Dental Hygiene students are taking the lead on National Dental Hygiene Week celebrations on campus, on social media and in the community.
More than 50 senior Dental Hygiene students have been wearing with pride as part of their ongoing celebrations for National Dental Hygiene Week (NDHW) April 7-11.
They kicked off NDHW with a social media campaign – follow them on Instagram at @ncdhweek25. Celebrations drew students, staff and faculty to the Applied Health Institute (Welland Campus) on the morning of April 10, where they hosted games, giveaways and showcased displays for the college community.
Students will cap off the week by hosting a Striking for Smiles bowling benefit on April 11 (6:30 p.m.). The event, to be held at Parkway Social St. Catharines, will bring NC dental students from various programs and levels together to support vulnerable populations in the community. Monetary donations and oral health care products will be collected for The Hope Centre.
A collection box was also placed in the NC Dental Clinic to collected donations throughout the week.
The spirit of NDHW will be illuminated throughout Niagara and across Canada. Landmarks across Canada will be lit purple to celebrate and promote NDHW as part of a national initiative, including Niagara Falls (Friday, April 4), Welland’s Main Street Bridge 13 (Saturday, April 5) and the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie (Thursday, April 10).
In addition, NC Dental faculty have joined Dental Hygienists across Canada to organize municipal landmark lightings.
Meet the students
In the spirit of NDHW, InsideNC caught up with a few students who are playing a key role in the festivities and asked them what drew them to Dental Hygiene and to NC.
Amna Ahmed
“I’ve always had a passion for helping people and knowing that I can make a real difference in someone’s oral health and confidence is what keeps me going. There’s just something so fulfilling about being able to educate clients/patients, help them achieve healthier smiles, and give them the tools they need to maintain good oral hygiene throughout life.
Before I joined the Dental Hygiene program, I was in the Dental Assisting program at Niagara College, and I absolutely loved it! That experience really opened my eyes to the impact I could have in the dental field, and it made me realize I wanted to take my skills even further.
Coming back for Dental Hygiene was definitely the right choice; it’s deepened my understanding of client care and strengthened my passion for education and preventive care. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and making a difference in the lives of my future clients!
Olivia Herod
“The Dental Hygiene program was my first choice when applying to colleges. I was drawn to Niagara College’s strong sense of community and the opportunity to complete an accelerated 24-month program. My interest in dental hygiene began with childhood experiences and was solidified through my high school co-op, where I developed a deep appreciation for oral health care and its impact on overall well-being.
I’m passionate about preventive care and educating others on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. I like how dental hygiene offers an opportunity to take on an autonomous role in patient care–one where I can actively promote oral health, prevent disease, and make a meaningful difference in an individual’s life.”
Zarish Mumtaz
“From a young age, I’ve been involved within my community in multiple different ways. I knew I wanted to help this passion flourish by doing something that makes a difference. I started out with Dental Assisting at Niagara College, which helped deepen my interest within the dental field, leading me to Dental Hygiene.
It was the right choice as I am seeing firsthand that through education and providing care to my clients, I am able to make a positive difference in their oral health and smiles. Although it is bittersweet as our journey within the program is nearing the end, I look forward to continuing learning and growing within this career while making a difference!
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Purple reigns at NC for NDHW April 7-11
