Building something meaningful requires more than an idea. It takes goals, planning, resources, time, energy, and a commitment to keep growing step by step. What I want to build is a stronger connection between oral health and overall health through better collaboration among healthcare professionals. My goal is to help bridge the gap between medical and dental care in a way that benefits both providers and patients, especially those in underserved communities. For much of history, oral health has been separated from the rest of healthcare, even though research continues to show that the mouth and body are closely connected. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and other health concerns can be influenced by oral health. When medical and dental professionals do not communicate or collaborate, patients may miss important referrals, education, or preventive care. This gap affects vulnerable populations the most, including those who already face barriers to access, transportation, insurance, and consistent healthcare. Returning to school as an adult after 20 years has shown me how quickly healthcare and education are changing. It has also strengthened my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating change. Through the AS-MS Dental Hygiene program at the University of Michigan, I am building the research skills, evidence-based knowledge, and leadership abilities needed to contribute to this important work. I want to better understand healthcare systems, improve communication between professions, and advocate for policies and workflows that make integrated care more accessible. Now that I am one year into my three-year program, I have already invested significant time and energy into this goal. I am not only working to advance my own education, but also to encourage others to recognize the value of interprofessional collaboration. I believe patients deserve to be treated as whole people, with oral health included as an essential part of their overall well-being. I want to build a future where patients feel valued, respected, and supported by a healthcare system that works together. By strengthening the connection between oral and medical care, I hope to become a stronger clinician, leader, and advocate while helping my community receive more complete, compassionate, and effective care.

My decision to complete my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene is rooted in one goal: expanding my ability to lead in prevention-focused care, patient education, and improved access to oral health services. As a dental hygienist for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen how strongly oral health is tied to systemic health—and how much difference skilled education, evidence-based practice, and prevention can make, especially for patients facing barriers to care. Completing my four-year degree is the next step in strengthening my expertise and broadening my impact beyond the operatory. I’m completing the bachelor’s portion of the University of Michigan’s AS–MS accelerated pathway while working and raising a family. I’m the primary caregiver for my children, including a son with a rare genetic disorder who is globally delayed, uses a wheelchair, and a communication device. My days include coordinating therapies, appointments, and insurance needs, while also supporting my daughter’s activities through coaching her soccer team and volunteering in our school district on the Parent Advisory Board to elevate family perspectives and inclusive programming. These responsibilities require constant planning and advocacy, and they’ve deepened my commitment to serving patients and families with empathy and clarity. I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree because it strengthens the leadership skills and academic foundation needed to create change at a systems level. The BS will deepen my ability to evaluate research, apply evidence-based protocols, and communicate effectively across interprofessional teams. It also positions me for expanded roles in education, public health initiatives, and program development—areas where I can help shape how future clinicians are trained and how preventive care is delivered. My plan for impact is practical and community-centered. First, I will use the BS training to elevate patient education in my clinical work—translating evidence into understandable, culturally responsive guidance that supports prevention and long-term behavior change. Second, my county community college has announced plans to start a dental hygiene program, and my long-term goal is to contribute as a clinical instructor and program builder. I want to help develop a program that prepares excellent clinicians who understand prevention, the oral-systemic link, and equitable care—and to mentor nontraditional students so they can persist through real-life barriers the way I have. Finally, I plan to strengthen my advocacy through professional associations and legislative outreach. With a stronger academic foundation and leadership preparation, I will be better equipped to support prevention-focused policy, workforce solutions, and initiatives that expand access to oral health services in Michigan and beyond. Completing my bachelor’s degree is not only an investment in my career—it’s a commitment to service and leadership. I’m pursuing this degree to widen the circle of people I can help: my patients, my community, and the future clinicians I hope to teach and mentor.