As a child, Amy Parente knew she wanted to become a dental hygienist, but her first career was working in a bank. She worked there for several years, but after the bank was robbed for the third time, her husband reminded her of her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. By that time, she and her husband had already started a family, and Amy was nervous about going to hygiene school at age 25. She knew it would require many sacrifices, but she took a leap of faith and “never looked back.”
Amy believes that she was meant to become a hygienist all along, and her advice to others who are considering a career change is to follow their passion. “Life is too short to pacify your dreams!” she says.
Amy currently works chairside six days a week in a general practice in Texas. She shares her enthusiasm for her profession through her social media platforms: Facebook: facebook.com/amy.parente.rdh and Instagram: @amyparente_rdh.
Amy enjoys receiving messages from other hygienists telling her that she has helped reignite their passion for dental hygiene. “The thought that I am able to empower dental professionals to continue to work in a field dedicated to helping improve the lives of others is such a blessing, and I am so grateful to be a part of this community,” she says. “I’m so excited to see where my hygiene career takes me! I love empowering others and would love to someday host continuing education courses or work in a dental hygiene program. I am so appreciative to be a part of this field, and my arms are open to whatever the future has in store for me.”
In her downtime, Amy loves to read and spend time with her husband and 10-year-old daughter, traveling or doing anything that involves being outside.
Congratulations, Amy Parente, and welcome to the RDH Community Connections (RCC) dental hygiene influencer program!
Editor's note: This article appeared in the May 2023 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
