Oral Health Month Faculty Spotlight

Clinical dental hygiene professor Alexandra Sheppard

April is Oral Health Month! The School of Dentistry is excited to recognize the importance of maintaining good oral health. Alexandra Sheppard (DH ‘93) has been a full-time faculty member of the school since 2004. She is a registered dental hygienist who is a strong advocate for raising the bar on the importance of good oral health care. Here, she shares why she chose dental hygiene as a profession and offers tips for good oral health care.

What got you interested in dentistry or dental hygiene?
It was my dentist, Dr. Lynn Wright in the 70s, one of the first female dentists, then Dr. Johanna Magathan in the 80s. I had positive experiences as a child and during my orthodontic years. I would teach my friends the importance of brushing their teeth at lunchtime to prevent staining of the teeth. I still remember watching the videos in the orthodontic practice and embracing the importance of brushing after all meals to prevent decalcification. During my 2nd year of university, I had Organic Chemistry 350, in the Dent Pharm building and there was a scent—"the dental office smell"—I just loved it! Seeing the students in their tunics going to clinics and lectures was inspiring.

What does oral health care mean to you?
A mouth free from disease. Free from bleeding and free from inflammation. Gingiva that appears coral pink, and not angry, red or inflamed. Teeth which are caries free and restorations that are well maintained. A tongue that delights when food is eaten and is not hairy, not coated and not uncomfortable when eating. Lips that don't hurt when stretched or kissed.

If there is one tip or piece of advice you could give your patients, what would it be?
It's flossing... Brushing well daily and flossing or interdental cleaning daily is the key to oral health. It's not just the in and out of flossing, it's really removing the plaque off of the teeth, contouring the floss and disrupting the plaque biofilm.

What do you love about your profession the most?
I love the interactions with patients and guiding their progress in their journey of oral health. I have been with the same practice for over 26 years. I truly am proud of being a registered dental hygienist and still have the same passion for dental hygiene care as I did on the day I was accepted as a student. I have been an educator for 23 years and truly, teaching is the best part of it. Seeing the students have their "aha" moments but also seeing their growth and their passion develop over the years of their studies is very rewarding. I am absolutely passionate about dental hygiene and the impact I have been able to make on the profession provincially and nationally.

What does leading with purpose mean to you?
I find the new brand promise excellent! Why are we teaching? To ignite passion with our students, our colleagues and our profession. To demonstrate that we are part of the University of Alberta and proud to be part of this amazing community. We are guiding the next generation forward to lead.