Think Beyond the Prophy: Beyond the Beltway Dental Hygienists' Association Part One

I am very excited to introduce you to Melanie and Veronica from the Beyond the Beltway Dental Hygienists' Association. This blog feature will be a two part series this month!

Beyond the Beltway Dental Hygienists' Association is lead by Melanie Bostic and Veronica Haile. Their passion for dental hygiene thrills me! Go check them out and support their efforts!

Meet Veronica Haile, RDH, MHSC, the Vice President of Beyond the Beltway Dental Hygienists' Association!

Veronica received her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in dental hygiene from Delaware Technical and Community College.  She went on to graduate with honors from Nova Southeastern University with a master’s degree in health science and a concentration in education.  

She has been a practicing dental hygienist for over ten years. Previously, Veronica was a clinical dental hygiene instructor at Fortis College in Landover, Maryland for three years.  She is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in health science from Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of the prestigious Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society and the National Dental Hygienists' Association. 

Read on to learn more!

1. What are you currently up to?

I am a pursuing a doctorate degree in health science.  I would like to spend the second half of my career as an educator at the university level. I believe that it is vital for dental hygienists to pursue advanced degrees to maintain the integrity of the profession for the future.  

2. Why did you become a dental hygienist?

Honestly, I chose dental hygiene because education is my passion and I have always had an interest in oral health care.  I love the idea of being an oral health educator.  Plus, the dental hygiene profession has better hours than the nursing profession!

3. How have you kept your momentum to reach your goals?

My momentum comes from knowing my purpose.  I believe that once you have identified your purpose everything else will fall into place.

4. What mentoring moment help shape you to think beyond the prophy?

I had the opportunity to teach clinical dental hygiene at Fortis College for a couple of years.  While I was a faculty member, the majority of students in the dental assisting program were African American women.  They were shocked to learn that I was faculty member.  Some students in the program believed that they had to become a certified dental assistant prior to becoming a dental hygienist.  This was my “aha” moment.  If this type of misinformation was the belief in the African American community then it could also be the belief in other communities of color.  I knew then that I had to be an active participant in promoting the dental hygiene profession in communities of color.

5. What tips do you have for other dental professionals who want to be entrepreneurs?

I have two tips.  First, just start.  Second, do not be afraid to fail.

6. How do you maintain the joy in your life?

I have a fantastic support system consisting of family and friends.  They help me to maintain the joy in my life.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

Simply that I encourage all dental hygienists to continue to strive for excellence!

Membership is free! Join Beyond the Beltway today if you express a desire to...

1. Serve the community.
2. Promote the dental hygiene profession.
3. Participate in networking events.
4. Provide scholarships for minority dental hygiene students.

Contact them at [email protected]

Find them on Facebook: @beyondthebeltwaydentalhygienistassociation

Next week, you will meet President Melanie Bostic!