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In this exciting episode of Dental-ish, we dive deep into the world of dental hygiene with our esteemed guest, Dr. Tonya Jeffries. As a prominent figure in the field, Dr. Jeffries shares her extensive experience and insights, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in dental hygiene and its evolving landscape.
We kick off the conversation by introducing Dr. Jeffries, who has an impressive background in academia and advocacy. She has held various roles, including faculty member, clinical coordinator, and program director. Notably, she made history as the first African American president of the Maryland Dental Hygienist Association, where she has been instrumental in advocating for legislative changes that expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists in Maryland.
Dr. Jeffries discusses her recent accomplishments, including the publication of her book, The Dental Hygiene Hack, which serves as a guide for aspiring dental hygiene students. She also reveals her innovative creation of the first mobile dental hygiene app designed to support students throughout their educational journey. This app is a game-changer, providing essential resources and tracking tools to help students succeed in their programs.
As we delve into the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in dental hygiene, Dr. Jeffries shares her research on the lack of diversity in the field and the disparities that exist. She emphasizes the importance of representation and mentorship, particularly for students of color, and how her work aims to bridge these gaps.
The conversation takes a personal turn as we reflect on our own journeys in the dental hygiene profession. Dr. Jeffries and I share our experiences of navigating the challenges of being minorities in a field where representation is often lacking. We discuss the importance of support systems, mentorship, and the need for organizations like Brown Girl RDH to empower and uplift aspiring dental professionals.
Throughout the episode, we touch on the evolving expectations of new generations entering the workforce. Dr. Jeffries highlights the differences in attitudes and behaviors among today's students compared to previous generations, particularly regarding professionalism and accountability. We explore how these changes impact the dental hygiene profession and the importance of adapting our teaching methods to meet the needs of today's learners.
As we wrap up the episode, Dr. Jeffries shares valuable lessons she's learned along her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and obedience to one's goals. We also discuss the significance of community and collaboration in driving change within the dental hygiene field.
Listeners will walk away from this episode with a wealth of knowledge about the dental hygiene profession, the importance of diversity and mentorship, and practical advice for aspiring dental hygienists. Dr. Jeffries' passion for her work and commitment to making a difference in the field is truly inspiring, making this episode a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we uplift one another.
- "I created CE courses. I do a CE course on implants, third molars." - 00:01:31
- "We have great disparities of oral health in our communities, and we need clinicians that look like us who are able to speak to and be effective in those communities." - 00:04:37
- "I had a 4.0 the entire time. Like I was like, I already made it to make it." - 00:08:06
- "I just knew I had to work harder and I knew there were other challenges to overcome." - 00:05:39
- "The hygiene hack really does give that upfront infor
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