Carissa Kramer

DH IV

Portfolio Reflection

As I reflect on my time in the Kirkwood Dental Hygiene Program I feel emotional with great

gratitude. Since a young age, I loved to take care of people around me and was a hard worker. I

grew up to be very independent and determined which set me up for the future. I remember

going to the dentist every 6 months and loved talking with my hygienist and getting to learn

more about proper oral hygiene. I gravitated towards becoming a nurse but found the dentistry

field very interesting and unique which led to my decision to become a hygienist. I am not the

fastest learner at times and have to work harder to overcome challenges than my peers or

classmates which can be tough. I have been diagnosed with ADD and a panic attack disorder

but this did not stop me from following my dreams of being a hygienist. Right after graduation I

went to Kirkwood and received my assisting degree which opened my eyes to so many

wonderful things. I knew I was passionate about dentistry, but when I worked at Balster Pediatric

Dentistry as an assistant, it confirmed my dream job of becoming a hygienist was the perfect fit

for me. I remember my last day working at Balster Pediatrics, my boss told me she could tell I

was meant for greater things and I would become an amazing hygienist. At the pediatrics office,

we worked with a great amount of Medicaid patients which was very rewarding, especially

working with children who needed full restorative work. Many patients allowed me to feel

grateful for the things I had. I remember one patient I had given a stuffed animal to for being a

good patient and she started crying because they did not have many toys at home. Even in my

rotations in school I have been able to experience giving back to my community and got to do

so with my classmates that double as my good friends. In dental hygiene school at Kirkwood,

my professors have taught me so much about my strengths and weaknesses that I now know

so much more about myself. They have even been there for me not only in clinic and class but

also as supporters for my life outside of school. My favorite compliment I have received is how
well I make my patients comfortable or my calculus removal skills. After graduation, I want to

continue to meet new people and have accepted a job as a traveling dental hygienist and will be

moving to Wisconsin. This will allow me not only to explore new places but experience all the

different offices and challenges along the way. Long term I would love to work at a veteran's

clinic and offer work to more free clinic offices on the weekends with my friend who is in dental

school. Overall I just want to give my professors and my family one last thank you for all they

have done. Thank you for making me feel I belong and I have a purpose to help others in this

world.