Pamela Graboso-Saul, RDH, BSDH, MSDH, FADHA

quip: Your journey as a dental hygienist has taken you through many different facets of the field, from clinical practice to education and research. Can you share what drew you to dental hygiene and how your career has evolved over the years?

Pamela: When I was in third grade, I slipped and fell, breaking teeth #8-10. My pediatric dentist was able to bond them back, but years later, during my junior year of high school, the bonding failed, and I needed cosmetic dental work. At the time, my mom’s friend, a dentist, offered me a job while I was getting my teeth fixed. I quickly fell in love with working in a dental office. My boss encouraged me to pursue dental hygiene, and I initially had hopes of attending dental school. However, that path wasn’t in the cards for me, so I decided to explore where a career in dental hygiene could take me.

quip: You’ve been open about your personal struggles with mental health and how leaving a toxic work environment changed your life. What advice would you give to other dental professionals who may be experiencing similar challenges?

Pamela: Leaving a toxic work environment was one of the hardest but most transformative decisions I’ve ever made. For any dental professional struggling with burnout, anxiety, or feeling undervalued, my biggest advice is to listen to yourself. If you constantly feel drained, unappreciated, or like your mental and physical health are suffering, that’s a sign that something needs to change.  

Find a support system — whether it’s colleagues, mentors, or even online communities of dental professionals who understand what you're going through. You’re not alone, and talking about it can help you see your options more clearly.  

Also, don’t be afraid to explore different paths within dentistry. I thought I had to stay in clinical practice forever, but stepping into research and public health opened doors I never imagined. Your skills are valuable in so many spaces beyond the operatory.  

Lastly, prioritize yourself. It’s easy to put patients and productivity first, but your wellbeing matters. If a workplace is making you miserable, it’s okay to walk away. You deserve to work in an environment that supports your growth, not one that diminishes it.

quip: The dental field can be incredibly rewarding but also demanding. How do you maintain balance in your personal and professional life now compared to a year ago?

Pamela: Early in my career, I was putting myself in high-stress situations where I often put my jobs before my own health. Transitioning into research and public health has allowed me to create a better balance. I’ve learned to prioritize rest, set clear work-life boundaries, and surround myself with people who uplift me. Pilates has also been a huge part of my routine. It keeps me grounded and helps me manage stress. Most importantly, I’ve stopped feeling guilty about stepping away when I need to. Taking care of myself makes me a better professional, and that’s a lesson I wish I had learned sooner.

quip: You recently wrote about the importance of breaking down stereotypes in dental hygiene. What specific changes do you think need to happen to foster a more supportive and empowering environment for hygienists?

Pamela: Breaking down stereotypes in dental hygiene starts with recognizing that hygienists are not just “teeth cleaners” but essential healthcare providers. To foster a more supportive and empowering environment, I believe three key changes need to happen:  

1. Greater Professional Recognition – Hygienists deserve a stronger voice in decision-making within dental practices and public health initiatives. Expanding scope of practice, allowing for more autonomy, and advocating for leadership roles will elevate our profession beyond the traditional clinical setting.  

2. Improved Workplace Culture – Many hygienists face burnout due to unrealistic production goals, lack of appreciation, and toxic work environments. Employers need to prioritize respectful, team-based cultures where hygienists feel valued and supported, not just as revenue generators, but as professionals contributing to patient health.  

3. More Educational and Career Pathways – There’s a misconception that dental hygiene is a dead-end career. In reality, there are opportunities in education, research, advocacy, and public health. Encouraging students and practicing hygienists to explore these paths can help break the stereotype that hygiene is limited to clinical work alone.  

By pushing for these changes, we can shift the perception of dental hygiene from being seen as an auxiliary role to one that is dynamic, impactful, and worthy of recognition.

quip: What’s one challenge in your career that tested you the most, and how did you overcome it?

Pamela: One of the biggest challenges in my career was leaving clinical practice and stepping into research and public health. It was terrifying to walk away from a stable job, especially one where I had built strong relationships with my patients and colleagues. But I knew deep down that I wasn’t thriving. I was exhausted, mentally drained, and felt stuck.  

Overcoming it required a mindset shift. I had to trust that my skills were transferable and that I could make an impact outside of the operatory. I sought mentorship, leaned into my passion for public health, and reminded myself why I started in dentistry in the first place — to make a difference. Now, I’m in a role where I feel challenged, valued, and aligned with my long-term goals. Looking back, that difficult transition was exactly what I needed to grow.

quip: The dental field can sometimes feel competitive, but you advocate for celebrating each other’s successes. What are some small but impactful ways we can normalize supporting one another in this profession?

Pamela: Normalizing support starts with intentional actions that build a culture of encouragement. Here are a few ways we can uplift each other: give genuine compliments, share opportunities, engage and celebrate yourself and others online, mentor and lift others up, and shift the mindset from competition to community. At the end of the day, we all got into this field to help people. If we extend that same kindness and support to one another, we’ll create a profession that truly thrives.

quip: As someone who has worked in multiple dental settings, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new hygienist on navigating workplace dynamics?

Pamela: Observe, and set boundaries early. Every dental office has its own culture, and taking the time to understand team dynamics, workflows, and expectations can help you adapt without feeling overwhelmed.  

At the same time, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Whether it’s your schedule, the way you want to practice, or how you communicate with your team, setting clear but respectful boundaries from the start prevents burnout and establishes mutual respect.  

Lastly, find a mentor, whether it’s another hygienist, a dentist, or even someone outside of your office. Having someone to turn to for advice can make all the difference in building confidence and longevity in your career.

quip: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of dental hygiene? How do you see the profession evolving, and what role do you want to play in shaping that change?

Pamela: Looking ahead, I hope to see dental hygiene continue to evolve as a respected and integral part of healthcare. I want to see hygienists recognized beyond the operatory — as educators, researchers, public health leaders, and advocates for systemic change in oral health. Expanding our scope of practice, increasing direct access to care, and integrating dental hygiene more fully into medical settings are all critical steps toward that future.  

I see the profession evolving through stronger representation in policy-making, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Oral health is public health, and hygienists should have a seat at the table in shaping policies that impact communities.  

My role in this change? I want to continue using my voice to elevate the profession through my research, advocacy, and mentorship work. By highlighting the diverse opportunities in dental hygiene, I hope to inspire others to break traditional molds and push the profession forward in ways that truly make a lasting impact.

quip: As a member of the quip Profreshional Club, what’s been your favorite experience (or perk) so far, and how has it enhanced your connection with the dental hygiene community?

Pamela: Being part of the quip Profreshional Club has been an incredible experience, but my favorite perk so far has been the sense of community it fosters. Connecting with like-minded dental professionals who are just as passionate about innovation and patient education has been inspiring. The exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and product perks have also enhanced the way I engage with both my colleagues and patients. It’s refreshing to be part of a platform that truly values hygienists and our role in shaping the future of oral health!

Give Pamela a follow! @pamela.graboso.saul.rdh