On Track with Kathleen
Your monthly reset button for professional growth and personal well-being.
As dental hygienists, we often move through our days caring for others—patients, colleagues, and families—without realizing how far we’ve drifted from caring for ourselves. The reality is, we all lose our rhythm sometimes. The good news? We can always press the reset button.
Recently, I was reminded of this while spending time with my dear friend and colleague, Lorraine Gambacourt. We were planning for our upcoming Meet Me at the Winery event and our next laser program, but it didn’t feel like work at all—it felt like connection. Later, as we walked through the woods near my home, the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot reminded me how seasons shift, whether we’re ready or not.
Why resets matter in our professional and personal lives
We all have seasons where we drift from our routines. It may be a busy time at the office, family commitments, or simply life moving at full speed. Before we know it, our healthy patterns—whether exercise, stillness, or reflection—slip away.
But here’s the gift: the reset button is always there. With one intentional choice, we can begin again.
Resets don’t always need to be big. They can be small, daily actions:
- Taking a breath after a difficult patient interaction.
- Resetting after a challenging conversation with a colleague.
- Choosing to smile and carry forward after life throws us sideways.
A simple philosophy to embrace
My mom always says, “Carry on.” My daughter even has these words tattooed. That simple phrase is at the heart of the reset button—it’s not about perfection, but about moving forward with intention, positivity, and grace.
Reflect and reset
So, ask yourself:
- Where in your life or practice do you need a reset?
- What would it look like if you pressed that button today—even in this very moment?
The reset button is always within reach. Sometimes, pressing it is the most powerful act of self-care we can choose.
Want to put this idea into practice? Download the free companion worksheet at www.rdhu.ca/oralhygiene.
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.