The Stories That Connect Us
Oct 29, 2026Over the past several months I've been gathering stories for the NNHH Member Highlight/Student Spotlight series. I've had the privilege of learning more about the people behind the credentials, careers, and accomplishments.
This is what I have really come to understand—behind every dental hygienist is a story worth telling. And the more stories I hear, the more I realize just how much we have in common.
I've connected with our hygienists who have taken their careers in unexpected directions, embraced new opportunities, challenged traditional expectations, and found meaningful ways to make a difference in their practices but even more importantly, in healthcare. Some have built careers around education, advocacy, leadership, or entrepreneurship. Others are working to bridge the gap between oral health and overall health, improve care for vulnerable populations, or help other hygienists discover what might be possible beyond the conventional dental office.
Their paths are different, but certain themes keep appearing. And I'm so impressed!
I am proud to be part of a profession full of possibility.
One of the most exciting things I've discovered is just how many ways there are to build a meaningful career in dental hygiene.
Our profession is not limited to one setting, one job description, or one definition of success. The members I've been featuring demonstrate how dental hygiene knowledge can open doors to leadership, education, consulting, interprofessional collaboration, entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation. Their stories are a reminder that our education is a foundation, not a boundary.
For hygienists who may feel restless in their current roles or curious about what else is out there, seeing someone else's journey can be the encouragement they need to start exploring their own possibilities!
There seems to be a common thread in all of their stories.
Despite their varied career paths, one thing consistently resonates throughout these Healthcare Hygienist stories is a genuine desire to make a difference.
Whether they are advocating for better access to care, supporting older adults, educating other healthcare professionals, advancing oral-systemic health, or mentoring fellow hygienists, these members share a commitment to something bigger than their own careers.
They see opportunities to improve care, challenge assumptions, and help others understand the important role oral health plays in overall well-being.
That shared purpose is powerful. It reminds me that while our individual careers may look very different, we are often working toward the same goals. Another theme that stands out is the willingness to step outside familiar territory and the courage to do something different.
Career growth doesn't always follow a straight line. It often means pursuing additional education. Sometimes it means starting a business, taking on a leadership role, collaborating with professionals outside dentistry, or speaking up about a gap in healthcare that needs more attention. These stories show that professional growth often involves curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to consider possibilities that weren't necessarily part of the original plan.
They also remind us that there is no single right way to build a fulfilling career.
We have more in common than we think.
One of my favourite aspects of this series is the opportunity to look beyond professional titles and credentials and discover the people themselves. Behind each accomplishment is a person who has made decisions, taken chances, learned along the way, and developed a vision for what they want to contribute. Their experiences can inspire us, but they can also help us feel less alone when we're considering a change, navigating a challenge, or wondering whether there's another way to use our skills.
That sense of connection matters, especially in a profession where hygienists can sometimes feel isolated in their individual workplaces or independent practices. When we share our stories, we create opportunities for others to learn from our experiences, recognize their own potential, and build relationships with people who understand the profession.
These stories matter to the NNHH community.
At NNHH, we know that advancing the message that oral health IS whole body health requires knowledgeable, engaged hygienists who are willing to collaborate, continue learning, and contribute to a broader vision of healthcare.
The members featured in this series demonstrate what that can look like in practice. Their stories help make the possibilities tangible. They show how dental hygienists can contribute to conversations about systemic health, advocate for patients, support other healthcare professionals, and influence the future of care. And so importantly, they remind us that advancing our profession is not something any one person accomplishes alone.
It happens when we share knowledge, recognize one another's contributions, and create connections that help us all move forward. It reminds me of the old adage that to go fast, go alone but to go far, go together!
Gathering these member stories has reinforced something I already believed: our profession is full of remarkable people doing meaningful work, often in ways that others may not even know about. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help bring those stories forward. And I am looking forward to sharing several more in the series as we have more graduates and more members doing amazing things in their unique communities.
Here are a few excerpts that you may find inspiring!
Elyse Milligan from Alberta, Canada: Exploring New Paths in Dental Hygiene
Elyse Milligan combines independent practice with experience in hospital-based oncology care and myofunctional therapy. Her journey demonstrates how specialized education and interdisciplinary collaboration can open doors beyond traditional clinical practice. She encourages hygienists to stay curious and explore the many opportunities their education can offer.
Patricia Mooradian from Massachusetts, USA: A Career Built on Curiosity
Patricia Mooradian has built a career combining myofunctional therapy, entrepreneurship, and dental content creation. Through her business, Rising Myo, and her work supporting children and families, she demonstrates how hygienists can apply their clinical knowledge in creative ways beyond the operatory. As an NNHH member, student, and former Board member, she encourages others to follow their interests and take the next step, even without having the entire path mapped out.
Tana Spencer from Oregon, USA :Redefining the Hygienist’s Role
Tana Spencer has developed a diverse career spanning clinical practice, university teaching, community prevention, and healthcare education. While pursuing a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, she continues exploring how leadership and communication can strengthen healthcare teams. Her goal is to help others recognize dental hygienists as educators, leaders, researchers, and essential members of the healthcare team.
Conclusion
If there is one thing I hope readers take away from this series, it is this; your career doesn't have to look like anyone else's to make a difference. And your story might be exactly what another hygienist needs to hear. And to the NNHH members and students who have shared their journeys, thank you for being willing to open up about your experiences and contributions. Your stories help strengthen our community and broaden our understanding of what it means to be a healthcare hygienist.
For you who are following our organization and reading along, I hope these highlights encourage you to stay curious, explore new possibilities, connect with colleagues, and recognize the impact you can have. When we share our stories, we don't just celebrate individual achievements. We help shape the future of our profession, together!
If you are a member, student or certificate holder at NNHH, share your story HERE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Colette Murray, RDH, CH-OSE
Colette has been an RDH for 22 years, with the last decade as an Independent Practitioner and mobile practice owner. Being an Oral Systemic Educator allows her to bring in knowledge and understanding of the bidirectional nature of oral systemic health to further help her clients in the eldercare medical communities where she works. She has a passion for leadership and strives to be a positive mentor for her colleagues. She has over two decades of varied professional experience and endeavors to leverage that for the benefit of other providers in the dental industry. Special projects and collaboration are what keep her going, inspire and invigorate her. She has lead and participated in several successful initiatives and found it to be a great way to add value to her professional life.
