Dental hygienists in recovery: Helping ourselves while healing others

Editor's note: The author's name has been withheld by request

Dental hygienists are trained to recognize disease, educate patients, and promote health. We are often seen as steady, knowledgeable, and in control—professionals who guide others toward healthier lives.

But behind the clinical setting, many healthcare providers quietly carry their own struggles.

The reality is this: those who care for others are not immune to needing care themselves.

I know this because I lived it.

At 45 years old, my life reached a breaking point. I had let my twins down time and again. They were 16, and I was not the mother they needed me to be. That realization was painful, humbling, and impossible to ignore.

In that moment, I admitted I had a problem with alcohol.

Recovery did not happen overnight. It required honesty, accountability, and the willingness to rebuild my life one step at a time. Slowly, I became more present, more dependable, and more grounded. Relationships that once felt strained began to heal. Trust, which had been broken, was gradually restored.

Now, nearly 20 years sober, my life is fuller than I ever imagined. I earned a master’s degree in dental hygiene education, teach at a community college, and continue to work in private practice. Most importantly, I am a loving Nana to three grandchildren, with two more on the way. I have rebuilt relationships with my children and found deep love and support in my partner.

Recovery did more than restore my personal life—it transformed the way I practice. It gave me a deeper sense of empathy for patients who may be struggling in ways we cannot see. It taught me patience, humility, and the importance of meeting people where they are, without judgment.

In our profession, we often focus on helping patients change behaviors—improving oral hygiene, reducing risk factors, and making healthier choices. But change is complex. It requires readiness, support, and compassion.

For dental hygienists who may be struggling silently, know this: you are not alone. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of strength. Healing is possible, and it can lead not only to personal renewal but also to deeper connection in the care we provide.

And for those working alongside colleagues or treating patients who may be struggling, lead with compassion. You never know the battles someone is fighting beneath the surface.

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It is never too late to change. A better version of yourself is always within reach—and sometimes, the journey to healing becomes the very thing that allows you to help others most.