Dental Hygiene Archives | �ֻ��Ƭ

WCU Dental Hygiene Student Fuels Her Passion for Healing With Community Outreach

�ֻ��Ƭ — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:00:00 +0000

After experiencing hardship and isolation during a hospital stay as a child, Hannie T. knew she wanted to work in healthcare.

“I was admitted for treatment and felt isolated because my family wasn’t able to visit me most of the time due to the long commute and limited financial resources,” she said. “Having to experience that as a child was very detrimental. I was by myself most of the time, and I didn’t understand why I was there or how long I had to be confined in a room with IV lines hooking up to my arms. The only thing that I wanted was to be home.”

The hospital staff was the one part that made her stay bearable, Hannie said.

“I’m very grateful for all the hospital staff who cared for me back then because they were caring and attentive to my needs,” she said. “I realized that having close ones during tough times, especially during hospital stays, was very crucial as it felt like the only support system that I had.”

Now a �ֻ��Ƭ-Orange County dental hygiene student, Hannie volunteers and works in the community to be present for patients and provide them with the support they need.

“As I grew older, I understood that being present for others was important,” she said. “Not only am I there to provide support, but also to be an active listener for others as someone they can rely on while their family members are not around.”

Besides being a student delegate for both the California Dental Hygienists’ Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Hannie also volunteered for four years at LAC+USC Medical Center. However, her community outreach does not stop there.

“To me, giving back extends beyond the means of providing financial resources. It involves empathy, compassion, and patience towards those around me,” she added. “The current project I’ve been working on is knitting infant beanies. Knitting has always been a hobby of mine, and I want to take it one step further and make beanies for the little ones at the Children’s Hospital. I hope this project will bring many more smiles to those around me.”

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�ֻ��Ƭ Students Win National Dental Hygienist Research Award

�ֻ��Ƭ — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:00:01 +0000

Three dental hygiene students from �ֻ��Ƭ have achieved an extraordinary milestone, clinching first place both in California and nationwide with their innovative research project. The students, mentored by WCU Dental Hygiene Professor Dr. Annette Stelter, tested a novel salt and citric acid powder mixture designed to suppress a patient’s gag reflex for about an hour after a 10-second application.

The team – made up of WCU-Orange County dental hygiene students Isabella T., Reyna V., and Katie C. – first showcased their work at the California Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA) conference, where they won first place in the state. Following this success, they went on to secure the top spot nationally and are now preparing to present their research at the prestigious “” conference in Denver, Colorado, this July.

Despite only having about two months of research training, the students quickly adapted, developing impressive skill sets over two terms. Professor Stelter expressed immense pride in their achievements, highlighting their dedication and the sophisticated methodologies they developed for their study.

“I just can’t say how proud I am and how honored I have been to work with the three of them,” Stelter said. “It was 20 weeks of hard work, and I know I pushed them, but they did it.”

The students conducted their research at the WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic in Anaheim, identifying five key points in the mouth most likely to trigger the gag reflex. They tested the powder on participants, noting their reactions before and after application. Remarkably, the powder effectively suppressed the gag reflex for an hour, consistent with the manufacturer’s claims.

“Gag reflex is a common inconvenience for not only the patient but for us as dental professionals,” WCU student Katie C. said. “A lot of times, it’s challenging to even do our job because the gag reflex poses such a significant challenge for us, so this powder was amazing.”

A significant aspect of the study involved participant selection and data collection. They conducted pre-surveys to gauge the severity of participants’ gag reflexes and only included those with higher sensitivity. After applying the powder, they re-tested the reflex and documented their findings, which showed a high success rate of 9 out of 10 participants experiencing suppression of the gag reflex.

The students faced various challenges, including initial uncertainty about how to structure their study and calibration issues in identifying gag reflex trigger points. Despite these hurdles, their perseverance paid off, and they were able to successfully complete and present their research.

“It’s so different learning about research versus conducting your own study. The hardest part was figuring out how we were going to test this and the best way to go about it,” Isabella T. said. “You have to get participants, figure out methods and materials, and learn how to analyze your results. It was a lot, so I’m just proud of us for doing it.”

Reflecting on their journey, the students expressed pride in their teamwork and the skills they developed. They also noted the impact of their win on their confidence and future career aspirations. The experience at the CDHA conference, surrounded by accomplished professionals and peers, inspired them to consider broader career possibilities beyond clinical practice, including roles in research and public health.

As they prepare to graduate in October, the students are excited about the future, bolstered by their achievements and the support they received from their mentor and university. Their success story not only highlights their hard work and dedication but also serves as an inspiration for other students and professionals in the field.

“I got into dental hygiene because I want to be in private practice because I want to connect with patients,” Reyna said. “I had a lot of doubts going into the competition because I felt like maybe if we were not going to win, it was going to be because of me, but this ended up being the boost of confidence that I really needed.”

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WCU Dental Hygiene Student Has a ‘Lifetime Experience’ in 2024 Rose Parade

�ֻ��Ƭ — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:00:13 +0000

�ֻ��Ƭ student Peyton C. had the opportunity to ride in the Rose Parade for the fourth time as part of the Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team’s equestrian group.

“I’ve been on the team on and off since 2017,” she said. “I’m not currently on the team because I’m focusing on school, but they reached out to me and asked if I wanted to be part of the Parade. I’m so lucky to have been able to do it four times; it’s really fun.”

Even with the overnight camping session along the 210 freeway in Pasadena, followed by an early morning wake-up call at 4 a.m. to prepare for the event, Peyton describes being in the New Year celebration as a “lifetime experience.”

“A lot of work goes into being in the parade, but it’s totally worth it. I enjoy being there with the team, preparing, glittering the hooves, it’s the small details that bring the bigger picture together,” she shared.

Inspired by her mother, who grew up riding horses, Peyton found her passion to do the same at the young age of 12. She joined the Norco Cowgirls Drill Team in high school and, over the years, has participated in the Norco Light Parade, Norco Labor Day Parade, and Yucaipa Christmas Parade. She’s also done several local rodeos with the team across Norco, San Bernardino, and Industry Hills.

Around the time she found her groove with the team, she also discovered a passion for dental hygiene when she stumbled upon the field during a high school research project.

“I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare, and when I was researching dental hygiene, it felt like the perfect fit,” she said. “After high school, I ended up enrolling in a dental assisting program to get some experience and make sure it was the right field for me.”

The dental assisting program pushed Peyton to fall even more in love with the field, prompting her to eventually enroll in �ֻ��Ƭ’s Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program.

“I’ve really found my passion,” she said. “Just talking with patients and helping them better their oral health and their smile, it brings them so much more confidence. I love it”

Like the tight friendships she formed with the Norco Cowgirls, Peyton has built strong relationships with her cohort and professors at WCU-Orange County.

“The professors are all super approachable, and I have a really good friend group that I’ve established since my literal day one at West Coast,” she said. “We study together practically every single day, so I really lean on them a lot.”

Once she graduates, Peyton is looking forward to officially rejoining the Norco Cowgirls while also gaining more experience as a dental hygienist.

“I feel like I’m so lucky to have two great things going on in my life right now,” she said. “I found what I really want to do, and I just want to keep growing and becoming a better professional.”

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WCU Gives Community Something to Smile About During Dental Health Month

Anisa Lewis — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:00:03 +0000

In celebration of Children’s Dental Health Month, �ֻ��Ƭ dental hygiene students provided free dental services and education to children and young adults at the 2024 Smile Camp Kid’s Day event.

“The experience that our students are getting from a community service event like this is invaluable,” WCU dental hygiene instructor Annette Stelter said. “They’ll be able to remember and reflect on this and take it with them every step of the way into their career.”

Held at the WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic in Anaheim, students provided no-cost dental services, including screenings, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and therapeutic restorations.

“It’s really nice to know how to communicate with the younger demographic,” said WCU dental hygiene student Seleste F. “I think it’s really important to emphasize oral health at an early start so that patients and the community, in general, have better oral health in the long run.”

Serving more than 15,000 patients a year, the Dental Hygiene Clinic is open to the public Monday through Friday for all adults and children. To schedule an appointment, please call (877) 928-2546. For details on hours and services provided, visit our website.

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WCU Students Embark on Mission to Deliver Dental Care, Education on Catalina Island

Anisa Lewis — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0000

�ֻ��Ƭ students sailed to Catalina Island this summer on a mission to brighten smiles at the Children’s Dental Health Clinic.

Led by WCU-Orange County dental hygiene professor Stormy Li, the six students spent two days on the island but had little time for sightseeing.

“When we arrived, we went directly to the clinic,” Li said.

On both days of their “quick but full trip,” the student volunteers provided oral hygiene instructions, prophylaxis, fluoride, and even some sealants with their pediatric patients.

A non-profit dental and teaching program, the Children’s Dental Health Clinic serves about 5,500 patients each year at its main location in Long Beach and its school-based clinic on Santa Catalina Island, which partners with WCU to receive dental hygiene students three times a year.

“Some of our students were also able to give toothbrushes and an oral health presentation to preschoolers,” Li shared. “I think these students are amazing because they volunteered to go during their term break.”

The WCU dental hygiene students included Anthony N., Anissa T., Gohar M., Kayla P., Naif S., and Sameen D. To participate, they had to meet GPA requirements, be in good standing with the university, and write an essay on the importance of community service.

“It was a fulfilling opportunity,” WCU-OC student Naif S. said. “Our interactions with the patients we treated were heartwarming to say the least. In addition to treating these patients, we were also able to educate them on how to continually improve their oral hygiene. I highly encourage future students to jump at this opportunity.”

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�ֻ��Ƭ BSDH Students Take Oral Health Education Beyond the Clinic

Anisa Lewis — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 21:30:00 +0000

This summer, �ֻ��Ƭ students visited multiple communities in Southern California to help educate diverse populations on the importance of oral health.

As part of their community dental health project class, the WCU-Orange County dental hygiene cohort provided dental health knowledge at sites including No Limits Learning Center, Boys & Girls Club, Arbor Palms of Anaheim, and Head Start.

“In their project, they determine the needs of the population, then create a lesson plan with activities to present,” WCU-OC dental hygiene instructor Mary Ann Pederson said. “Each participant receives oral hygiene products and is encouraged to practice the new habits they learned.”

Not only did this collaboration allow students to help instruct adults living with disabilities, children, seniors, and others in need; it also provided an opportunity to see how impactful a direct connection with community members can be, Pederson said.

“We leave each experience as better dental health care educators, and better humans,” she shared.

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How the Pandemic Has Changed the Dental Care Industry & Dental Hygiene Education

�ֻ��Ƭ — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 06:21:00 +0000

The healthcare world, and the students aspiring to join its ranks, are now reacclimating to an industry still recovering from, and in some ways forever changed by, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which is commonly referred to as the COVID-19 pandemic.

We at �ֻ��Ƭ thought the dental hygiene profession deserved an even closer look, since this is a part of healthcare that was particularly affected by shutdowns. Let’s start with how the pandemic has affected the dental industry, and then take a look at how adaptation and innovation have been instrumental in restoring and even improving dental practice.

While many sects of healthcare during the pandemic were overstretched, such as respiratory wards in hospitals, patients largely stayed away from the dentist’s office. Why? Many patients may see dental care as less “urgent” than an immediate medical need, and there will likely be a long-tail effect on overall dental health and hygiene that will take years to study and understand. In the meantime, patients have begun returning to the dental chair, and to a new set of protocols and considerations that have developed over the last few years in response to COVID-19.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the ways the industry is adapting. Even the term “post-pandemic” is still being used with caution, if at all, and some of mandates that took root during the most uncertain times of COVID-19 are now primed to become standard practice.

Let’s sort through some of these changes and how schools and practices are adopting training and treatment in dental hygiene. We’ll also offer some insight into WCU’s post-pandemic protocols, and how we’re protecting our own dental hygiene students from COVID-19’s ongoing infections and an unpredictable future in the “post-COVID” healthcare ecosystem.

An Industry Impacted

It’s no surprise the dental healthcare industry was heavily impacted during the pandemic. We’ll get to the unique challenges, but first, let’s look at a few of the numbers that have emerged through surveys and research about just how heavily the impact was felt in dental care.

During lockdown, when dental offices were largely closed, of typical levels, and employment levels in dental care were down by more than half between March and May of 2020. Some of this unprecedented loss in activity in the industry, on both sides, was due to factors that impacted the economy at large—fear of infection, behavioral mandates, shortages of PPE, as well as lifestyle considerations like school closures that made keeping up with normal life habits more challenging.

On top of these factors, dental healthcare faced a unique set of challenges particular to the nature of oral health treatments.

Dental Care During the Pandemic

Because dental hygiene is an occupation dominated by a female workforce, factors like reduced access to childcare and school closures had an outsized impact on employment levels during the pandemic. But in addition to the demographic makeup of dental hygiene professionals, the unique nature of oral healthcare created challenges not felt, or at least not felt as acutely, by other sects of healthcare.

Dental care was assessed as a particularly high-risk occupation during the pandemic, earning a . This can be largely attributed to the proximity required to treat dental patients, leading to to airborne contagion with most interactions requiring the patient to be unmasked. In addition, dental hygiene care routinely involves the presence of aspirated fluids—aerosols and droplets—that are byproducts of procedures involving dental cleanings and assessments. Along with inhalation hazards, dental healthcare professionals are often in direct contact with fluids and membranes that carry pathogens like COVID-19.

For these reasons, the dental industry was uniquely positioned to feel the effects of pandemic lockdown.

Post-Pandemic Trends: PPE and Emerging Protocols

While dental healthcare continues to recover and adapt to the post-COVID-19 attitudes and expectations, certain protocols that emerged during the height of the pandemic have become somewhat normalized, with enhanced safety moving forward for both patient and practitioner. While private practices are still largely self-determining as to which new safety measures and equipment they’ll implement long-term, more rigorous use of personal protective equipment (PPE), patient screening, and adoption of technologies to mitigate infection risk are increasingly common.

Dental office equipment is also being . High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are now present in many offices to purify air quality and accelerate the removal of aerosols and droplets. Internal and external suction equipment helps control for salivary contamination, and many dental offices are improving overall ventilation, in some cases with ventilation between each patient.

Another important area of expansion in the post-pandemic era is teledentistry. The pandemic has seen expansion of both telehealth and digital communication as indispensable tools of care. Unlike many other forms of healthcare, most procedures administered by dental hygienists can’t be performed remotely, so teledentistry applications can’t be applied wholesale. Cleanings, diagnostics, and assessment typically require a hands-on approach. But teledentistry is an option for certain oral healthcare needs, many of which apply to the work of a hygienist.

Among these are consultations around nutrition for patients at risk for gum disease, and patient monitoring after a diagnosis or procedure. Since dental hygienists are so critical to preventative care and patient education, these techniques are highly relevant to students and graduates of dental hygiene programs.

Moving Forward: Industry Benefits & Opportunities

In spite of all the challenges faced (and largely met) by the dental industry during the pandemic, there are signs that it is emerging more resilient and better prepared for future health crises and ongoing COVID-19 concerns and variants.

In addition to improvements in technology adoption and safety protocols we’ve already explored, , with interfaces as well as back-end concerns like reimbursement becoming easier to navigate. In a complementary development for the dental industry where telehealth applications are more limited, there is a positive outlook in patients opting for more in-person care as perceptions around safety improve.

Another challenge that also presents a potential bright side for graduating dental hygienists is employment outlook. Many older hygienists opted to retire early during the pandemic, and while this has led to staffing shortages that are a short-term pain point for dental offices, it is also creating additional opportunities and employment choice for a new generation of dental hygiene professionals. In fact, according to Rachel Morrissey, who is a senior research analyst for the American Dental Association (ADA), .

How WCU Has Improved Its Dental Hygiene Program

At WCU, safety and study go hand-in-hand. At �ֻ��Ƭ, we operate our own no-cost dental hygiene clinic out of our Orange County campus, where we have implemented permanent changes to reflect leadership in student and patient safety protocols. We consulted our Dean of Dental Hygiene, Michelle Hurlbutt, about how our Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program has responded to the pandemic and improved practices for a post-pandemic dental hygiene education. Here are some highlights:

Our dedicated Orange County dental hygiene clinic has adopted a policy of mandatory N95-grade masks for all BSDH students while working in the clinic. Our BSDH Students must be individually fit-tested for their mask size. Additionally, our clinic is outfitted with safety equipment like external suction and air purifiers with HEPA filters, to minimize aerosol and droplet exposure, and all patients and students are screened for symptoms prior to treatments.

In addition to safety protocols, we have integrated teaching techniques into our curriculum such as teledentistry and learning about “long COVID” and immunocompromised patients, especially when it comes to emergency care. At the Orange County campus, our BSDH students are visiting our local nursing facilities to participate in simulations with WCU nursing students, to incorporate important synergy in learning for changing times.

Staying Ahead in an Ever-Changing Dental Care Landscape

For now, the dental health industry is continuing to rebound toward its pre-pandemic capacity, and evolve beyond it. As additional variants emerge, waves of infection fluctuate, and we anticipate new concerns developing in the future, dental hygiene will continue to adapt to protect hygienists and their patients, and ensure a high quality of care without compromising safety.

At WCU, we look forward to staying at the forefront of new technologies and teaching techniques to address the complicated past, present, and future of dental hygiene and oral healthcare.

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WCU-Orange County Dental Hygiene Clinic Remains Open During Pandemic Shutdown

�ֻ��Ƭ — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing has remained a constant: �ֻ��Ƭ’s dental hygiene clinic has been open and serving the community since July.

Located in Anaheim, the clinic is a teaching facility that offers a variety of no-cost dental services for adults and children, including oral exams, fluoride treatments, periodontal screenings and cleanings.

WCU dental hygiene clinical coordinator Jila Torabi said appointments were paused for about 120 days just as the pandemic shutdown began, but staff and faculty immediately began work on making the necessary modifications needed to reopen.

Several physical improvements were made to the building, Torabi said, and some methods were changed — like no longer using certain tooth-cleaning tools that spray water or produce aerosols.

Additionally, dental hygiene students were outfitted with personal protective equipment and patients undergo a health screening and temperature check before being allowed on the clinic floor. In addition, all patients are contacted 48 hours and 14 days after their clinic visit as part of an extensive contact tracing program to monitor any possible COVID-19 outbreaks.

“It’s all about building trust. Established patients come in, see what measures we are taking, how careful you are and how you treat them,” Torabi said. “There were days that were slower at first, but recently it’s been business as usual.”

Before the pandemic, the clinic provided more than 15,000 patient visits a year to the community. And while numbers were down overall last year, Torabi said there is still plenty of need for the clinic’s services. Right after reopening in July, four clinic sessions a day were scheduled to meet the demand, and some cohorts attended three consecutive clinic sessions a day she said.

With the announcement that dental hygiene students are considered Phase 1a mission-critical workers and are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Torabi said she feels more confident about being able to “keep going as much as we can with an overall goal of keeping everyone safe.”

“Dental offices are open and it’s our job to help these students be prepared to enter the workplace,” she said.

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WCU Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Lopez, BSDH ’19

�ֻ��Ƭ — Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

What brought you to WCU as a student?

I was intrigued that the school offered so many different programs other than dental hygiene and emphasized interprofessional education. The school prides itself on making sure its students from every program know how to work together in IPE to provide care for patients. Also, it doesn’t hurt that Disneyland was right around the corner. Knowing that I would be able to see the Matterhorn during the afternoon clinic and fireworks in the evening was the cherry on top!

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at WCU?

It definitely has to be that WCU taught me how to educate patients about the oral and systemic health connection. So many out there are not aware that essentially “the mouth is the mirror to the body”. WCU prepared me to educate patients and other health care professionals and to learn from them as well.

What was your most memorable experience at WCU and what did you take away from your time at WCU?

My most memorable experience was participating in outreach at Catalina Island! Promoting oral health education and oral hygiene instruction to the students on the island and seeing how grateful they were was humbling. As I was leaving the island with my classmates, the students were running up to thank us for our time there. It made me realize patients want to learn- you just have to be willing to teach.

If you could give one word of advice to our WCU students, what would it be?

Communicate. I think once students are in the nit and grit of the challenging courses they get overwhelmed and pull back in a way due to stress. The DH faculty is all about open communication and they want to help you in any way possible. Communicate when you’re having a hard time with a learning objective, or even in life. During one term, three special people in my life died within three weeks from each other. I confessed to the staff what I was going through and they provided constant emotional support and took extra time to help me review school material I couldn’t understand due to the emotional stress. They showed me they not only care about school and this was proof they wanted me to succeed. They go above and beyond for you when you need them- you just have to communicate.

How are you involved with WCU currently?

I participate both through the WCU Alumni Network and the Dental Hygiene program. I’ve had the opportunity to speak about post-grad life to senior DH students and be involved in the NorCal Alumni events. I may start the master’s in health administration program soon… who knows! I’m glad WCU has given me the platform to participate in various ways. I really enjoyed my time in the program.

What does #WCUproud mean to you?

It means representation. It represents the hard work, the long hours of studying, the board reviews, the mock exams, the investment that I put into getting my degree and license. It represents all the memories I got to experience with my cohort, my schoolmates, and the faculty at WCU. It also means I represent the amount of heart and dedication the faculty puts into their teaching careers. I am proud to represent them through being #WCUproud.

Why do you think it’s important for our alumni to stay involved with their alma mater — whether by attending an alumni event, volunteering their time or giving to the alumni scholarship fund?

It’s incredibly important to stay involved on any platform in the alumni network because it could provide an opportunity that you were looking for to progress in your career. It could be a networking opportunity or even an exposure opportunity! It is also a great, inexpensive way to show your appreciation for how much you’ve prospered after graduating.

Would you like to share a positive message with current dental hygiene students?

The Dental Hygiene program at WCU truly helps to prepare you, not only to pass the boards, but helps you to succeed in your future dental hygiene career. With your knowledge and skills, you would definitely stand out as one of the many amazing clinicians providing oral health care. Every instructor that you will meet wants nothing more but to have exemplary, caring dental hygienists out in the field to take their place in clinical practice as they continue to teach. So trust that they’re looking out for you. I can’t wait to work with you guys in the future and see us being the front runners in preventive healthcare. You’ve chosen well to be at WCU!

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WCU Dental Hygiene Instructor and MPH Alum Matches Love of Learning to Career Goals

�ֻ��Ƭ — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

At graduation, most people wonder what they will do after school. Jila Torabi was more curious about what she would do next in school.

“I love academia and I love learning so after I graduated I told a lot of my instructors, ‘You know what? I may need to re-enroll,’” Torabi said with a laugh. “That’s when I realized that education is my anchor.”

An instructor with �ֻ��Ƭ’s dental hygiene program since 2016, Torabi said being a teacher wasn’t originally her plan but people kept telling her she was a natural at it. While still a student, Torabi said she always found herself leading study sessions with classmates and even her instructors said she should consider it. But teaching still wasn’t on her radar — yet.

“I was just trying to learn stuff,” she said. “How could I be a teacher?”

Even as a dental hygienist, Torabi said, she found herself instructing her clients while going over homecare information like proper brushing and flossing.

“You are kind of always educating them, teaching them and telling them how to improve their oral health,” she said. “And then I would hear from my patients, ‘Do you teach?’”

And that, Torabi said, is when she decided to become an educator.

“Now I don’t see myself anywhere else, besides teaching. I feel like this was my calling,” she said. “There’s something new all the time and that’s what’s so intriguing about it to me.”

After more than 10 years of being a registered dental hygienist, Torabi is still as passionate about the subject as ever but now her focus is on sharing what she has learned to her students.

“Dental hygienists are the only healthcare professionals that render preventative services,” she said. “I hope to ignite a passion for dental public health and dental hygiene science in the next generation of dental hygienists.”

As a strong believer in lifelong learning, Torabi decided to go back to school in 2017 and enrolled in WCU’s Master of Public Health program — a decision she said “helped advance my career and education.” Soon after graduating from the MPH program, Torabi was named the director for the Dental Public Health and Introduction to Periodontology courses. In 2020, she was promoted to senior coordinator at WCU’s Dental Hygiene clinic.

“As an adjunct faculty at WCU, I had been looking into different online programs that would focus on preventative practice while enhancing interprofessional education and collaboration,” she said. “I looked at the curriculum of WCU’s Master of Public Health program and I was very impressed with its rich academic content and flexibility.”

While Torabi admitted there were moments where balancing family or work obligations during the 12-month program got stressful, she never thought of giving up. In fact, she added, she’s actually recommended the online program to several people who were looking to take their career to the next level.

“This program is designed for working professionals,” she said. “A few former students and two of the faculty that currently teach at WCU are in the MPH program — and chose the program at WCU — per my recommendation. And they have shared how impressed they are with it.”

Torabi is as passionate about public health as she is with about dental health.

“Public health is a field where you are selfless and you thrive on knowing your efforts not only impact the health of an individual, but a community and a nation. The unique aspect of the public health profession is that one does not necessarily need to have a health education or health profession background,” she said.

Torabi said with her MPH degree, she is now armed with the tools needed to fulfill her commitment to the community, while also being in a role that can help ensure health services are available to anyone who needs them.

“It takes a village to deliver care — especially to the ones in need, the ones from low socio-economic status, the ones that fall under the radar. I am happy to be a citizen of that village, which I owe to my education at WCU,” she said.

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