Senior Dental Hygiene students are ready for their brush with brilliance – just in time for National Dental Hygienists Week.
Held annually across the country from April 4-10, NDHW is spearheaded by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association to shine a spotlight on the profession, which not only cleans teeth, but champions quality oral health care for their clients.
At NC, students turn the professional milestone into a hands-on mission to educate the public and support those in need, with an on-campus awareness event for the College community, as well as a Striking Smile bowling fundraiser.
“Niagara College students have the opportunity to participate in this celebration and experience the camaraderie, pride, and collective spirit of the dental hygiene community,” said School of Allied Health Professor Alaina Gauthier, who is leading students in the initiative. “Throughout the week, they not only celebrate being part of the profession but also share their passion with the broader NC community.”
On April 9, nearly 50 senior Dental Hygiene students will transform the Applied Health Institute foyer into a hub of interactive learning from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students are creating dynamic displays and games designed to spark conversations about dental dilemmas and smart brushing tips.
The engagement allows students to sharpen their advocacy skills while providing the College community with evidence-informed health information and some free oral health supplies.
“It’s a great chance for them to feel proud of the profession they’re stepping into, connect with their classmates, and show the College community what dental hygienists do every day,” said Gauthier.
Their outreach extends far beyond the campus boundaries. Students have been working to have several Niagara landmarks lit up purple in honour of the week, are leveraging social media to spread their message, and are supporting the less fortunate by collecting much-needed supplies for the Hope Centre – including toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouth rinse – to ensure everyone has access to basic oral care.
On the evening of April 10, students will flock to Parkway Social in St. Catharines for their Striking Smiles bowling fundraiser. From 7 to 9 p.m., more than 60 participants will gather to raise awareness and collect further donations for the Hope Centre. While tickets for the lanes have already sold out, the community may come out to cheer on the students, drop off donations, or even buy a separate lane to show their support.
For second-year student Emilee Cote, who has been instrumental in organizing the logistics and t-shirt designs for the fundraiser, the experience is deeply personal.
“I find it very rewarding to be part of this fundraiser. It’s a great feeling knowing that our efforts are supporting a meaningful cause while also bringing people together and raising awareness about oral health in a fun and engaging way,” she said.
Cote recalled that attending the event as a junior student was such a positive experience that she felt it was meaningful to now provide that same opportunity for the new junior students to connect and feel involved. Her dedication to the week stems from a deep connection to the profession itself.
“I was drawn to dental hygiene because I wanted a career that would provide stability for my children while still allowing me to do meaningful work,” said Cote. “As I learned more about the field, I realized how impactful oral health is on overall well-being, and I loved the idea of being able to educate and support clients.
“It felt like the perfect balance of caring for my family while also building a career where I can care for others and make a difference.”
Cote was excited to be a part of NDHW and looking forward to presenting an interactive booth with her team for the April 9 event.
“It’s a great opportunity to step outside of the classroom and apply what we have learned in a real-world setting. I love having the chance to educate the public in a way that feels fun, interactive, and approachable,” said Cote. “I’m really looking forward to interacting with the community and seeing people engage with what we’ve created.”
Members of the NC community can support the student initiative by stopping by the AHI foyer on April 9, dropping off donations, and following the initiative on Instagram at @ndhw2026.
Niagara College’s three-year (six term) advanced diploma Dental Hygiene program is based at the Welland Campus. Students gain clinical opportunities at the fully operational NC Dental Clinic as part of an allied health team.
