Dental Hygiene to Entrepreneurship: A Professional's Journey
In the dynamic field of dental hygiene, professionals are discovering diverse career paths that extend beyond traditional clinical practice. Keri Carter Shirellis exemplifies this trend with her journey from clinical dental hygienist to public speaker, author, and product educator. Her story illustrates the expanding opportunities available to dental hygienists and offers valuable insights for those looking to diversify their careers.
The Path to Dental Hygiene
Shirellis's interest in oral health began early, with a childhood fascination for dental hygiene practices. Initially considering environmental engineering, she pivoted to dental hygiene on her mother's suggestion. Starting as a dental assistant to gain experience, Shirellis pursued her prerequisites for dental hygiene school while working, demonstrating the dedication required for career advancement in the field.
Career Evolution
With 24 years in the dental industry, including 19 as a clinical hygienist, Shirellis has expanded her career to encompass various roles:
Public Speaker: Delivering continuing education courses and presentations for organizations and dental offices.
Author: Wrote "The Ultimate Guide for General Hygiene Burnout," addressing a critical issue in the profession.
Product Educator: Representing brands like Arm & Hammer, TheraBreath, and Ivoclar to educate professionals about dental products.
Course Developer: Creating content on topics like mommy burnout and addressing work-life balance issues for professionals.
Key Lessons for Career Advancement
Shirellis offers valuable advice for dental hygienists looking to expand their careers:
Invest in Professional Development: Seek coaching, attend conferences, and join professional organizations to expand knowledge and networks.
Embrace Networking: Connect with colleagues through social media and professional groups to learn about new opportunities.
Say Yes to Opportunities: Be open to new experiences, even if they seem challenging or outside your comfort zone.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends and be willing to acquire new skills.
Professional Membership: Join and actively participate in organizations like the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) for support and opportunities.
Addressing Burnout in Dental Hygiene
Recognizing the prevalence of burnout in the profession, Shirellis has taken steps to address this issue:
Authored a book on hygiene burnout to provide resources for struggling professionals.
Launched the "Burnout Bites" podcast, featuring interviews with colleagues and experts on avoiding and managing burnout.
Emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and communication with employers to address workplace issues.
Future of Dental Hygiene Careers
Shirellis's career trajectory highlights the evolving nature of dental hygiene professions. Key takeaways for aspiring dental entrepreneurs include:
Diversification of skills beyond clinical practice.
Importance of personal branding and social media presence.
Opportunities in public speaking, product education, and content creation.
The value of sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues in career growth.
Conclusion
Keri Carter Shirellis's journey from clinical dental hygienist to multi-faceted professional underscores the potential for career growth in dental hygiene. By investing in personal development, embracing new opportunities, and addressing critical issues like burnout, dental hygienists can forge diverse and impactful career paths. Her story serves as an inspiration for professionals looking to expand their influence and contribute to the evolution of the dental hygiene field.
Keywords: dental hygiene career, professional development, burnout prevention, dental public speaking, dental product education, dental hygiene entrepreneurship, ADHA, continuing education
