The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA, 2016) defines a dental hygienist as someone who promotes and maintains oral health, which contributes to overall health, and quality of life. Dental hygienists can be involved in many aspects of dentistry including clinical, public health, research, education, administration, and entrepreneurship.

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As a dental hygienist I currently work part-time providing direct patient care in general private practice. This role includes diagnostic services such as radiographs and periodontal assessments, preventative treatments such as administering local anesthetics, scaling & root planing, fluoride application, sealants as well as educating patients on proper home care. I also work as a part-time clinical instructor with first and second year dental hygiene students, as well as second year dentistry students, at Dalhousie University. Within this role I educate and oversee students providing care within the Dalhousie Dental Clinic. I am also currently pursuing a Masters in Health Studies through Athabasca University.