Turning My Restorative WREB "Failure" into a "Success"
Thank you Nancy Huckvale for writing and being honest about your WREB experience! Nancy is an amazing dental hygienist who is dedicated to her patients and her family.
To my dental hygiene lovelies,
After graduating dental hygiene school and spending my first year in my home state of Utah, I moved up to the beautiful area near Vancouver, Washington. This move started me on a confusing process of applying for my WA license where somehow I ended up with an incorrect understanding that it would be REQUIRED for me to have a restorative license, along with a general dental hygiene license, if I wanted to work in WA. So I signed up for an expanded functions restorative class and the fun began! *Insert a waa-haa-haaaaaa sound in the background here*
The truth was, however, because I already had my hours built up from my time working in Utah, I didn't need any additional classes or tests beyond what I'd needed to get my UT license. I didn't learn this until after I had failed the restorative WREB test three times. I didn't learn this until after I had spent over $6,000 (yes, six-freakin'-thousand dollars) invested into taking necessary classes, books, hotel/gas fees to travel to take the tests, remediation classes, etc later. I didn't learn this until I had shed many heart-broken tears of feeling like I myself was a failure to match the word "FAIL" that came back on each of those test results.
After learning that I didn't actually NEED to take that horrible, awful test again, I had a choice. I got to make the choice of keeping my 'limited hygiene license' forever (easier, less expensive, 'safer' choice) or paying another $600 and giving myself one last chance just for the heck of it. Taking this test simply to prove to myself I could do it. (exciting, more expensive, challenging, Ninja choice.) You can guess what choice I made!
Learning how to do fillings came so un-naturally to me. It felt so... awkward. The physical piece of dentistry in general seemed to come un-naturally to me. In dental hygiene school I struggled to feel the calculus with the explorer, let alone remove it with scalers. I didn't feel like "I've got the hang of this teeth- cleaning thing!" till probably about six years after graduating and working in the field. I love people, and I love science. So the social/human interaction and relationship piece of dentistry comes natural, and understanding the biology and chemistry behind dentistry makes sense in my mind. But the ARTISTIC piece I've had to invest much energy into developing. That part of being able to see the anatomy of the teeth as ART while you're creating, seeing angles while giving injections, building a detailed filling, or removing stains during a prophy-- that cool creative, art-sy piece! This would be confirmed in the example of what I see vs. what my art-sy, creative (hunk-y) husband sees when we each looked at a big blank wall in our home. I simply saw a big blank wall complete with crickets chirping in the background, while he was looking at a canvas to work magic on and already had 10 ideas of different ways we could create in that space!
I spent hours and hours learning and practicing fillings by watching YouTube videos, reading and highlighting books, observing hygienists and dentists in the operatory doing fillings, asking questions, sitting at home in bed with a fake tooth and playdoh practicing anatomy. HOURS. MONTHS. I was determined that if I didn't pass the test, it wasn't because I didn't know how to do fillings. I had done EVERYTHING in my power to pass and it was out of my hands. Don't get me wrong, I had studied and practiced for the first three times I took the test as well, but this time I kicked it up a notch to go from "good" to "GREAT."
One night before taking the test my final time, I had an "a-ha!" moment and that art piece finally CLICKED for me. It all made sense. The angles of the margins, the anatomy of the teeth, the way I needed to hold my instrument to make it look like how I finally could properly see it in my mind… it finally clicked and it was like the heavens opened up and angels sang around me!! I wondered if this is how it is for some clinicians where this piece DOES come naturally- the ones in the clinic who pick up their clinical skills quickly and what appears to be so effortlessly. And now here I was thinking that all of this restorative stuff is actually kind of fun, and not just struggily?! I knew right then and there I was going to not just pass, but I was going to kick that restorative test's butt! (Not that tests have butts, BUT(t) you get the point.)
I passed it on my FOURTH TRY, my final chance I was allowed to take it.
This final chance taking the test, I went into it calmly and felt at peace. I actually looked forward to it in a way because I was confident in myself and my abilities after all that preparation, not just praying I'd pass out of luck. And two weeks later (isn't that the longest two weeks of your life waiting to hear back your results?) when my phone buzzed that I had a new email from WREB, my heart stopped for a moment. I was out driving around with my sister and she was going on talking about something I couldn't even hear anymore after seeing those four letters pop up in my email. I couldn't wait, and yet, I couldn't open it at the same time!! Finally I opened it up and saw the best four letter word: PASS. Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! I cried happy, victorious, relieved tears and felt so PROUD of myself. Genuine pride in myself that I'd worked so hard and been so dedicated to developing this "weakness" of myself into becoming a "strength." Proud that I didn't give up. Proud that I'd learned so much more by experiencing it THIS way instead of just passing it the first time. (by the way, 2/3 times I took it previously, I didn't pass by ONE point. If I had one single mark better, I would have passed! For some reason, that feels worse in a way than just totally bombing the test. Like.. Are you kidding me?! ONE POINT!!) THIS incredible feeling of accomplishment was worth all the heartache, frustration, sadness, and money I'd spent from before. This feeling was amazing. And I reached a place of acceptance beforehand of knowing if I hadn't passed, I would genuinely have been okay with that too. The journey itself was worth it and I'd already learned what I'd needed to learn, whether I passed this test or not.
To this day, passing that restorative test is one of my huge life-defining moments, right up there with delivering my two baby boys, and running a marathon. Like.. HUMUNGO MOMENT! My arch-nemesis test defeated by moi. I put SO MUCH into that test. And it paid off. I DID IT. I learned that day that I can do hard things. I can do ANYTHING. And YOU can too! I'm so glad I didn't let my FEAR of NOT PASSING get in the way of me trying. I could have dragged that guilt of 'what if?' my whole life, and instead I punched it in the face. (Again, not that tests have butts OR faces. And I promise I don't usually try to kick or punch so much stuff! Apparently I've still got some PTSD left behind from it--- I know you guys know what I'm talking about! ) I worked at an amazing pediatric office (Adventure Dental) putting that restorative license into action, which was quite a fun change of pace to my dental hygiene career
As humans we have a tendency to move AWAY from things that are uncomfortable, unfamiliar. We naturally stick to a place where it is safer, more secure, and predictable. I didn't HAVE to take this test again and put myself through torture, but I CRAVED seeing what I COULD do, seeing what I WAS able to accomplish, discovering what I was capable of. And when you get that burning desire inside you to try something different, and you're scared because you don't know what you're doing, DO IT! Go for it! Seriously! You have five seconds to take action following an idea before you'll talk yourself out of doing it. So whatever you just thought of right now as you read this, it is worth exploring, it is worth trying.
Why are we so afraid to try? Often we aren't afraid to try, but we're afraid to FAIL. I firmly believe this quote by R. Buckminster Fuller that "There is no such thing as failure, just outcomes." It's true. And the less afraid I am of "failure" whether it is in the form of passing a dental test or quitting an addiction, or answering something calling me from inside, and instead I choose to get CURIOUS and dig in and dive deeper, the more I learn, grow, and understand myself, life, and our world in general.
I'll leave you with a couple more inspirational quotes to lovingly pull you out of your comfort zone:
"Lean into the discomfort of the work." -Brene Brown
"If it excites you and scares you at the same time, it might be a good thing to try." -Seth Godin
What are some ways you've felt you've turned your "failures" into "successes?" I'd love to hear you share your experiences!
Nancy Huckvale, RDH graduated from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2010. Since then, she’s practiced dental hygiene in Utah, Washington, and Oregon. Currently, she’s living in Logan, UT working at Logan Peak Dental and LOVING life. Nancy genuinely loves people, learning, connection, ducks, running, zumba/dancing, nature, trying new things to learn about different cultures, and kids. For any questions, she can be contacted by email: Nanhuck@Live.com.
Winners of Our Recent Giveaways for the XP Sharpen-Free Technology
We want to thank all of those who entered our recent giveaways for the American Eagle XP Sharpen-Free Instruments. Please email us at hygieneedge@gmail.com to claim your prize.
Blackjack- Trish O'H.
Barnhart 5-6 Kellie P.
M23 Jessica M.
Your Choice of a BH 5-6, Blackjack or M23 Crystal B.
A special thanks to American Eagle Instruments!
Take Care of Your XP Sharpen-Free Instruments
Happy Monday! We are going to keep the giveaways going for the XP Sharpen-Free instrument videos open until Friday December 14. To enter head on over to our Facebook page HERE. Also, be sure to check out our latest video on how to care for the XP Sharpen-Free Instruments.
Dental Hygienist Spotlight: Shiva Abadi
Meet Shiva, a dental hygienist and entrepreneur who started Yoursmilebox, an online dental hygiene product subscription box to help patients obtain the best products for them.
Shiva is a hygienist who works hard and is doing amazing things! She started her own company, Yoursmilebox, to help patients get the best home care products for their needs. Learn all about her process of starting her business, plus enter to win your own Yoursmilebox on our Instagram @hygieneedge!
I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 7 years, the President of San Diego County Dental Hygienists' Society and a Independent Educator for the last 2 years. I received my Masters in Dental Hygiene at the University of California- San Francisco and published my study on Electronic Cigarettes in the Journal of Dental Hygiene.
Tell us about starting your own business: I started Yoursmilebox when I went through a lifestyle change 3 years ago and had to adjust my beauty, hygiene products and diet. I knew I wasn't the only one hypersensitive and allergic to certain chemicals in our toothpastes, shampoos, soaps, and lotions. I spent my weekends researching more about how our hygiene and beauty products are made so I could spread a healthier lifestyle for those around me. The best part of starting my own business is that I can be creative with marketing and choose which products I want to manufacture and promote. Starting my own business has taught me how to continuously balance my schedule since I hold multiple positions.
My upbringing included moving to the other side of the planet at age 7 and continuing my education in a completely different language. I was overwhelmed and sobbing about my first day to my family at which point, my younger brother courageously came to me with a solution. He told me to not worry and to simply reply with, "Ok". Mind you, this is a 4 year old Iranian boy whose only exposure to English was several hours of American television.
Any advice for a dental hygiene student? My advice to Dental Hygiene students is to start applying your theoretical knowledge to real world experiences with your patients in clinic. This is not only going to ensure that you pass the National Boards but it will also help you really understand the material without having to memorize everything you're learning.
Everyone NEEDS a Blackjack!
If you don’t have the Blackjack from American Eagle Instruments you need one. It has a longer shank than similar instruments and they make it in XP Sharpen-Free. Learn more about it in our latest video below.
Dental Hygienist Spotlight: Willow-Haven Walaszek
Willow-Haven is a current dental hygiene student that we are blown away with! She started off creating a project for school, which has now grown to being published and promoting her own children’s book about dental hygiene. We asked Willow a few questions about her project and the process of becoming an author, which may answer some questions for you if you’ve ever wanted to have your very own book.
Willow-Haven is a current dental hygiene student that we are blown away with! She started off creating a project for school, which has now grown to being published and promoting her own children’s book about dental hygiene. We asked Willow a few questions about her project and the process of becoming an author, which may answer some questions for you if you’ve ever wanted to have your very own book.
What started the processes of creating your own book? The book started as a hands on educational tool project for my Pediatrics class. I love to paint, specifically watercolor, any opportunity I have to exercise creativity and use watercolor as a medium for a school project makes the work more enjoyable. I first had the book printed by an online photo book company, and sent a few to my family just so they could see some of my work. My family started showing their friends and dentist. I started to realize I was going to need a lot more books.
I had decided to write a children’s book because I had seen the impact books make on young children as a nanny. It taught me the impact books have on children. Children will ask to have a book read repeatedly for hours, ask many questions about the story and the pictures, and even bring up components of the story hours later. They are extremely impressionable. At this time, children will be visiting the dental office for the first time and this new experience can be daunting. Introducing a story to them before their visit is the perfect “tell-show” component of the “tell-show-do” method we use with children. Whether that is at home long before they come to the dentist or minutes before they sit in the dental chair.
Have you always wanted to write your own book? I played with the idea a few times, more for personal gifts, but I never planned on ever publishing a book. It’s not something you really think about doing right in the middle of dental hygiene school.
What has been the hardest part of process? Honestly the hardest part is the part I’m actively doing, marketing. Knowing your target audience is one thing, but knowing how you are going to reach them is another. With being a full time student I haven’t been to spend as much time on marketing as I would like, but little by little I am making headway and learning a lot as I go.
Do you have any advice for someone also wanting to publish? Do your research ahead of time. Selecting the right publishing company for you will make the rest of the process easier for you. Talk to other authors, call the companies, ask as many questions as you can and take your own time to make the decision don’t let anyone rush you. Sell yourself and be proud of what you have done. When you are privately publishing a book, your product is you. Make others believe in your story, and your passion behind it. If you can get others to believe in your brand, you will not only be successful in selling your book, but you will also be successful in selling your message.
Any advice to other dental hygiene students just starting out school? You are capable than so much more than you think. Whatever hygiene school is throwing at you right now, you will succeed! Don’t let the business of school stop you from taking on new opportunities, because you can do extraordinary things.
If you’d like to contact Willow with any questions or order your very own “I Like Your Smile” Book, find her on www.willowhavenwalaszek.com or email her at willowhavenwalaszek@gmail.com.
The Trusty Ol' Barnhart 5/6
The Barnhart 5/6 is every hygienist’s first love. It’s one of the first instruments we learn in school and then rely on so much to remove sub and supragingival calculus throughout our career. And don’t tell me you haven’t had a dream about scaling teeth with your trusty old Barnhart. Of course, American Eagle Instruments makes one of these trusty instruments with their XP sharpen-free technology. Be sure to head on over to our Facebook page to win one and see it in action in our latest video.
2018 Dental Black Friday Deals
Today is the day! Black Friday 2018, which means frantically thinking of everyone on your list for the year since there are so many great deals going on. But, did you remember the most important person on your list? That person is YOU! We’ve compiled a few of our favorite dental items, scrubs, and just for fun products for the dental professional that are on sale today!
Scrubs are 30% off today, which is one of the lower percentages off this year. Their scrubs stretch, breathe, and stretch which are perfect in our career. I’m just waiting/hoping for them to create dental themed compression socks since their medical ones are the best.
Jaanuu’s entire site is 35% (excluding sale), which is the perfect time to try out some of their brand new fits and prints. No code is needed.
With 23% off your purchase plus a free PDT scaler, grab some gifts for yourself and your dental besties. We love the No Scrubs sweatshirt, so many cute stickers for your loupes case, and all the Christmas themed shirts for your holiday parties.
The site has 25% off your purchase, plus free shipping today with the code BLACKFRIDAY. This sign is perfect home bathroom or dental office decor.
Cocofloss is 20% off today (and I bought it when it was 15% off. Whomp). If you only need a few packs for gifts/family members/ to travel with, this is the best time to buy. If you love Cocofloss and want larger quantities for yourself or for patients, register as a dental professional for great pricing options.
Good luck today guys! And don’t forget to treat the best person on your holiday list.
Are you a Black Friday Shopper? Where do you like to go/stock up on?
How Grateful are You for Dental Hygiene?
The end of the year is my least favorite time in dentistry. Days are full of stressed patient’s trying to get in before their insurance renews that have busy lives and schedules, last second patients being squeezed in at the end of the day or during lunch, and patient’s running late due to weather conditions. It can make for a stressful day. That with not being paid enough, not being appreciated, and having cuts to the office supplies, it’s surprising we don’t all quit our jobs during these last two months! However, being negative about pretty much everything is a feeling we have about our situation. Just a feeling! We can change that feeling by changing our thoughts. And what’s a way to change our thoughts? Being grateful.
So many studies show the importance of being grateful each day (see below to read just a few). Being grateful leads to a happier life, better relationships, and more personal fulfillment. Who wouldn’t want that at work- a place we spend the majority of our day? Being positive at and about work could change the flow of your day.
So, how do you best change your perspective on your current job situation? Look at the good you’re doing and how it’s helping both you and your patients.
1. What you’re doing for your patients and work environment
Of course, our days are spent treating patients that tell us they do not like being in our chair, or just ate Oreos before coming to their appointment. When I hear these comments, it’s so easy to be negative. But who else is spending an hour with this patient that day, talking about them and their health? Who else shows them little techniques and tricks to make their oral and overall health better? Who else is positive and excited when the patient’s oral health improves by millimeters? We celebrate and care about these people and they appreciate it! They may not express it as often as we’d like, but actually having them come back in 6 months with a positive attitude shows how much they like it. Good job, RDH! You are making a difference in your community. Which such a global world, there are few careers that effect your neighborhood and the people in it anymore.
2. What your job is doing for you
Yes, we’re healthcare workers and professionals. We love helping people, learning new things, and incorporating technology into what we do. But, having a job to pay the bills and spoil yourself once in a while is helpful. Your job is helping you with your goals, even if your goals aren’t monetarily based.
If you find that your job truly isn’t a good fit for you, you can still be grateful! Be grateful for the experience that you’ve found what works and what doesn’t work for you, and that this experience showed what to look for and what to stay away from as you look for further career opportunities.
We at Hygiene Edge just want to say THANK YOU to you! Thank you for supporting our dreams of growing out profession and helping hygienists around the world. Thanks for following us as we grow and learn and find out what works! We are definitely grateful for our career, and how we can change lives one person at a time.
Looking for studies on being grateful? We have lots!
Have You Heard About American Eagle Instruments M23?
Hey there! Let’s chat about your favorite instruments. If you love the Barnhart 5/6, but wish it had a tip over a toe, then you will love the M23 by American Eagle Instruments. Check the instrument, the technique, and where to use it in our latest video.