Why I became a Dental Hygienist

I've worked as a dental hygienist for 30 years. It has worked very well for me. There was a very satisfying interval of about 7 years, when I was home with my children; our little family was living the dream life. We went to church and did things as a family. Very nice existence. But I had the feeling that something was going to happen to change this beautiful life. I had a feeling within me that my life would change and I needed to prepare for a difficult time ahead. I studied the Gospel, went to church, had lots of family time and activities, and did all I could think of to strengthen myself and my family.
Then in 1976 my husband, Robert, had a heart attack. While we were out to a movie, he began feeling like he had indigestion. He went to get a 7-UP. It didn’t help so he wanted to go home. We were in the parking lot when I was able to get a good look at him. I decided to drive right to the Balboa Naval Hospital Emergency. He was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit. He was sent home after two weeks and was told that he needed to slow down, quit smoking and drinking, which he did. But he was still having symptoms and decided to move to another branch of Patterson Dental Company where there might be less stress. They valued his work so much they gave him his choice. He could pick anywhere they had an office.
He chose Portland, OR. We arrived Dec 23rd of 1977 and Robert had his first open heart surgery Feb 16, 1978. It failed by June. He told me that he wanted me to get an education so that if he died I would be able to support the family.
My research indicated it would take me 4 years of schooling to be able to make enough income to support the family. I looked into teaching and other professions, and then I remembered dental hygiene.
I had been a dental assistant in my 20s when I was alone with two babies to support. It didn't make enough money and I made up my mind to become a dental hygienist if I ever had to work again.
My research indicated it would take me 4 years of schooling to be able to make enough income to support the family. I looked into teaching and other professions, and then I remembered dental hygiene. Still I thought I'd like to do something in my major at college when I was 19, Sociology or Social Work. Looking at the earnings in that field, I went back to thinking Dental Hygiene.
I researched the schools in our area. There were 7 schools within driving distance. I picked the closest school for convenience, which happened to be the 10th ranked dental hygiene school in the nation. This profession would only take me 3+ years.
I was worried and anxious about being so involved in something for such a long time. What would happen to my family if I was absent from home so much? I was very involved with my children and Robert. Robert was having so much trouble managing his heart disease. It just seemed such a long time to finish my education to be able to support my family. Who knew what would happen in the interim, and would I be employable as a 40 year old dental hygienist? Being 40 years old was a worry because 95% of hygienists are in their early 20s and look like they could be models. My friend said, “You will be 40 years old in 4 years anyway, and if you don’t go to school you still won’t be able to support your family.” Ah, that did it. I was committed to becoming the best hygienist I could, so I would be employable when I graduated.
I spent my first quarter taking only allied health math. It took me 8 hours to finish my first day’s homework. It had been so long since I had taken any classes my brain was mush. I got faster as I went. I got an A because the teacher was terrific. He had a master’s degree in math. He answered every question asked, even if it had been asked before. He loved math so much, it rubbed off on us.
I took my pre-requisites, getting all As. Then I applied to the Dental Hygiene Program and they accepted me, thankfully. I was 37 years old. Most of the students were just out of high school. I was aware that my age would be a factor when applying for a job, so I determined to be the best hygienist I possibly could be.
Robert’s second open heart surgery was my first week in dental hygiene school.