Convocation spotlight: Dental hygiene '25 grad Nicole Buchholz

Nicole Buchholz. Photo supplied.

During her time in the dental hygiene program, Nicole Buchholz thrived academically and embraced opportunities to teach others — both in clinic and through volunteer outreach in schools. Now graduating, she plans to build her clinical experience while pursuing graduate studies and eventually return as an instructor, helping shape the next generation of dental hygienists. 

What drew you to this area of study?

I have been interested in pursuing a career in health care for as long as I can remember. However, it was not until high school that I realized dental hygiene would be a good fit for me. I was drawn to the blend of science, hands-on care and patient education. I enjoy teaching and learning, and dental hygiene allows me to do both while promoting overall health. What excited me most was the opportunity to build lifelong relationships with patients, while guiding them through preventive care and supporting their well-being at every stage of life.

What are you most proud of from your time in the program?

While I am proud of my academic accomplishments and the many extracurricular opportunities I have pursued throughout the program, one moment stands out above the rest. Following my northern satellite rotation, a dental student approached me to deliver a message from a mutual patient. The patient had asked him to promise to let me know that the care I provided had truly changed his life. That moment was incredibly humbling and emotional, and it reminded me of the deeper purpose behind our work as dental professionals. It reinforced the power of building strong, trusting relationships with patients and the importance of empathy in clinical care. This experience taught me that everything we do can have a lasting impact, even when we don’t immediately realize it. It solidified my commitment to providing patient-centred care and reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place.

How did you stay motivated when things got tough?

My parents and sister have consistently been my biggest sources of encouragement during challenging times. Their unwavering support and belief in me reminded me of my passion for pursuing a meaningful career in dental hygiene. I am also incredibly grateful to my instructors, who are genuinely invested in the success of their students. Their approachability and support made it easier to stay motivated, even when I felt overwhelmed by the didactic and clinical course requirements. Knowing I had a strong support system inspired me to push through difficulties and continuously strive to improve both personally and professionally throughout the program.

Did you have any interesting experiences outside of class?

During my time in the program, I volunteered with the SMILE program, where I had the opportunity to lead interactive oral health presentations aimed at educating elementary school students on the importance of oral health care. This experience helped me discover a passion for teaching and showed me how impactful education is in promoting oral health. It inspired me to incorporate patient education into my clinical practice and pursue future opportunities in mentorship and possibly teaching within the dental hygiene field. Sharing knowledge in a meaningful way has become a key part of my professional goals, and I hope to continue using education as a tool to empower others and improve community health.

What advice would you give to students thinking of entering this program?

My advice to prospective students is to come in with an open mind and a willingness to grow both personally and professionally. This program is challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Remember that mistakes are an essential part of the learning process. Some of the most valuable lessons come from challenges, especially in clinical settings. Rather than fearing errors, view them as opportunities for growth. Stay open to feedback, ask questions and trust that your skills will develop with time. Most importantly, remember your reason for choosing this path. Your passion for helping others will carry you through tough days and remind you of the meaningful impact you are preparing to make.

What comes next for you?

In the immediate future, I plan to work in clinical practice to gain hands-on experience and deepen my skills. In the near future, I intend to pursue graduate studies to further my education and expand my knowledge. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to return to the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry as a clinical instructor, where I can inspire and mentor future dental hygienists. Through teaching and clinical work, I aim to contribute to improving health and well-being for all by developing compassionate, skilled professionals who are committed to providing ethical, patient-centred care.