Every October, National Dental Hygiene Month gives us a moment to not only celebrate what we do but reflect on who we are. Reflection helps us remember why we chose this profession and why, even after long days and seemingly endless schedules, we continue to show up for our patients, our teams, and ourselves.
When I think back to when I began in dentistry, I see myself at 17 standing in a small operatory in my dental office in Chester, VA, observing my hygienist, Luanne, and watching how patients listened to the advice she gave them.
Even then, I saw the future of dental hygiene -- not just the day-to-day procedures, but the potential. I could see that the profession had the power to touch lives, restore confidence, and influence health far beyond the chair. I didn’t yet have the language for it, but I understood the feeling: This was a profession built on connection.
Vision beyond the operatory
Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH.
As I grew professionally, I continued to seek more education, greater meaning, and deeper connection. And each time I did, the world of possibility expanded.
I began to see the interdisciplinary nature of dental hygiene and how our work intertwines with medicine, nutrition, psychology, and emotional intelligence. Every collaboration revealed something new: that oral health is life health and that we are part of a continuum of care that accompanies our patients through every stage of their lives. We notice what others might miss. We are the ones who ask the deeper questions: about sleep, stress, habits, and hope.
That’s why the recently released 2025 American Dental Hygienists' Association Standards of Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice feel so powerful. They reflect everything our profession has grown to embody: integration, collaboration, and longevity-driven care. They remind us that our value lies in what we reveal with our patients -- the connections between oral conditions, systemic health, and quality of life.
From reflection to action
Reflection is essential, but it’s only the beginning. Reflection gives us clarity, action gives us progress. And that’s where desire comes in. Desire is an action verb.
It’s not passive wishing … it’s motion. It’s choosing to act on our own behalf, to grow, to lead, and to elevate the profession we love.
Every time we take a continuing education course, mentor a new hygienist, or advocate for a patient’s total health, we are acting on that desire. Every time we use our voice to educate, connect, or challenge the status quo, we are fulfilling that calling we once felt so strongly. Desire is what transforms reflection into purpose and purpose into legacy.
Remembering the excitement of the acceptance letter
This National Dental Hygiene Month, I encourage you to look back, not just at your career but at the moment you said yes to this profession. Remember the feeling of possibility. Remember the letter of acceptance into hygiene school. Remember the first patient who thanked you for listening. Remember the days you left the operatory knowing you had changed someone’s life, even in a small way.
We are teachers, advocates, and partners in health. We are the bridge between oral and systemic wellness. We are the voice of prevention and the hands of compassion.
The call forward
As we reflect this month, let’s also act. Let’s nurture that original desire that drew us here in the first place. Let’s use it to shape the future of this profession and the health of the people we serve. Because when desire meets action, we evolve. When reflection meets courage, we lead. And when we remember our why, we help people live longer, fuller lives. That’s the true power of dental hygiene. And it’s worth celebrating every single day.
Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH, is a contributing author to DrBicuspid, where she shares insights and strategies to empower dental hygienists in their careers. As a leader in clinical training, professional development, and team dynamics, Tanner provides resources to help hygienists elevate their practice and personal growth. For further support, join her free Facebook group, Next Level Dental Hygiene Career and Personal Development, and explore group training and on-demand courses at www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
