Heather Thompson, of Centerline, has always wanted to be a hygienist. She can remember back to her youth of going for a teeth cleaning and being amazed at the intelligence and aptitude of the dental hygienist. After five years working as a dental assistant, Thompson’s now a senior dental hygiene student attending Baker College pursuing her dream career.

“I always admired the care that hygienists gave to their patients,” she explained. “Seeing the changes in a patient’s oral health, total health and overall attitude gave me the incentive to become a hygienist.”  

Thanks to the encouragement and support of her parents, children and friends, Thompson has pushed herself to be the best she could be. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, dedication and support from all of them,” she said.

Thompson said there’s a lot to like about a dental hygiene career, but she most enjoys working directly with the patients. She tries to teach them something new each day that they can take home, practice and take steps towards improving their oral health. She also enjoys demonstrating how to brush and floss properly, as well as discussing more serious conditions such as periodontal disease.

After graduation, Thompson said her plans include applying to the University of Michigan for the bachelor completion program, as well as finding employment to work full-time at a local office. She would especially enjoy working in a periodontal office, because she feels that’s where the greatest need is, and where she could make the biggest impact.

Her long-range goals include graduating from the University of Michigan, and starting a Master’s degree. She also envisions herself as an active member of the Michigan Dental Hygienists Association, and the American Dental Hygienists Association. She was recently chosen one of four student delegates to attend the 2009 MDHA House of Delegates where she sat in on a pre-meeting with the Oakland County component and had the opportunity to speak at the House on several different bylaws and resolutions. She said seeing several of her instructors in action at the meeting left her with an empowered feeling.

“I am very interested in the legislative portion of dental hygiene and want to be a change advocate for my profession,” Thompson said. “The correlation between oral health and total health is starting to be recognized, and I want to be a part of that.”

Heather Thompson, of Centerline, has always wanted to be a hygienist. She can remember back to her youth of going for a teeth cleaning and being amazed at the intelligence and aptitude of the dental hygienist. After five years working as a dental assistant, Thompson’s now a senior dental hygiene student attending Baker College pursuing her dream career.

“I always admired the care that hygienists gave to their patients,” she explained. “Seeing the changes in a patient’s oral health, total health and overall attitude gave me the incentive to become a hygienist.”  

Thanks to the encouragement and support of her parents, children and friends, Thompson has pushed herself to be the best she could be. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, dedication and support from all of them,” she said.

Thompson said there’s a lot to like about a dental hygiene career, but she most enjoys working directly with the patients. She tries to teach them something new each day that they can take home, practice and take steps towards improving their oral health. She also enjoys demonstrating how to brush and floss properly, as well as discussing more serious conditions such as periodontal disease.

After graduation, Thompson said her plans include applying to the University of Michigan for the bachelor completion program, as well as finding employment to work full-time at a local office. She would especially enjoy working in a periodontal office, because she feels that’s where the greatest need is, and where she could make the biggest impact.

Her long-range goals include graduating from the University of Michigan, and starting a Master’s degree. She also envisions herself as an active member of the Michigan Dental Hygienists Association, and the American Dental Hygienists Association. She was recently chosen one of four student delegates to attend the 2009 MDHA House of Delegates where she sat in on a pre-meeting with the Oakland County component and had the opportunity to speak at the House on several different bylaws and resolutions. She said seeing several of her instructors in action at the meeting left her with an empowered feeling.

“I am very interested in the legislative portion of dental hygiene and want to be a change advocate for my profession,” Thompson said. “The correlation between oral health and total health is starting to be recognized, and I want to be a part of that.”