ADHA Access May-June : Page 16
“ I was impressed with the energy, enthusiasm and passion in those who attended this workshop since it demonstrated to me that dental hygienists are looking futuristically towards our changing roles and place in delivering oral health care. We need to value our professional organization and network with many colleagues to develop our professional career path. I hope that all of the workshop attendees will follow through with their personal strategy in attaining their aspirations—in a changing world!” ±/LOOLDQ&DSHULOD�f;5'+�f;%6'+�f;0(G�f; 0DQDJHURI3URIHVVLRQDO(GXFDWLRQ�f; 3UHPLHU'HQWDO3URGXFWV&RPSDQ\ Brickle explained that, as an educator and dean, one of her and supported by participating, and wanted to return home and biggest challenges was getting health science faculty members get started on whatever.” DQGVWXGHQWVWROHDUQWRZRUNWRJHWKHU³&RQÀLFWPDQDJHPHQWLV During the second table discussion, the new career coaching challenging because you have to focus on people and separate group—led by Quinones—left the main meeting room to discuss how them from the problem,” she said. Brickle added that mentoring to create resumes, cover letters, and other resources for marketing and active listening are vital in moving forward and being a lifelong themselves to employers. learner. “The breakout session with President Quinones was a great suc-Speaking on challenges she encountered on her path, Filipiak FHVV�f;´VDLG$VKOH\6PLWK�f;$'+$H[HFXWLYHRI¿FHDVVLVWDQW�f;ZKRKHOSHG made a profound statement that resonated with the audience. “My staff the workshop. “Attendees in this group varied from students biggest obstacle was myself,” she said. “I was standing in my own about to enter the workforce to seasoned hygienists ready to enter way, but my self-doubt was overcome with the support of my family a different area of dental hygiene. They were coached on the basics and friends.” She added that being open-minded and a collaborative of preparing a resume and encouraged to highlight their talents and leader are essential to success. personality to stand out. It provided a challenge to think outside the The other panelists echoed the importance of being open to ER[DQGJDLQFRQ¿GHQFHLQRUGHUWRODXQFKWKHLUQHZFDUHHUV´ new opportunities. “Adapting to change is a constant. You have “Students were encouraged to select the new career coaching to give up the way things were,” Charles said. “Take risks to step section of the program, which was a fantastic opportunity for stu-RXWWRDQHZFRPSDQ\DQGFXOWXUH/DFNRIFRQ¿GHQFHVORZV dents to meet with other students, learn resume tips, and use ADHA progress.” resources such as the ADHA Employment Reference Guide,” said Caperila explained that she came into her position in the Lilliane Smothers, ADHA manager of student relations. corporate world by being in the right place at the right time. She The workshop featured a panel of dental hygienists, one from added that the skills that help her succeed in the corporate arena each of the sectors used to organize attendees: Colleen M. Brickle, are communication, networking and a solid educational foundation. RDH, RF, EdD (education); Mary Pat Burgess, RDH, MBA (public “Everything you do in your career builds experience for something health); Lillian Caperila, RDH, BSDH, MEd (corporate); Christine new,” she said. Charles, RDH, BS (research); and Tammy Filipiak, RDH, MS (admin-All the panelists stressed professional involvement—on the local, istration). The panelists addressed several questions on the respon-state and national levels—to be an integral part of networking and sibilities, skill sets and challenges associated with their positions. All creating opportunities for dental hygienists. of the panelists emphasized a strong educational background—at ³,WKLQNDIWHUWKHZRUNVKRS,JRWWKLQNLQJPRUHVSHFL¿FDOO\ OHDVWDEDFFDODXUHDWHGHJUHH²DVZHOODVQHWZRUNLQJDQGÀH[LELOLW\ about how the profession might change and how it might oc-as key factors in broadening their career paths. cur,” said Bleak. “Our profession is changing whether we like it or Burgess explained that dental hygienists already have the knowledge and abilities needed for careers in different sectors, “ I was energized and loved hearing from the other particularly in public panelists and the audience and meeting new friends. health. “You don’t have to It is a changing world and we are all responsible for have a public health leading and developing our career as openly shared by education. You learn on the job,” she said. our passionate group of panelists. Although in different Since much of her job is roles, all the panelists were willing to step out of their negotiating with unions comfort zones and were open to opportunities presented and other groups, collaboration is a key as well as to seek/create opportunities, open to be part of public health. mentored and to mentor others. The audience was “Management skills include personal skills, engaged and energetic and I was delighted to hear from and it comes down to some participants in the weeks afterwards.” personal fortitude to – Christine Charles, RDH, BS, Director, negotiate compromise. 6FLHQWL¿FDQG3URIHVVLRQDO$IIDLUV�f;*OREDO&RQVXPHU+HDOWKFDUH5HVHDUFKDQG'HYHORSPHQW�f; ‘I want a, b, c—what do -RKQVRQ -RKQVRQ&RQVXPHUDQG3HUVRQDO3URGXFWV:RUOGZLGH you want?’” 16 MAY-JUN 2012 access
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