On Track with Kathleen
Your monthly reset button for professional growth and personal well-being
The beginning of a new year often brings a natural sense of renewal. It’s a time when many of us feel motivated to reset, refocus, and think intentionally about how we want to grow both personally and professionally.
January is a perfect moment to pause and ask an important, guiding question: Where could I enhance and elevate the care I provide to my clients this year?
Growth in dental hygiene doesn’t always require dramatic change. More often, it begins with honest assessment, thoughtful reflection, and intentional decision-making.
Assessing your current practice
Take a moment to look at your practice as it is today — both the clinical and experiential aspects of care.
- Are your clinical tools and technologies supporting optimal outcomes?
- Do your systems and workflows allow you to practice efficiently and confidently?
- Are there areas where your knowledge has evolved, but your implementation hasn’t yet caught up?
Assessment isn’t about identifying shortcomings. It’s about identifying opportunities.
Where might enhancement make the greatest impact?
For some clinicians, growth may come through technology and clinical tools. This could include:
- Incorporating laser therapy to support tissue management and healing
- Introducing or expanding air polishing therapy to improve biofilm management and client comfort
- Investing in complete new instrument and insert sets to support efficiency, ergonomics, and clinical precision
For others, growth may come through expanding clinical understanding:
- Deepening knowledge of myofunctional therapy and how oral function impacts airway, growth, and long-term health
- Strengthening assessment skills to recognize patterns that extend beyond traditional periodontal findings
As our profession continues to evolve, so does our responsibility to see the bigger picture of oral and systemic health.
And for some, the next step may be formal education and professional development:
- Completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Oral Health Promotion
- Pursuing structured learning that strengthens communication, leadership, and evidence-based decision-making
Advanced education and structured learning do more than expand knowledge — they enhance confidence, critical thinking, and professional influence.
Aligning growth with client care
The common thread through all of these opportunities is client care.
Whether the focus is technology, instrumentation, formal education, or clinical expansion, the goal remains the same:
- Improved outcomes
- Clearer communication
- Greater comfort and trust
- A more intentional client experience
When we invest in ourselves and our practice, our clients feel it — often before we ever say a word.
Moving forward with intention
Rather than trying to change everything at once, consider choosing one area of focus for each quarter. A quarterly approach allows you to implement change intentionally, ensure the appropriate systems are in place, and greatly increase the likelihood of long-term success. Get one thing firmly in place before moving onto the next.
Ask yourself:
- What change would most meaningfully elevate the care I provide?
- What investment of time, learning, or resources will have the greatest return for both my clients and myself?
Progress does not require perfection. It requires clarity and commitment.
When we are intentional about how we grow, we are better equipped to deliver care that is thoughtful, effective, and truly client-centred.
Reflection activity
To support this process, take time to complete the accompanying On Track Practice Assessment Worksheet at: www.rdhu.ca/oralhygiene
Reflection is one of the most powerful tools we have. When paired with action and tracking, it leads to meaningful and lasting change.
About the author
Kathleen is the founder and president of rdhu, a leading professional development company dedicated to transforming the dental hygiene experience. With a passion for lifelong learning, she provides innovative hands-on programs, online education, and team events that empower dental hygienists to elevate their clinical practice. Kathleen is also a strong advocate for integrating research into everyday hygiene care, inspiring clinicians to embrace continuous growth. Learn more at rdhu.ca.