Amber Auger, MPH, RDH
What is your “why” behind your passion for dental hygiene?
I pursued a career in dental hygiene because we have the unique ability to assist in the prevention of oral and systemic diseases. My favorite aspect of the profession is creating customized plans for patients that build confidence in their ability to reduce the risks of oral disease. We provide education that not only prevents oral disease but can also save lives. I’ve had the privilege of providing dental hygiene services worldwide and experiencing the magical truth: a smile is the same in every language.
What is your focus for 2023?
My focus for 2023 is to elevate how we provide preventive care throughout the dental profession. My goal is to move the mindset from treating symptoms to identifying root causes. Along with the customizable integration templates I’ve created, this will change how we integrate oral and systemic health and transform care for patients. Additionally, I will focus on increasing the number of participants in my Thrive in the OP program. The program provides professionals with clinical and business skills we did not learn in school. It is a collaborative community to support one another on various topics.
Other RDH advisory board profiles:
Amanda Hill, Melia Lewis, and Michelle Strange
Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH
What is your “why” behind your passion for dental hygiene?
I figured out my “why” as a student when I was asked to help a fellow struggling student improve their skills. It was so rewarding to help someone else succeed, and I found that I loved educating. In 2014 some colleagues mentioned making skills videos to help students who were struggling. The idea that other dental hygienists might like helpful videos on skills and tools led to the creation of Hygiene Edge. Together with Jessica Atkinson and Melia Lewis, we strive to inspire, educate, and promote best practices through helpful videos and content. The reach has been more than we ever could have imagined, with over 17 million views on our videos.
What is your focus for 2023?
2023 is going to be “the best year yet,” as Melia always says! We have several opportunities to share our voices with fellow dental professionals through speaking and online promotions. Individually, some goals this year include adding more creative active learning in my dental hygiene classroom. I am also focusing on doing more local mobile dentistry through my company, Homebound Smiles, traveling to patients on my cargo bike and serving those who have barriers to receiving oral health care in my community in an environmentally friendly way.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the January/February 2023 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
