Reflection

Kyann Braden

While dental hygiene school was one of the most stressful and toughest things I’ve been through,

it is what I was meant to do. Before becoming an assistant and starting the hygiene program, I realized I

knew nothing about oral hygiene other than I need to brush and floss daily. I have learned so much over

the years and I owe that to our instructors. While all of us dreaded exams and proficiencies, it really

pushed us to learn as much as we could and be the best clinicians we can be.

Not only have I have we had the best instructors, but I also had the privilege of meeting eighteen

classmates who would be there to help teach me, laugh with me, push me to do my best, and even shed a

few tears with me. I honestly don’t think I could’ve done it without them by my side and I am glad to say

I have lifelong friends.

I am also thankful for our patients. Having patients show up to appointments knowing they are

being treated by students but want to be there to help us learn is amazing. While we didn’t always have

patients that loved coming to the dentist, I am truly grateful for every patient that sat in my chair.

Before coming to Kirkwood, I went to the University of Iowa. While I loved the school, I didn’t

feel comfortable being in class sizes of over five hundred people. Coming from a small town of three

hundred people it was a big change that I couldn’t get used to. After coming to Kirkwood, it felt more like

home. I got to see the same people in class every day and had to chance to talk with the instructors and

create a relationship with them. I am happy that I made the switch and chose to pursue dental hygiene.

All in all, I am blessed to have been through and graduated from the Kirkwood dental hygiene

program. Not only has it helped me as a student and a dental hygienist, but as a person. It has showed me
that I can do tough things and that I should have confidence in myself. I couldn’t have asked for anything

better the past two years and will forever cherish the memories made.