From Heart To Hands: Why Loving Dental Hygiene Starts With Reflection

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Every so often, it’s important to pause.

Not to plan the next goal. Not to chase the next certification or seek the next job opportunity. But to reflect, on our journey within the profession and what continues to keep us inspired.

Recently, I found myself doing exactly that while preparing a submission for the Heart to Hands Awards, an initiative that celebrates excellence in dental hygiene by recognizing dental hygienists who go above and beyond in their careers and communities.

The simple question at the heart of the award, “What makes you love dental hygiene?” sparked something deeper than I expected. It reminded me that my love for this profession has grown and evolved over time, and that intentionally looking back can be a powerful way to propel ourselves forward.

My Journey:

What makes me love dental hygiene is simple, but powerful: the ability to make a difference, one person at a time… and eventually, many at once.

I began my career in general practice, where I saw firsthand how education, trust, and prevention could change not just oral health, but confidence and lives. Those moments in the operatory mattered. Conversations mattered. Listening mattered.

That spark led me into public health, independent practice, and a variety of leadership roles. Along the way, I learned that access, advocacy, best practice, dental team collaboration, and a strong focus on prevention create incredible outcomes. 

Today, my role in clinical development allows me to support hundreds of registered dental hygienists across close to 100 dental practices. Through this work, I have the privilege of helping elevate patient care on a larger scale, by supporting the professionals who deliver exceptional patient care every single day.

This role directly fuels my mission through Strictly DENTROPRO, and more recently a community created to help dental hygienists see their value, gain clarity, and lead with confidence. At its core, the mission is simple: empower dental hygienists to reconnect with their passion by recognizing the essential role they play in patient care and in the success of the dental practice.

Dental hygiene, for me, has always been more than a job. It’s been a pathway to impact, connection, and lasting change, from heart to hands.

Why Reflection Matters for Every RDH

While this reflection was prompted by an award submission, it’s something every dental hygienist should do. When we slow down and reflect, we reconnect with the moments that often get lost in busy schedules, packed days, and constant demands.

Here are a few reflection prompts I encourage every RDH to take time with. These are aligned with the steps shared on the heart to hands award site www.philipshearttohands.com

1. Highlight the Moments That Inspire You

Think about the moments that made you and continue to make you feel proud to be a dental hygienist.

  • Was it a patient who finally understood their periodontal condition?

  • A child who overcame fear because you created a safe space?

  • A conversation that led to real behavior change?

These moments are reminders that what we do matters, even when it doesn’t always feel visible.

2. Recall a Memorable Patient Interaction

There’s often one patient interaction that stays with us.

Maybe it was:

  • A patient who said, “No one has ever explained this to me before.”

  • Someone who trusted you during a vulnerable moment.

  • A patient whose health trajectory changed because of your care and education.

These interactions are at the heart of dental hygiene. They are proof that connection is just as powerful as clinical skill.

This is a moment that will always stay with me. I shared this originally in 2019, on Oral Health blog, www.oralhealthgroup.com/blogs/share-your-smile-stories-creating-a-smile-on-the-inside-and-out

3. Ask Yourself What Keeps You Inspired Today

Your answer may have changed since you first graduated, and that’s okay.

What keeps you inspired now?

  • Patient education?

  • Prevention-focused care?

  • Leadership or mentoring?

  • Advocacy or community outreach?

  • Supporting fellow hygienists?

Passion in this profession evolves. Recognizing how it’s changed helps you align your current role with what truly energizes you.

An Invitation to Reflect

We all deserve moments of pause, to acknowledge your impact, reconnect with your purpose, and recognize the value you bring to your patients, your team, and the profession as a whole.

If you feel called to, I encourage you to write down your answers. Share them with a colleague, or simply sit with them. You may even decide to enter in the 2026 submission for the Heart to Hands Awards. 

Because loving dental hygiene isn’t just about what we do—it’s about remembering why we do it.

From heart… to hands.

Lisa 

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