After seven wonderful years in dental hygiene, I decided it was time to hang up my scrubs for a few big reasons. First off, I started noticing some early signs of carpal tunnel in my operating hand, along with a bit of compassion fatigue. Then, there was a big life change—I got married and was all set to move abroad to be with my spouse. And lastly, I'd been spending my days in this incredible office nestled in an old house, just steps from my apartment, with a gorgeous operatory that had an expansive ocean view. I also worked with a dentist who really respected me and gave me opportunities for growth, more than I ever thought possible in our field. It felt like the perfect moment to wrap up my clinical days while I was on top and healthy.

With a shift in my career path in mind, I aimed for the public sector. I kept an eye on job listings from health authorities and provincial government sites, getting daily alerts that pushed me to consider options I might have skipped otherwise (Communications Analyst, Coroner). After a couple of months, I got some great advice from a resume and interview coach—advice I still use! I landed my first job in non-clinical healthcare after applying to 63 jobs and going through just one interview.

As I settled into this new role, I started to think about my future. I noticed that many of the folks in roles I admired had Master's degrees, so I reached out to hear about their experiences. I ended up taking a program recommended by my boss—not my first choice initially, but it turned out to be a game-changer for my career. I'm so thankful for her guidance.

Now, I lead a team of ten in a medicolegal setting. Every day brings something new and challenging, and I couldn’t be happier about where I’ve ended up.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, BSDH. ‘10

• Master of Leadership - Health Specialization, MAL-H ‘21