I am a Vietnamese woman who was born and raised in Vietnam and have been resident in the US since 2001. I hold a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene, awarded by the University of ____ in January 2009.
I was raised in a country where people usually seek the services of a dentist only when in pain. Routine dental visits are unheard of. Regular personal dental care is widely neglected, and many people never even brush their teeth. Most people in Vietnam have lost all, or most, of their teeth by middle age; this is regarded as merely a natural consequence of aging.
Soon after my family came to the United States, I sought the services of a dentist and was informed that I had several cavities. It was explained to me that these would need to be filled and that a strict regimen of personal dental care was necessary to avoid further problems and avoidable loss of teeth. I encouraged other family members to seek help and similar issues were identified. Until now, I had little idea of the importance of dental health. Still, I quickly realized how significant it is, not only in cosmetic terms but also in maintaining good general health. I then decided that this would be a good field in which to devote my time and talents. I became a Dental Assistant in 2001 and have worked in dental surgeries since then. I now regard my work as more of a vocation than a mere career choice and feel privileged to have been able to fulfill it.
In 2005 and 2008, I returned to Vietnam as a volunteer and worked with several organizations. I spent time in remote, rural communities teaching children to read, repairing houses, and providing general assistance. I also worked, for a time, in the Hospital for Tropical Diseases as a patient representative, amongst other duties.
I would love, one day, to return to Vietnam to raise awareness of the importance of dental health and good basic personal routines. This mission is not just a personal aspiration; it stems from a profound understanding of how vital dental hygiene is to overall health and well-being. In many communities, particularly those facing economic hardships, access to dental care and education about oral health practices is severely limited. By returning to Vietnam, I aim to engage with local populations, sharing knowledge about the significance of maintaining good dental hygiene, such as regular brushing, flossing, and the impact of diet on oral health. I envision organizing workshops and community events where I can demonstrate effective dental care techniques, distribute educational materials, and encourage discussions about the benefits of good oral health. Furthermore, I would like to provide some personal dental care in poor communities, offering not only basic treatments but also preventive care that can significantly improve the quality of life for the residents. This could involve setting up temporary clinics where individuals can receive check-ups, cleanings, and treatments for common dental issues.
My goal is to make dental care accessible to those who typically would not seek it due to financial constraints or a lack of resources. In addition to direct care, I would love to be involved in designing courses for local dental hygienists. This initiative would focus on equipping them with the latest knowledge and techniques in dental hygiene, empowering them to serve their communities more effectively. I hope to infect them with my enthusiasm for ‘bringing a smile to the face of Vietnam,’ instilling a sense of pride and purpose in their work as they become advocates for dental health. By collaborating with local health organizations, I believe we can create a sustainable model of education and care that continues long after my visit. Moreover, I also hope to volunteer to help immigrants to the US from cultures in which dental health is a low priority. Many immigrants face challenges in adapting to a new healthcare system, and dental health is often overlooked amidst the myriads of adjustments they must make. By teaching them the lessons that I learned about the importance of oral hygiene and preventive care, I aim to bridge that gap. I plan to offer workshops and one-on-one sessions where I can share practical tips and resources that can help them integrate good dental practices into their daily lives. In addition to education, I aspire to provide treatment to those who cannot afford to pay, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from receiving the dental care they need. This could involve partnering with local clinics and organizations that focus on serving low-income populations, thereby expanding access to essential dental services. Through these combined efforts, I hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in both Vietnam and the immigrant communities in the US, fostering a culture of health and wellness that prioritizes dental care as a fundamental aspect of overall health.
I began my formal dental hygiene studies in 2006 and excelled in them. Since 2009, I have been employed as a Dental Hygienist and find that I can’t wait to start work each day; I genuinely love my job. I relate very well to patients and receive excellent feedback from them.
I am a hard-working person, as my academic results and honors demonstrate. I also offer a dedication to, and passion for, the improvement of dental health in the community. I feel that my experiences would enable me to provide valuable insights to the academic community. I hope very much to maximize my expertise as a dental hygienist, and I am sure that the master's program at ____ is the best means to do so.
Dental Hygiene Master Vietnamese Dental Missions
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