Expanding Horizons: From Clinical Dental Hygiene to Oral Health Research
The field of dental hygiene offers a diverse array of career paths that extend beyond traditional clinical practice. Brooke Benton, RDH, exemplifies this professional versatility with her journey from clinical dental hygienist to oral health researcher. Her story illustrates the expanding opportunities available to dental hygienists and the potential for significant contributions to oral health research.
The Path to Dental Hygiene
Initially aspiring to become a dentist, Benton completed her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry. After taking the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and finding her scores less competitive than desired, she pivoted to dental hygiene. This decision, initially viewed as a stepping stone, led to an unexpected passion for the profession.
Bridging Clinical Practice and Research
Benton's career took an innovative turn when she began balancing clinical practice with research work. While completing her dental hygiene program, she worked as a research assistant in a hospital, conducting systematic reviews on stroke and acquired brain injury. This dual focus continued after graduation, with Benton dedicating four days a week to clinical practice and one day to research.
This combination of clinical work and research provided a unique perspective, allowing Benton to apply practical insights to research questions and bring evidence-based practices back to patient care.
Adapting to Career Challenges
A significant career shift occurred when Benton moved to New York City. Unable to practice clinically due to visa restrictions, she initially continued her research work remotely. This period of adaptation led to new opportunities, including a position at Columbia University working on Alzheimer's research.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought further changes, prompting Benton to reassess her career trajectory. This reflection led her to her current role at NYU College of Dentistry's Translational Research Center, where she focuses on oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions research.
Current Research and Its Potential Impact
Benton's current research projects demonstrate the critical role dental hygienists can play in advancing oral health knowledge:
Investigating the off-label use of metformin for treating pre-cancerous oral lesions.
Studying biomarkers associated with oral cancers to improve early detection and treatment.
Examining low-income pregnant women's utilization of dental and healthcare services.
These projects have the potential to significantly impact clinical practice, potentially leading to improved chair-side screening tests for oral cancer and enhanced early detection methods.
Key Lessons for Dental Hygienists
Benton's career journey offers valuable insights for dental hygienists considering career expansion or change:
Embrace professional evolution: Be open to new opportunities that align with your interests and skills.
Leverage transferable skills: Recognize that dental hygiene skills are valuable in various healthcare and research settings.
Pursue continuous learning: Seek opportunities for education and professional development to expand your career options.
Challenge self-limiting beliefs: Don't let preconceived notions about career paths restrict your professional growth.
Maintain adaptability: View challenges as opportunities for learning and career development.
Future Directions in Dental Hygiene Careers
As Benton prepares to complete her master's degree in clinical research, she aims to enter dental hygiene education. This goal reflects a growing trend of dental hygienists expanding their influence beyond clinical practice to shape the future of the profession through research and education.
Conclusion
Brooke Benton's career trajectory from clinical dental hygienist to oral health researcher exemplifies the expanding opportunities within the dental hygiene profession. Her story underscores the potential for dental hygienists to make significant contributions to oral health research, education, and patient care. By embracing new challenges and continuously expanding their skills, dental hygienists can forge diverse and impactful career paths in oral health.
Keywords: dental hygiene career, oral health research, RDH career options, dental hygienist researcher, oral cancer screening, dental education, clinical research in dentistry, dental hygiene professional development