Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month we are showcasing Janet Star Kuo, a Registered Dental Hygienist, creator and mother. She shares her unique path into dental hygiene and her journey of writing and self-publishing her own book.
Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career?
I did not enter dental hygiene by design. I actually studied Psychology at the University of California San Diego. During sophomore year, I decided not to pursue psychology as a profession, and instead accelerated my remaining studies to graduate in three years. I then remember considering Nursing or Dental Hygiene. A friend at that time enjoyed being a dental hygienist and they convinced me to try it. After graduation, I enrolled in multiple junior colleges to complete the dental hygiene prerequisites and two years later, I was accepted into the Dental Hygiene program at Cerritos College in Los Angeles.
Can you tell us about how you got into creating art and doodles?
I have been into art and creating things since childhood. As a full-time dental hygienist, I needed a creative outlet and discovered evening classes at Otis Art and Design College in Los Angeles. I was hooked after my first night class. I took many different courses throughout the years, from letter pressing to screen printing. I eventually completed a Product Design Certificate program through Otis Art and Design College during the pandemic. Being a student at Otis College played a crucial role in my art journey; the students and professors kept me inspired and always wanting to create.
Have you ever incorporated art into your dental hygiene practice, such as through patient education materials or office decor?
During the pandemic, I started sharing Instagram videos of how I cleaned my toddler boys’ teeth. I received positive feedback from people craving more tips. After seeing the feedback from a few more social posts, I created an Instagram account showcasing my dental art and tips: @janet.thedoodlinghygienist
Seeing the feedback I was generating from Instagram with my art, I decided to open an Etsy store. I sell stickers, decorative pillows, wall art, clothing and much more, all featuring my original artwork: SweetSmilesStudio.etsy.com
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
My biggest accomplishment is writing and self-publishing a children’s book called “I Love My Teeth”. In 2019, while looking for children’s books about teeth to read to my young boys, I noticed most didn’t mention flossing or cleaning your tongue. I complained enough that my husband asked what I was going to do about it. At that moment, I said I would just write my own book. I first tried an illustrator, but had a challenging time getting my vision onto paper. My gut said to do it myself, so I bought an iPad Pro and learned to use the powerful Procreate app. It took a year of constant revisions to write and illustrate “I Love My Teeth”, and the pandemic also gave me time to learn how to self-publish my work. I’m extremely proud of this achievement, and I love hearing how much my book has helped improve the lives of my customers’ families.
What is the one piece of technology or a product you could not work without?
I love using an iPad Pro with Apple Pencil to doodle. Procreate is affordable software for those curious about art. I actually illustrated my entire children’s book, “I Love My Teeth”, using Procreate.
What advice would you give to other dental professionals who also have creative passions outside of dentistry?
For dental professionals with a creative itch, you just have to go for it and try things out. I think it is important to always have a creative outlet regardless of your profession and age. Being makers and creators, whether it is writing or welding, is not only therapeutic, but can bring a sense of joy, fulfillment, and control. There is also a social and community element too. I have been fortunate to meet so many people through my art.
You can find Janet at the following places online:
Email: smilesforjanet@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram: @janet.thedoodlinghygienist
Check out her Etsy: www.sweetsmilesstudio.etsy.com
