Creating this portfolio has been able to give me a snap shot of my time in the dental hygiene program and has highlighted some of my bigger projects and accomplishments. It has also allowed me to see how I have grown over time and helped me to identify some of my weaker areas that have since developed into strengths. For example, my communication skills have improved immensely. Being in this field of work requires you to see patients of all different ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds. Because of this I feel very confident in my ability to adapt to different people an effectively communicate with everyone.

My efficiency with scaling has also improved while still giving myself lots of time to go over patient education, treatment planning, home care and more. I feel like I am able to effectively get things done and not leave anything important out during a patients appointment. As clinic progressed I was even able to dismiss patients early due to finishing treatment quickly and effectively.

I will be able to apply what I’ve learned throughout this program in many different ways. The dental hygiene process of care will always be something that I implement daily throughout my career, so I am thankful to have learned that from the get go and continually put it to use in the clinic. Additionally, my communication skills will always be improving the more I see patients in private practice.