I decided that I wanted to teach dental hygiene the moment I interviewed for dental hygiene school. I was able to watch students in clinic and the director of the program operate. I then thought I would love to work in that setting….it seemed so alive and exciting.

The tremendous opportunities that it has afforded me. We started this clinic over six years ago, and I truly enjoy the patient care.

I teach, coordinate the graduate program and clinical affairs at UNM. Basically, beside the teaching and management activities, I work on research and committee charges. Additionally, I provide patient care one day per week.

I am particularly active in ADHA and IFDH. I believe that it is so rewarding. If you are interested in making big changes in national and international dental health, then these associations are the place to be. It is wonderful to work collaboratively with other hygienists to try to find solutions to major issues we are facing in dental care delivery.

At the beginning of my career I had the opportunity to work with Operation Smile and travel to three developing countries. I think that is really when I became passionate about the social aspect of dental health care. We are so fortunate in the United States to have dental hygiene and we really don't even realize it. However, we need to strengthen our dental care delivery systems so that all Americans have access to dental hygienists, then we will really be able to expand the discipline to other countries.

I feel passionately that student dental hygienists and practicing dental hygienists understand the opportunities available to dental hygienists and the responsibilities that go along with these opportunities. We know more about preventive health care than any other profession. Therefore, as a profession, we are responsible to make positive changes in dental health care.

It was a humbling experience and I was very honored to receive these awards from all of my alma maters.

Being involved in starting our community clinic at UNM and creating our graduate program here are UNM. Then I guess, my book, Dental Public Health. I wrote the first textbook by a dental hygienist that was the first to look at dental public health in a different light. I am very happy for that opportunity and hope that it truly makes a difference.

I think a key strength of an institution is the faculty. Really look at faculty when choosing your program. It is important that your faculty know what is going on in your community, and what is going on nationally and internationally.

Oh yes, and I think for the most part for the better. It is much easier to write papers, review literature, etc. work collaboratively with classmates.

It is everywhere, and it is important to be computer literate.

My opinion is that in dental hygiene we are offering associate's degrees or certificates that are not commensurate with the time and effort needed to complete the degree. Dental hygiene science is so expanded from the scientific foundation upon which dental hygiene was established in the early 1900's that truly dental hygiene education takes at least four years to complete. I concur with the recommendations of the American Dental Hygienists' Association's (ADHA) Focus on Advancing the Profession paper that states that we should implement the baccalaureate degree as the entry point for dental hygiene practice within five years.

I loved dental hygiene, which is why I decided to pursue a BS and MS in Dental Hygiene. However, I was able to have a double major for my BS which was in Health Education. I would not change a thing; I love the path I took!

Their ultimate goals in life are the key factors. At some point they may want to diversify, and obtaining a BS degree is important for that. Also, be flexible, moving for an education is not a bad move, although it may be difficult.

Psychomotor, social and intellectual skills are all important.

More career opportunities and career re-motivation!

A bachelor's degree provides more opportunities and I have never heard a dental hygienist with a BS degree unhappy that they chose it. However, I do know many hygienists that have AS Degrees or certificates that would like to further their educations.

Generally, dental hygiene is a competitive field and you must have good grades, especially in the sciences.

Again, ADHA's Focus on Advancing the Profession eloquently states that one of our professional aims is to develop a dental hygiene labor force that keeps pace with the genetic revolution and other technological advances.

Enjoy it and realize that this is great opportunity to learn. Focus on having fun learning and the grades will follow.

There is a huge responsibility associated with working as a health care provider and that is something you don't always feel until you begin practicing.

It depends on which type of job you are interested in. Some work best by word of mouth; others may be position announcements, etc.

They are very common in BS and MS programs.

The opportunities keep growing and forecasts for dental hygiene are excellent.

That depends on the region of the country in which you plan to practice. RDH magazine does an annual survey.

Advanced dental hygiene practitioner will definitely have the most felt positive impact. This provider level will be advanced-level dental hygienists that can bring care to those without access.

Passion is necessary, absolutely!

Make your opportunities happen and you will be able to make a difference in at least one life.