Convocation Spotlight: Dental Hygiene '24 grad Jaskaranjit Kaur Dhaliwal

Dental Hygiene '24 grad Jaskaranjit Kaur Dhaliwal. Photo supplied.

Looking back at her experience in the dental hygiene program at the University of Alberta, Jaskaranjit Kaur Dhaliwal remembers the challenges of balancing a rigorous pre-professional program with parenting responsibilities. Whenever she felt overwhelmed by the academic pressures, she would find inspiration in the clinical experiences she had, helping patients at the Kaye Edmonton Clinic and through the program SHINE.

We asked Dhaliwal what she loves about working in dental hygiene, her favourite memories from her degree, and what comes next in her career.

What initially drew you to dental hygiene?

I've wanted to work in health care since I was in high school and I was particularly interested in the dental field because of its critical role in maintaining overall health and quality of life. I’m inspired to provide preventive, educational and therapeutic dental hygiene services to enhance the oral health of the community.

What are you most proud of from your time in the program?

I am fortunate to have been in the baccalaureate dental hygiene program, which provided me with numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Among the many accomplishments I am proud of, my participation in the summer research program stands out as a significant milestone. This experience increased my awareness of rigorous research methodologies while enhancing critical thinking and time management abilities, providing me with tools to contribute to the ever-evolving evidence-based practices. Furthermore, my volunteer work with SHINE, a student-run initiative committed to providing oral health services to underserved communities, has been a gratifying experience. This opportunity has enabled me to advocate for equitable oral health-care access in my community.  

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your degree?

Learning the complex yet simple skill of time management — handling my demanding academic load while also taking care of my children and participating in volunteer work. It tested my resilience and commitment. However, with the strong support of my family, close friends and the program's supportive faculty members, I overcame this significant barrier and managed to find a balance between my many responsibilities.

How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?

My clinical rotations gave me a much-needed break from academics by allowing me to engage meaningfully with patients. My enthusiasm renewed as I interacted with the community at Kaye Edmonton Clinic and was reminded of the significance of what we do. Every interaction with patients who saw how our treatment enhanced their lives strengthened my commitment. These therapeutic encounters enabled me to rediscover why I was drawn to this admirable profession. 

What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program?

Recognize the time commitment that comes with a demanding course load. This rigorous curriculum involves continuous studying, tests, clinical work and a bare minimum of free time. Honing the ultimate skill of time management can help you succeed with heavy coursework, labs and clinical components. Furthermore, it is critical to prioritize your mental health by engaging in activities outside of academia. Last but not least, believe in yourself and the process and you'll succeed. 

What have you learned about yourself?

I learned how believing in myself helped me reach my goals. After suffering through a period of lack of confidence, I got it back through this program. By setting priorities, I improved my critical thinking, detail-oriented thinking, communication and multi-tasking skills. Equipped with knowledge, competence in my field and unwavering confidence, I now confidently pursue challenging goals with passion and commitment. 

What comes next for you?

Looking ahead, I'm passionate about promoting oral health-care access in rural communities and contributing to their overall well-being. However, I also envision potentially shaping public health policies and initiatives to elevate oral health standards for entire communities. While these aspirations resonate deeply now, I remain open-minded, allowing my journey to guide me authentically. I embrace a flexible mindset, as my passions may evolve with new experiences, aligning me with the path that creates the most meaningful impact.