Amanda Dahl
RDH, BHSc

I have been a dental hygienist in beautiful Victoria, BC for 14 years. I started my path into the health field from a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in my early twenties. It was such a huge learning curve for me even though I already lived a very healthy lifestyle. I was in the process of training for a marathon when I was diagnosed. This lead my interest to change from marketing to health. I started in an administrative setting in a medical clinic which led to dental administration. While I embarked into the dental field I found myself "in the back" operatories frequently. Dental hygiene appealed to me as the goal is reducing the bacterial load in the patients mouth which benefits systemic health. During my dental hygiene education I focussed my presentations on the diabetic correlation to oral health and appreciated giving the perspective of a type 1.

​

The British Columbia College of Health Professionals (BCCOHP) explains that the primary roles of a dental hygienist are clinical therapy, health promotion, education, administration and research. Clinical therapy is provided in a way that meets the specific needs of each patient. It is expected that dental hygienists remain current in new and alternate technology advancement. BCCHOP explains that all health professions must establish a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) in accordance with the Health Professionals Act. Dental hygienists perform an assessment tool for their learning outcomes for the QAP program which will identify areas of weaknesses (areas to focus their continuing education). The hygienist will develop a learning plan that addresses these learning outcomes and are expected to complete 75 hours of education in a 5 year period (BCCOHP, 2022). 

​

References

British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals. (2022). Practice Resources. 
https://oralhealthbc.ca/