Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing Kellie Watson and her extraordinary work in Saskatchewan’s oral health community.
Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career?
I have always had a passion for health and wellness, and I love helping people. As a child, I looked forward to going for oral health appointments, but to be very honest, I didn’t know at a young age that dental hygiene was for me. In high school, I thought being a teacher or a lawyer were going to be one of my chosen careers. However, in my early university years, I found a love for health science courses, especially anatomy and physiology. At the same time, I worked part-time at a dental office calling patients to book their recare appointments. So when dental hygiene came across my radar, it seemed like an ideal fit for me. As my career has progressed, it truly has been the perfect blend: dental hygiene, health sciences, law and education.
Can you talk a bit about your work for the Saskatchewan Health Authority to improve oral care for residents of long-term care homes?
This position has really been a full-circle type of situation for me. Years ago, when I was the Registrar/CEO for the SDHA, I worked for many years with other leaders in Saskatchewan to develop the Better Oral Health in Long-Term Care Program. This past year, a dental hygiene job description was finally approved by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and 4 dental hygienists (including me) have been hired to further the programming for seniors and those living in long-term care. Our team supports the care homes in Saskatoon and the surrounding area by educating staff and families, providing and assisting staff with oral assessments, helping the nurses and CCA’s do daily oral care, and coordinating dental care by oral health professionals when needed. We are also working on inter-disciplinary teams in acute care settings to assess and treat patients that may be dealing with an oral issue. Often SLPs will identify oral concerns during their care, and then refer these to us. It is the start of an amazing relationship that will allow us to provide more comprehensive and effective care to clients. Presentations and education sessions are a big part of our role too, to inform and teach in CCA and nursing education programs, educate practitioners in acute care and with staff and families of long-term care homes. I have also had the pleasure of creating an online teaching module and providing hands-on training to Public Health Nurses working in Children’s Health Clinics. This program is part of the SHA’s initiative to decrease the number of children undergoing surgery with GA to fix preventable oral disease, and includes oral screenings, anticipatory guidance and fluoride varnish being incorporated into standard immunization appointments. There is so much need and the potential to increase the care and support that is provided, and I am extremely excited to be a part of the Oral Health Program in the SHA as it develops and grows.
Do you have a mentor in the industry? How did you find them and any advice for finding a mentor?
I have had some great mentors over the years, but Salme Lavigne has had the most significant impact on me and my career. Our paths crossed in Winnipeg when Manitoba dental hygienists became self-regulating and I was hired as the first Registrar for the CDHM. Salme was the Director of the School of Dental Hygiene at the U of M, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be a clinical instructor and course coordinator within the dental hygiene program too. She is such a strong leader and has a passion for oral health that was second to none. I have always admired her knowledge, expertise and confidence, always striving to learn more and do more. She has inspired me to do the same, and I am grateful to call her a colleague and friend.
Advice for other dental hygienists?
Being a dental hygienist is rewarding in a lot of ways but it is also very challenging too. My best advice is to do the following:
- Take Care of Yourself! We give so much of ourselves every hour of every day. Prioritize self-care by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, practising stress management techniques, establishing a positive work environment, and seeking support when needed. When did time to go to the bathroom and lunch breaks become a luxury? Every day needs to have balance and include time for you to take care of yourself.
- Never stop learning! Whether its professional development, acquiring higher education like a bachelors, masters or PhD, or maybe it’s a new hobby or skill. Growth is so important for personal and professional fulfillment.
- Think outside the box! When we start our careers, we join practices and do things the way they have always done them, and it sometimes it may feel like putting a square peg into a round hole. Times have changed and the needs of people are so varied. Don’t hesitate to be the change agent, the trailblazer or entrepreneur! Everyone will benefit.
What is your favourite thing about teaching?
EVERYTHING!I love creating and developing curriculum, activities, presentations, and labs – making the learning fun and memorable for the students. I really enjoy developing relationships with the students and watching them grow from the start of the program till the time they graduate. Mentorship in this environment is such a meaningful and mutually beneficial experience and I have such a passion for what I teach.
