Convocation spotlight: Dental Hygiene '22 grad Elizabeth Comba

BSc dental hygiene '22 grad Elizabeth Comba. Photo supplied.

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

The time I spent up north at the School of Dentistry’s Satellite Clinic! It really opened up my eyes to the needs of underserved people in communities different from my own. I learned to work efficiently in a new environment while building genuine connections with my patients. I am proud of my resilience and positivity during long days when faced with changing schedules and clinical challenges.

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

At the beginning of the program, it was very challenging to balance the vigours of both class work and clinical experiences. I could not get past the desire to achieve an A in every course and consequently struggled to accept imperfections. This balancing act taught me to accept my successes and my failures and to acknowledge my limitations. I had to learn that the process of learning is complicated and that prioritizing my well-being is an important part of growth.

What initially drew you to this area of study?

I felt very strongly about providing care to others while also building meaningful interpersonal connections. The kind of patient-provider relationships that exist in dental hygiene has the potential to develop long-term with a degree of depth that I did not think I would be able to find in other fields. My past in outdoor education opened my eyes to the joy that comes from hands-on work and the passage of knowledge to clients. I found that dental hygiene could further develop these strengths through patient care and oral health education opportunities. It seemed like a perfect fit.

What lessons will you take from pursuing a degree during the pandemic?

I have learned a lot about acceptance and forgiveness. In the wake of program changes and shifting realities, there was the potential for so much disappointment. Similarly, there were a number of perspectives on the pandemic experience that had the potential to create discontent. I feel lucky to have learned to accept the conditions that exist and be able to take up such strong support systems in the faculty and among my peers. As people respond to challenging conditions, they may not act in ordinary ways, and I have learned not to fault people for how they respond to those high levels of stress.

What comes next for you in your career?

I plan to remain in the Edmonton community as a practising clinical dental hygienist. Although hands-on patient care has been my long-standing goal, I would also love to act as a preceptor at the student-run SHINE clinic in downtown Edmonton once I find my footing. In the long term, I have my mind open to returning to the School of Dentistry as a clinical instructor one day.

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

Get involved! The faculty and greater professional communities all have so many marvellous opportunities to meet others and to hear the perspectives of your fellow students. The Health Sciences Library committee, and Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Professionalism committees, for instance, introduced me to role models in the faculty that I would not have otherwise crossed paths with. So many organizations, like the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association are enthusiastic to engage with students. With just a little investigation, you can meet some remarkable leaders and develop both as a person and as a professional.