go through it together, and those connections help carry you through the tougher moments. Most importantly, trusting yourself and your ability to grow through challenges is key, because you are capable of more than you think even when things feel difficult.

What's next for you in your career? What do you hope to accomplish?

Next, I will be starting my career as a registered dental hygienist in clinical practice. I am excited to continue developing my skills and confidence while doing work that I am passionate about.

A priority for me is providing care in Indigenous communities and contributing to positive, culturally safe experiences for patients. As an Indigenous healthcare professional, I also want to encourage and support Indigenous students who are considering careers in healthcare. Most of all, I want to use my profession as a way to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients.