6675d8a345c01ddb1fbc2574 New Grads With Annie Walters

Mindset matters for new grads

June 6, 2024
Annie Walters assures the soon-t0-be dental hygiene graduates that they're ready for their new careers. It can be daunting to start in their own op, but their outlook matters!

As a new faculty member for dental hygiene students, Annie Walters has an insider view of their excitement about joining our profession. But I used to tell students that "school actually begins the day you graduate" because all of a sudden you don't have anyone standing over your shoulder making sure you're doing everything right.

Annie strives to assure them that they know what they're doing and are ready for their own op. While it can be scary to graduate, she builds confidence in their skills. She reminds them that the profession is one of constant learning, and to give themselves grace as they start out.

Keeping in touch, at least for a while, and building a professional network is a good way for new graduates to start in their careers. 

Hear what else we have to offer new graduates. And welcome to dental hygiene!

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About the podcast

RDH Magazine Podcast is the community of voices you love from RDH magazine, brought to your podcast feed every week. You can expect to gain education and have the RDH magazine community in your ears to complement the content you enjoy online and in print each month.

About the Author

Annie Walters, MS, RDH

Annie Walters, MS, RDH, attended Northern Arizona University, where she spent time caring for individuals in Guatemala and Indian Health Service. She has a special interest in advancing access to care for individuals with specialized health-care needs. She’s a member of ADHA, and received her MS from the University of New Mexico, where she developed a chairside resource for RDHs to use for patients with specialized needs. She practices in Flagstaff, Arizona, and serves as part-time faculty at her alma mater. Contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH | Chief editor, RDH magazine

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, has over four decades of continual career development and experience in dentistry. As the chief editor of RDH magazine, she strives to remain a proactive personality in the continual advancement of the profession. She has been defined as a motivated trendsetter and dependable colleague and is inspired by her true passion of helping others to achieve their personal goals.