Motivated by a passion to become an oral health professional and with a strong work ethic, Deepkumar (Deep) Patel, 28, was fully engaged at Niagara College during his time in the Dental Hygiene program.
Deep with classmates at the Welland Campus during Dental Hygiene Week
Getting involved both inside and outside of the classroom, and always with a smile on his face, Deep excelled in his program, made meaningful connections with faculty and classmates and found a love for the client education and advocacy side of the field.
Deep’s dedication earned him two awards at the Dental Hygiene program’s award celebration earlier this year: the Dental Staff Award, given to a graduating student who demonstrates strength of character, integrity and determination of studies, and the Clinical Leadership Award Certificates Criteria, given to students who have regularly demonstrated leadership in clinic.
This fall ahead of his graduation, Deep returned home to India for the first time in nine years to spend time with his mom. They will watch his October 24 ceremony together more than 12,000-kilometres from the Welland Campus via NC’s Convocation livestream.
Deep looks forward to returning to Canada in November to pursue career opportunities in dental hygiene, specifically with advocacy organizations or public health departments, while continuing to run his pizza business in Hamilton.
Read more about Deep’s NC experience in below.
What were you doing before attending NC?
I attended Seneca College, earning an Advanced Biotechnology diploma and graduating in 2018. After that, I began working at Bureau Veritas. In 2021, I decided to become my own boss and explore a business opportunity. Currently, I own a pizza restaurant in Hamilton.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
Factors in choosing NC included the college’s strong reputation for health programs, hands-on learning opportunities, modern facilities, and, most importantly, supportive faculty. My passion for becoming an oral health professional drove my decision. I have always been intensely interested in oral health and overall well-being to help others maintain good dental hygiene. Additionally, the demand for dental hygienists is consistently high, providing strong job security and career opportunities.
What interests you in / why are you passionate about your field of study?
I wanted to help others achieve and maintain optimal oral health, directly impacting their overall well-being. Additionally, I love to educate and motivate people about their oral hygiene and routine practices.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change after you started?
Like many students, I had a specific career goal when enrolling in a dental hygiene program, such as becoming a registered dental hygienist and working in a private practice. However, as I progressed through the program, my goal evolved based on NC experiences, interests, and opportunities. I discovered my passion for client education and advocacy, which will allow me to seek a career in advocacy organizations or public health.
How did you find your program experience? Do you have any highlights?
My program experience at Niagara College was exceptional. I volunteered for an open house a few times at NC, and I highlighted how the Dental Hygiene program includes hands-on training, supportive staff and faculty, community placements and career and board exam preparation.
Deep and classmates in the Dental Clinic at NC Open House
What did you find rewarding about your program / area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
There are a couple of things I will never forget about NC. The first is skill development. I failed the dental hygiene Instruments part 1 completely. However, the faculty helped me to master the skills, which was incredibly fulfilling. Secondly, building relationships with clients and seeing the positive impact of the care was memorable.
Lastly, the school project we completed was an unforgettable experience. My peers and I organized a fundraising and oral care products-raising bowling event during National Dental Hygiene Week, through which we raised about $400 and a box of oral hygiene products. We donated it all to the Hope Centre. We also had an opportunity to present our advocacy project to local MPP, Jennie Stevens, which was surreal.
Deep with his dental hygiene classmates at a bowling fundraiser organized by the program
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
While studying dental hygiene full-time, I balanced managing my business by allocating specific times for classes, studying, and business tasks, which helped me stay organized and focused. Despite the challenges, my dedication to my education and business drove me to stay disciplined. This effort culminated in achieving a spot on the President’s honour roll, demonstrating my commitment to excellence in both areas.
My dental hygiene journey would not have been possible without the support of so many individuals. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, my wife and her parents, and my school peers. Their unwavering support and encouragement were invaluable in helping me achieve my dental hygiene diploma. Thank you for believing in me and being there every step of the way.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities at NC?
During my time in the dental hygiene program, I actively participated in extracurricular activities, serving as a student representative. In this role, I communicated student concerns to faculty and organized events. This involvement enhanced my leadership skills and allowed me to contribute positively to the program.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Yes, my experience at NC has significantly prepared me for the future. The competitive dental hygiene program equipped me with essential clinical skills and knowledge. The multifaceted experience has instilled a strong sense of resilience and adaptability, which will be crucial in my future endeavors.
What’s next for you /are you working/ or working towards a career goal or are you planning to pursue further education?
I am currently focused on pursuing a career in dental hygiene, which includes obtaining further education to achieve a degree in the field.
In the long term, I aim to work with advocacy organizations such as the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA). I am dedicated to advocating for people’s oral health and rights, and I believe these organizations play a vital role in promoting dental hygiene and public health. Engaging with them would allow me to combine my dental hygiene knowledge with my commitment to advocacy, enabling me to make a meaningful impact in the field.
