Since high school, Justin Nance dreamed of becoming a dentist. However, a dentist’s advice led him to change course—first becoming a dental hygienist.
From that moment on, he fell in love with the profession. “What attracted me was the ability to spend time and truly build relationships with patients, which is hard to achieve in a traditional dentist’s position,” Nance says.
Now, after 17 years in dental hygiene, Nance still personally sees patients every Friday while serving as a dental clinic coordinator and full-time faculty member at Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio.
He recently became an ambassador for Hygienist Inspired, a joint initiative of the Delta Dental Foundation and the American Dental Hygienists Association aimed at addressing the dual challenges of a declining dental hygienist workforce and a lack of oral care resources in the community.
As ambassadors, Nance and colleagues from nine states actively engage with a diverse group of high school students, college transfer students, and patients to promote the dental hygienist profession, with a focus on underserved communities.
Through monthly training, they not only go to campus, but also go to the community to introduce more people to the key role of dental hygienists in promoting public health.
In recent years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic and a large number of people retiring, the shortage of dental hygienists has become increasingly serious. Nance knows the importance of this job: “This is not only about expanding the dental hygienist team, but also about improving the lives and health of residents in communities like my own.”
At Rhodes State University, Nance also coordinates community clinics to provide free or low-cost services to uninsured children and adults. He often reminds students that dental hygiene is not only about cleaning teeth, but also an important part of preventing chronic diseases and can change the trajectory of life.
During a campus visit, he met a student who originally wanted to be an emergency medical responder. After learning about dental hygiene, she decided to join the dental assistant program and successfully entered the waiting list. “This is the power of the program. A simple exchange can open up new possibilities.”
As the incoming president of the Ohio Dental Hygienists Association, Nance actively promotes fairness and popularization in the industry. He emphasized that the dental hygienist profession is not only well-paid, but also flexible, and more suitable for balancing family and career.
“Many students think that only nursing can help others, but they ignore that dental hygiene is also an important part of medical care and plays an irreplaceable role in prevention and health education.”
Nance estimates that he has taught more than 1,000 students in the past 11 years and continues to provide guidance in their early careers.
He encourages students who are suffering from professional burnout: “You just haven’t found the right team yet. Once you find it, your passion will be rekindled.”
For Nance, everything comes from connecting with people. Whether it is patients, students or colleagues, he regards this profession as his mission.
“Being a dental hygienist, educator and ambassador allows me to make an impact on many levels. This is the meaning of my work.”
