Fresh Faces - Getting to know the next generation of Alberta’s dental hygienists

Forty-two new dental hygiene students are thrilled to have classes underway as they begin their journey to becoming dental hygiene professionals. Get to know some of them and what they’re looking forward to at the U of A and in their chosen career.

Forty-two new dental hygiene students are thrilled to have classes underway as they begin their journey to becoming dental hygiene professionals. Get to know some of them and what they’re looking forward to at the U of A and in their chosen career.

Mackenna Edgar – Dental Hygiene Class 2023

Why did you choose dental hygiene as a career?

To work in the field of dentistry has always been my dream job. Even in Grade 2 when they asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I answered, “A dentist.” After some work experience at my local dental office in high school, I fell in love with the hygiene side of things. It’s a very social occupation, and helping patients is one of the best things in the world. My passion to pursue a career in the dental field grew, and so I’ve ended up here and couldn't’t be more excited to start! 

What makes you suitable for a career in health care?

My ability to connect with others. I have always found it very easy to get along with people, and I know what it takes to make meaningful relationships. It doesn't’t take long for me to find common ground when meeting someone new. I think this ability is an asset as trust is very important between a health-care worker and the patient. I value making others feel comfortable and what better way to do that than having a real conversation with them? Not only that, but making good connections with your co-workers creates a healthy level of reliability that is essential when working as a team. 

What are you most excited about?

I am most excited about the new course content! Finally, I am taking classes that interest me and not just prerequisites or general science courses. I do have to say, physics and organic chemistry are not nearly as interesting to me as learning about parts of the mouth or names of the tools we will be using! This alone will make for an exciting year because I will be looking forward to school every day! 

What are you most nervous about?

One thing that stands out the most is just the unknown. Coming into university I had friends in the year ahead of me to explain what to expect in the sciences. While the faculty has done its absolute best to convey what we will be doing, there are still a lot of uncertainties. How does the clinical class run? How is the course load different? How busy will I be? When do we first treat patients? What are loupes? Plus other general questions that I’m sure everyone has when they are first going into the program. One thing I’m not nervous about: I’m positive all my questions will be answered in due time. 

Emily Grasdal – Dental Hygiene Class of 2023

Why did you choose dental hygiene as a career?

I’ve always enjoyed going to the dentist, even when I was a kid—I wasn't’t ever fearful. I’m not sure if that’s because our dental office was super friendly or because of my interest in the field. As I’ve gotten older I’ve been really drawn to dental hygiene as a career, mostly because of the interaction you get to have with your patients. 

What makes you suitable for a career in health care?

I really love working with people and helping them to feel better. I love the idea of mixing my passion for science with my love for helping people, and a career in health care seems to be the perfect way to do that! 

What are you most excited about?

I am so excited to get to know all my classmates and get started on this adventure together! I love how close all the students seem to be in the upper years.

What do you feel are the opportunities in this new environment?

I think the biggest opportunity with this program is that we get to start in a clinical environment so early on. I believe the hands-on learning will be so valuable and it's one of the main things that drew me to the program.

Kendra Horton – Dental Hygiene Class of 2023

Why did you choose dental hygiene as a career?

I have always been intrigued by teeth and thought they would be super cool to work with. I also am a “clean freak” and when you put the two together this is a perfect career. 

What makes you suitable for a career in health care?

I love working with people and helping where I can. I am very social and like to make people feel comfortable and confident in the care they are receiving. 

What are you most excited about?

I am most excited about wearing scrubs. I have always wanted a job where I can wear scrubs! 

What are you most nervous about?

I am most nervous about online learning, but we will all get through this together!