Auger answers question about her upcoming RDH Evolution program
She also writes short article about dental hygienists who seek to fulfill career goals
Editor’s Note: Amber Auger, RDH, is one of the five speakers scheduled to speak at the RDH Evolution Conference in Chicago on April 5-8. The conference, which is designed to assist dental hygienist to initiate an evolution with their careers, presents Amber delivering a course titled, “Progressive Public Health: Hygiene in Alternative Settings,” at 9 am on Friday, April 6.
Auger, who has a master’s in public health, provides dental hygiene services to the underserved both locally and abroad. We recently asked her, “What are the primary mental challenges that traditional practice hygienists must overcome when considering public health alternatives?”
After her reply below, she wrote a short article titled, “Follow the Quest,” where she explains her perspective of the “journey” that RDH Evolution offers.
RDH magazine: Amber, “What are the primary mental challenges that traditional practice hygienists must overcome when considering public health alternatives?”
Auger: “In dental hygiene school, I had multiple clinical rotations in state funded dental clinics and school sealant programs. I enjoy working in public health because I feel there is a greater opportunity for impact.
“Public health dental hygiene requires the clinician and team members to be extremely flexible and resourceful. The preventive role of a hygienist is optimized in public health through proper education on the diet and caries process, and instilling correct habits to prevent the progression of oral disease.
“In my experience working abroad, there is often a language barrier to overcome, challenging work conditions, and the only consistency is in consistency. Increasing access to care though working in public health is the most rewarding work I have ever participated in. This course will review the multiple public health settings I have worked in, access how to avoid compromising safety standards despite lacking traditional sterilization methods, and impacting the population in greatest need.”
In a Facebook photo, Amber Auger, RDH, holds a three-month-old baby while screening patients at a Nicaraguan dental clinic.
Follow the Quest
By Amber Auger, RDH, MPH
“Everybody gets called, you can choose to answer it or not. Once you do answer it, you’re going to be faced with obstacles and challenges.”—Oprah Winfrey
Changing your life is not fun. When you step up to who you are supposed to be in the world, expect to be challenged, hurt, despaired, and double-guessing yourself. A road of trails, obstacles, and temptations help shed our fears, which refine us for what we are meant to become. When it comes time for you to step into the call of your life, you will be prepared.
Often, our own self-abuse binds us in a life of mediocrity. We wrap our inner calling, our deepest hearts’ desires, and our truest self in doubt, fear, and negative talk. Instead, select to be graceful with ourselves, learning from past values but not dwelling on them. Choosing to walk through our own fears will allow us to rise above them, living a life we were designed for. Instead, choose to be graceful with ourselves, not shaming ourselves.
What you believe is what you become. Therefore, fill your mind with positive self- talk and surround yourself with people who speak life into your life. There are fellow hygienists have walked through challenges, trials, and can help you light your path.
Elevating your career starts with understanding what it is we want to achieve. RDH Evolution can help you declutter your truest desires. The conference is designed for hygienists who want more out of their clinical career. The 2.5-day conference is focused on becoming an educator, speaker, writer, and/or consultant. Visit RDHEvolution.com for more information on how this limited attendee conference will empower you to achieve your goals and offers accountability coaching throughout the year.
Understand that achieving the goal does not happen overnight. Part of the reward is the journey. Succeeding means answering the question, and following the quest. In 2018, choose to say yes to the deepest desires of your heart.
