Dental hygienists are on the front line of modern
medicine.
It is because studies reveal oral health can
provide warning signs for other conditions, especially heart disease. Take care of your gums and teeth, and the
likelihood of overall wellness dramatically improves.
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| Shavonne Healy |
This is why I was excited to interview Shavonne Healy, an
accomplished dental professional and rising star in the District of Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Included below is a recap of our fast paced
conversation in which we discussed the dental hygiene profession, health, wellness
and…you guessed it…the practice of hypnosis.
Question: When did you know
you wanted a career in the health profession?
I had a modest upbringing, so financial security and
independence were incredibly important to me.
Admittedly, I
originally thought I’d work in the culinary arts. However, in high
school I enrolled in the dental assistant program and really connected with the
instructor who encouraged me to continue on to hygiene school. She
remains a mentor.
Dental assisting came naturally to me and there is
stability in dentistry that appealed to me. It took me some
time
though to develop a true passion for dental hygiene.
The turning point for me was when I was working in a
pediatric dental office and had a special needs patient. I treated
him with respect and compassion, and learned from his mother that it had a
significant and positive impact on his life. I realized that being a dental
hygienist is more than scraping teeth.
We touch people’s lives in so
many ways. I truly believe my life’s purpose is to help people.
Question: Tell me about your
health-based approach to dental hygiene.
Dental health is 90 percent home care and life style
choices, and 10 percent professional care.
It’s more than simply
going to the dentist every 3-6 months. It is critically important
for a person to be educated and informed because it makes dental health a more
positive and beneficial experience. As a hygienist, I am an educator first.
Question: How about your own
personal health and wellness regimen?
According to the World Health Organization, the true
definition of health is mental, physical and social well-being. This
involves physical activity, healthy eating, avoiding alcohol and self-love.
I
like to practice what I preach and I am mindful of how I treat my body and what
I put in it. I also practice things like yoga and meditation to connect with my
heart which helps build real and meaningful relationships with people.
If
more people had self-love and lived their life with compassion, this would be
an easier world for all of us. It would be a healthier world to live in!
Question: You have now tried
hypnosis. What do you think? How do you feel?
My confidence feels grounded and rooted. I
feel stronger and mentally clear. There are no negative thoughts in
my head; no chatter. I think this is how everybody should feel.
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