RDH RISE: A grassroots way to find support in the dental hygiene profession

I remember sitting in my car after a long day in the clinic with aching wrists, a mind full of doubts, and a feeling that something wasn’t right. After years of pouring myself into this profession and still feeling this way day after day and, I was feeling lost. I felt so burned out and my career had not even truly begun, and no matter how hard I worked I kept feeling like I was meant to do more.

I was not alone in these feelings. As I get to know more hygienists, I find that most of them have felt this exact same way or felt something very similar. It’s unfortunate, heartbreaking, and should not be the case. So, we’ve decided to do something about it.

Introducing RDH RISE, a grassroots initiative created by dental hygienists, for dental hygienists, to support new grads, empower practicing hygienists, and advance professional scope.

Why RISE, and why now?

The dental hygiene profession is a powerful and very different industry than restorative-driven dentistry. But it’s constantly been viewed as a convenient job rather than a dynamic career path. Many of us chose this area because we wanted to be health-care providers and advocates for whole-body wellness. But after graduation we were often guided to work in a system that stifles that vision.

New grads are walking into practices eager amd with big dreams, and instead they encounter toxic workplaces, pressure to produce, and isolation. Seasoned professionals are looking for ways to pivot, elevate, or give back, but they don’t know where to start, or they’re led to mentorship programs that are more like indoctrination pathways. Those with wisdom to share often lack the platform to reach others in a meaningful way. RISE was born out of these shared frustrations, and the hope that we can do better together.

What is RDH RISE?

RISE stands for:
Redefining our profession’s narrative
Influencing the future of care through mentorship and innovation
Supporting new grads and mid-career shifts with real-world resources
Empowering every hygienist to work at the top of their licensure and lead change

Thanks to the incredible support of RDH magazine, the RDH UOR team, and our sponsor, Patterson Dental, we’re building a living, breathing ecosystem of connection that helps hygienists rise no matter where they are in their career journey. We can’t solve everything overnight, but we can create this space for our profession.

This is your invitation. Wherever you are in your journey—student, new grad, educator, or veteran clinician—I hope you’ll join us at RISE.

Stay tuned for upcoming programs and dates.

Editor's note: This article appeared in the August/September 2025 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.