"Friends in Floss will be a periodic segment in Beyond The Prophy's Blog that will feature hygienists and other professionals who think outside of the box and who hope to impact and empower others. Enjoy!" - Jasmin

I've seen the statement "Great brands are like great stories" - I don't agree.  Great brands ARE great stories.

Let's talk about one of my personal favorites, Under Armour...

Personally, I have always been into fitness and not so much into the brand of fitness clothing. I've owned different types and styles of sneakers, t-shirts, workout pants, etc. - but Under Armour has changed my viewpoint.

A quick stroll through the lobby at the UA headquarters leaves their story tattooed in one's mind.

Everything about UA represents the power and strength of the human body.  They don't have One or two Brand ambassadors; they don't even stick with one or two genres of sports.  They have representations of titan-like athletes from all genres of sports and...

Dental Hygiene DEGREE COMPLETION, Yes or NO?

I will have to say: YES, YES, YES!! I cannot emphasize enough the importance of advancing your degree. Often I hear people say "you don't need a degree in dental hygiene, it's a waste" and " you can't do anything with it any way." Even after enjoying my degree completion program I fell into the trap of repeating these same sentiments. Fast forward to 2016 after approximately 4 years of teaching a light bulb just went off. I knew I had always enjoyed the program but I didn't realize how much my degree completion was a huge professional boost.

I went to an exceptional 2-year program in the "sticks" of Cumberland, Maryland. Ok, Ok, the beautiful mountains! :) I'm originally from New York City, where trees are hard to find in some parts :). I gained excellent clinical and didactic instruction. However, I knew right away that I wanted to continue on with my education. I immediately began the program in Fall 2007 after completing my Associates...

"You're in a dental conference meeting room, excited and ready to learn. The facilitator asks you to introduce yourselves and share one interesting fact. You instantly, begin to slowly drop into your chair hoping that maybe they will miss your cringing face."

Yeah, that's me! At least what I feel on the inside. You’re probably thinking: what's the big deal? Aren't you an educator? It should come natural. Yes, I am an educator and absolutely love it! However, I am also a natural introvert. Speaking publicly or meeting new individuals requires effort, practice and skill building. Have you found yourself in the same position? No worries! You can join me in the journey of mastering that skill.

What does networking have to do with being tribal? Read on and you will find out.

Networking often requires you to push beyond your comfort zone. Networking can provide you the opportunity to acquire guidance from a seasoned professional. Perhaps you're interested in academia and would like...

“You're doing what? BE HONEST, do you feel that you are competent enough to understand a business, a budget or to lead? You must have a hidden agenda. You are not ready to do that. You can’t do that.”

Hidden? No. Focused? Yes.  Every hygienist should have a career plan. Whether that plan is to become a “rockstar” hygienist in a clinical practice or work outside of the op. I've been to countless seminars and continuing education courses, but I have yet to see enough emphasis on setting a clear direction in one's professional career. We go about each year taking CE after CE, not truly working towards anything. After 5 or less years of practicing we are burnt out, disenchanted with our profession and saying to ourselves, "Why did I get into dental hygiene?" Then the self-oppression begins with us beating ourselves up..."The dentists only view us as teeth cleaners", "There are no clinical practice jobs", "This career is for the birds, I can't do...

...of something amazing!

WELCOME!!!

I am so excited to launch Beyond The Prophy LLC. I hope you take the time to navigate my website and find out exactly why Beyond The Prophy is necessary for the transformation of dental hygiene.

If we, as oral health specialist cannot think beyond the prophy, outside the operatory and above the norm, then we will be destined for mediocracy. It is in that mediocracy that we lose our passion, motivation and drive to pursue all of our wildest dreams or goals.

Upon graduation, we took an oath to provide safe and effective care. Somewhere down the line there was a disconnect for thinking outside of the parameters we were taught in dental hygiene school. Or even a forbidden territory to think out of the limits of traditional dental hygiene education.

Beyond The Prophy will work consistently towards excellence. I hope to educate dental professionals, non-dental professionals, collaborate with rock star hygienists, connect with the hygiene community to...