"Hope is the power that gives a person the confidence to step out and try."- Zig Ziglar

Here I go again! When I started this career I was a fresh sprout just 21 years old. Ready to conquer the world. Had minimal distractions and could live my life the way I wanted. Fast forward to 2016, I've welcomed the most powerful testimonies of my strength as a woman, my children. Within that I had to learn to balance my career goals and personal life. It is still a struggle but what pushes me on is the unwavering support I receive from my husband and children.

However, there is a side of me that feels disappointed at times. I know, I KNOW, it's just the achiever in me! I've embarked TWICE on the journey of completing my master’s degree. There were several things that held me back. It wasn't that I was incapable of handling the work. I was tired, had too much on my plate, lost my mother in death, wasn’t fully committed to the program and ultimately just didn't have the motivation...

Dental Hygiene DEGREE COMPLETION, Yes or NO?

I will have to say: YES, YES, YES!! I cannot emphasize enough the importance of advancing your degree. Often I hear people say "you don't need a degree in dental hygiene, it's a waste" and " you can't do anything with it any way." Even after enjoying my degree completion program I fell into the trap of repeating these same sentiments. Fast forward to 2016 after approximately 4 years of teaching a light bulb just went off. I knew I had always enjoyed the program but I didn't realize how much my degree completion was a huge professional boost.

I went to an exceptional 2-year program in the "sticks" of Cumberland, Maryland. Ok, Ok, the beautiful mountains! :) I'm originally from New York City, where trees are hard to find in some parts :). I gained excellent clinical and didactic instruction. However, I knew right away that I wanted to continue on with my education. I immediately began the program in Fall 2007 after completing my Associates...

"You're in a dental conference meeting room, excited and ready to learn. The facilitator asks you to introduce yourselves and share one interesting fact. You instantly, begin to slowly drop into your chair hoping that maybe they will miss your cringing face."

Yeah, that's me! At least what I feel on the inside. You’re probably thinking: what's the big deal? Aren't you an educator? It should come natural. Yes, I am an educator and absolutely love it! However, I am also a natural introvert. Speaking publicly or meeting new individuals requires effort, practice and skill building. Have you found yourself in the same position? No worries! You can join me in the journey of mastering that skill.

What does networking have to do with being tribal? Read on and you will find out.

Networking often requires you to push beyond your comfort zone. Networking can provide you the opportunity to acquire guidance from a seasoned professional. Perhaps you're interested in academia and would like...

“You're doing what? BE HONEST, do you feel that you are competent enough to understand a business, a budget or to lead? You must have a hidden agenda. You are not ready to do that. You can’t do that.”

Hidden? No. Focused? Yes.  Every hygienist should have a career plan. Whether that plan is to become a “rockstar” hygienist in a clinical practice or work outside of the op. I've been to countless seminars and continuing education courses, but I have yet to see enough emphasis on setting a clear direction in one's professional career. We go about each year taking CE after CE, not truly working towards anything. After 5 or less years of practicing we are burnt out, disenchanted with our profession and saying to ourselves, "Why did I get into dental hygiene?" Then the self-oppression begins with us beating ourselves up..."The dentists only view us as teeth cleaners", "There are no clinical practice jobs", "This career is for the birds, I can't do...