6 minute read
Share your story
Real-life career stories to inspire and encourage the lives of others
No matter where you're at on your career path, we've all go a story to tell. That's why we 're calling for DHAA members to share stories and reflections on their oral health journey so far. Whether you've just started out or you're just about to retire, we want to hear from you. Perhaps you're taking a break, love the job you're in or you're exploring new adventures; everyone's story is unique and could help inspire others.
Suggested topics include; why you chose oral health as a career; your best/worst day at work; how dentistry has changed; what inspires you to push yourself; how you've evolved your career to work better for you.
In this issue we hear from new graduates Megan Wyntjes (Vic) and Courtney Rutjens (SA) who share their personal reflections on their transition from an oral health student to a registered practising dental practitioner.
Got a story to share?
To submit your article please email contact@dhaa.info. If you're not much of a writer then we will edit it and send it to you for final approval prior to publishing.
Courtney Rutjens
Courtney Rutjens
Dental Hygienist Arena Dental
TRANSITIONING FROM STUDENT to practitioner last year, felt both scary and exciting. After two years of intense studies, the task of finding suitable employment with fear of the unknown lingered upon me as well as my peers. Luckily, I was successful in obtaining full-time employment at a small practice where I am the sole hygienist. At first, not having in-clinic mentorship from fellow, more experienced, hygienists or oral health therapists felt daunting, especially after two years of daily guidance and advice from clinic staff and tutors.
Week one was full of challenges with learning - equipment, clients, staff, process/procedures, appointment times, note writing, software- the list goes on. Like any new job, learning how the practice operates takes time.
With that, many factors became easier, my skills improved, my relationships with staff and clients developed and my confidence grew. My initial fear of being a sole practitioner as a new graduate soon diminished. This is largely due to the incredible support network of DHAA members. Having been encouraged to join the DHAA while studying, it was then something I carried over as a new practitioner.
Since becoming an active member of the DHAA, I’ve had the opportunity to join the committee and am now Deputy Chair for SA. My experience with the DHAA so far has been positive and successful. The DHAA has given not only me but all members, fantastic networking opportunities through their CPD events and online presence.
It is through these networking opportunities that I feel I’ve been able to build my knowledge and skills as a practitioner over the last 12 months by asking questions and connecting on a national level with all the fantastic, skilled members of the DHAA, including guests from a broad scope of topics that ensure our knowledge remains current and extensive.
Being a part of this association has given me the confidence I’ve needed, as I feel comfortable knowing I can contact them for advice across all fields. They have everything you need as a practitioner looking to make a difference- from CPD events, current news, legal advice, indemnity insurance, and member benefits.
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter” – Brian Solis
The DHAA is a community- one that all oral health practitioners should take advantage of and be a part of.
Megan Wyntjes
Megan Wyntjes BOH (CSU)
Oral Health Therapist Banyule Community Health
THE TRANSITION FROM living as a student to working is not without difficulties. You are affected both physically and mentally by even the smallest alterations to your regular schedule, which frequently makes you feel defeated. Since graduating, I've frequently questioned whether I made the right decision. Will this be my career? You frequently find yourself questioning how the change from assisted learner to autonomous practitioner occurs so quickly, leaving a lot of leeway for uncertainty and a lack of assurance regarding recently acquired clinical skills. For every recent graduate, having a support system is essential since it assures you that these emotions of self-doubt are normal and will pass quickly.
I knew being a member of a dental association would provide education and assistance about professional indemnity insurance, general and clinical advice, and peer support, especially since oral health therapists are now able to work independently under their own provider number. My employer contracts, murky sections of my practice's scope, and the demands of continuing professional development (CPD) have all presented me with a great deal of confusion.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is necessary to keep our professional status. With CPD, you can prepare for greater responsibility, build your confidence, or advance your career in addition to improving your professional practices. We are all required to meet the Dental Board of Australia›s registration requirements as dental practitioners, which include completing at least 60 hours of CPD over a three-year period. The DHAA has been a terrific source of support and assistance throughout these times. I took great solace in knowing that the CPD courses offered by DHAA were dependable and supported by science.
I opted to join the DHAA since it is one of the top professional associations in Australia that represents dental hygienists, therapists, and oral health therapists after doing some research on what other organisations can accomplish for me. Members of the DHAA have access to a variety of interesting, relevant, flexible, and timely CPD programmes. You will be updated about relevant governmental and environmental changes that affect dental practices through monthly member publications and bulletins.
I recently joined the DHAA Victorian branch committee because I wanted to help with the promotion of the value of early prevention and awareness as well as the delivery of quality oral health training. Although the move from student to clinician has been incredibly nerve-wracking so far, I feel much more confident knowing that the DHAA is behind me providing support every step of the way.
