Gold medal opens up career opportunities

With the class of 2020 having convocated June 12th, the School of Dentistry is proud to celebrate one of the top dental hygiene students from its Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene class. Megan Chow won the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA) Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student with the highest distinction convocating from the Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene program.

Chow says, "It's an honour to receive this award. I was pleasantly surprised when I first found out. I appreciate the recognition for all of my hard work in the program."

Chow adds that going it alone is just not possible. "My family and friends were such a great support network during my time in the program. Connecting with them was a way for me to decompress when school was hectic. As well, I'm grateful for all of the support and guidance from my professors."

In addition to dedication, Chow listed teamwork as a way to overcome the inevitable obstacles that crop up in life. "Being able to find the right balance between school and personal life was key to my success," says Chow. "Although I greatly prioritized school, what I learned throughout the program was the importance of taking time to do things that bring me joy."

On top of recognizing her academic achievement, Chow says that receiving the gold medal has opened future career opportunities. "It has prompted me to further consider working as a dental hygienist beyond the private practice setting. I'm very interested in the role of a dental hygienist in public health. The ability to positively impact the oral health of the whole population through preventive care appeals to me."

Chow credits growing up in a family of dental professionals as her inspiration for applying to the program. However, she says that by going through such a prestigious program and learning from amazing professors, she has been able to develop not only as a clinician but also as a person. The most enjoyable aspect of dental hygiene is being able to interact with a variety of patients.

"It's rewarding to see the positive impact I can have on their oral health, and I'm looking forward to a fulfilling career as a dental hygienist."

The School of Dentistry celebrated several other students in the Dental Hygiene program. The complete listing of awards this year can be found on the school's website.