Hygiene Spotlight features an exceptional dental hygienist every month. This month, we are showcasing Rachael aka The Pink Hygienist. Rachael uses her online platform to showcase exciting new dental products and encourage patients to have more fun with their oral hygiene routine.
Why did you decide to pursue dental hygiene as a career?
I was working at an office job and really wasn’t enjoying it. I used my extended benefits to get a dental cleaning and met the cutest hygienist who made me think “Should I apply to a program?” I went home that evening and applied to NYU Dental hygiene and so began my career as a dental hygienist!
How/why did you start your Instagram account “The Pink Hygienist”?
In dental hygiene school, I felt like our go-to when recommending products was big brands like Oral B and Crest and, while I love those brands, I felt that we weren’t personalizing each person’s oral health regime. I started my account with the intent to introduce both dental professionals and the average user to the cool unique products that exist on the market in order to get people excited about their oral hygiene.
How do you keep such a positive attitude despite the stressors of life and career?
I always say that positivity is a choice. I literally choose to be happy each and every day that I am happy. Some days are definitely harder than others, but I find that when I choose to look in the mirror and be happy, I definitely have a way better day!
Do you have a mentor in the industry? How did you find them and any advice for finding a mentor?
My mentor was the most amazing professor Winnie Furnari. In her first words to me she told me to stop calling prophy’s cleanings and start calling them what they were: dental hygiene treatments. She mentored me and taught me all about the professional side of being an amazing dental hygienist and I miss her every day. The best mentor is someone you find amazing and then latching onto them and not giving them a choice but to mentor you! I definitely did that with her and am truly grateful every day.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I recently completed my Canadian boards, now becoming both a Canadian and American certified RDH and I have to say, I’m pretty proud of myself!
Advice for other dental hygienists?
Don’t just be a hygienist, become more than that! Other dental hygienists are the most incredible people I’ve ever met, the most creative and all around fun. Go to as many conferences as you can, join study clubs, and get active. It makes you a way better practitioner and will make you enjoy your career in a way you never imagined.
What is the one piece of technology or a product you could not work without?
I actually just started working in an office that has an Airflow and let me tell you: absolute GAME CHANGER!
What is your favourite tv show or movie and why?
I’ve always loved Zootopia – I love the music and the message!
You can reach Rachael on Instagram @the_pinkhygienist
