Where are you originally from?
I was born in Long Island, NY, raised in South Florida and, nationality wise, I am of Haitian descent.
Have you always worked in the dental field? If not, what other fields? Any other degrees acquired before turning to hygiene?
Prior to entering dental hygiene, I was in the home/retail space from high school to college. After graduating from dental hygiene school I was promoted to a manager, but I knew my passion was in oral health, so I slowly progressed into the dental field full-time.
I acquired my Bachelor’s in Health Science while employed at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, as schooling was an offered benefit. Most recently, I obtained a Certification in Medical Business Management from Florida Atlantic University.
What country did you or do you work abroad in? From which years?
I worked in Northern Italy, Veneto Region in a city called Vicenza. From 2018 through 2021.
What inspired you to move abroad?
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling and absorbing the rich cultures around me.
I was very fortunate to have been an avid traveler thanks to my father, Alain, who had worked for a major airline for over 31 years. Also, my dear aunt, Yves Rose who lived in Castellón, Spain, who I traveled to visit every other summer since I was in my adolescence.
What did your family say?
They were very excited for me to have the opportunity to live abroad. However, a few days prior to my departure, it began to settle in that I would no longer be residing in the same state, let alone the same country. Nevertheless, the contract company had made arrangements for a representative to meet me at the airport and remain with me for a week to get situated, which was quite helpful.
Were you afraid of making such a move?
I certainly had some fear of what was to come, but I tried to lean in on more of the excitement of my new reality, surroundings, new social group(s), etc.
What is the region known for that you worked in?
Known worldwide for its complex system of canals, Venice is often the starting point for any adventure through Veneto, including the famous Grand Canal. The region is also known for the volume of Pinot Grigio it produces and the massive growth in demand for Prosecco.
What practice do you work for, which specialty, and what is the makeup of the team?
I worked in a 30-operatory clinic with various dental specialties including Endodontics, Pediatrics, Oral Surgery, and Orthodontics. For the majority of the time as a hygienist, I was seeing patients for “readiness” which is basically their annual periodic exam and hygiene. I would say the highlight for me working in the clinic was working next to my co-worker Gail Cyzman.
Gail arrived about 6 months after me from South Carolina. She was such a pleasure to work with and made every day so much fun with endless amounts of laughs. Since both of our departures from Italy, we have remained in regular contact and make trips to see each at least once a year. I feel so fortunate to have met her and her family.
What was your social life like?
At first, I thought making friends and finding a social group would be quite difficult, especially since I was a contractor and had no direct military affiliation. Fortunately, I found a women’s group called Vicenza’s Woman of Color. I instantly gravitated towards the group and our passions/interests in travel and exploring cultures, including food and wine.
Working in the clinic was ultimately a benefit from a social perspective. I would see the same patients either on post (be it at the grocery store, gym, cafeteria) or off post at the mall. Seeing them just became part of my routine. The military installation was like its own little city.
What did you most enjoy? Least enjoy? Why?
I really enjoyed the ease of travel, the opportunity to check off a few more places on my bucket list, as well as the opportunity to stamp up my passport.
I took part in some rather thrilling adventures, including white water rafting in Caldes and canyoning in the Province of Belluno. I also enjoyed skydiving over the beautiful Dolomites. I even hiked the Road of 52 Tunnels, which was the military mule road built in World War I. It is 8 miles (ca. 13 km) in distance with an elevation of 2500ft (ca. 762 meters). Clearly, I attempted to be fearless in my new surroundings.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 arose during my stay, but that wasn’t a complete barrier. We did, however, stop seeing patients and were assigned to administrative duties as well as assisting in creating steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the clinic.
What were the patients like? Any exceptional experiences? Good or bad?
Patients were mostly soldiers and their families. Patients often returned to the same hygienist for recalls, so it was nice to catch up with them and see what was new, similar to private practice. Another difference was that the medical history exam wasn’t as complex, as most soldiers were already fit for duty.
How has the experience changed you as a person? Professionally? Personally?
Professionally, it has made me more agile and flexible because sometimes there were abrupt changes we had to acclimate to. Personally, I would say it has made me appreciate my family more and the friendships I created, beyond my overseas assignment.
Do you still practice hygiene? Why or why not? Any plans to leave hygiene?
Every so often I will temp or volunteer, but have not been full-time in the clinic for several years. Ultimately, I have created my ideal dental hygiene career, which is outside the clinical setting at the moment.
Do you have any other projects or businesses on the side?
Ultimately, due to contract assignment, we weren’t allowed to be employed elsewhere or obtain any other sources of income. The reasoning behind this was that it might negatively influence Italian locals from obtaining employment. However, now stateside, I am still exploring opportunities that would allow me to utilize my skills and help others.
What did you (or will you) do to move on with your life?
Upon returning stateside in 2021, I secured employment that allows me to work remotely. I am on the backend of dental and reviewing dental claims. It is a different pace than being in a clinical dental setting, but I also enjoy it.
Do you have any regrets?
I wish I would have had more time to explore and travel. With my contract company, there was little time off, which unfortunately is like most contracts. But there is always room for negotiation before signing the contract.
How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who took chances and made the most of any situation. Also, as someone who was resilient, comical at times, and always made strides to encourage others to do better and be better.
Any wisdom you would like to pass on to future internationally practicing hygienists?
You won’t regret this opportunity if it comes your way, so grab it if it does!
Be sure to review your contract details, particularly if an unforeseen circumstance results in your return to the US. You need to understand the financial implications should you need to leave early and/or break your contract. There were a few discrepancies my contract company made and the majority of the time, if I’m being honest, it was like pulling teeth to have them corrected.
Any other information you would like to share?
Thank you for allowing me to share my experience overseas. Should anyone like to reach out and inquire about my journey not only as a dental hygienist aboard or simply about the different career options in dental hygiene, feel free to reach out to me at ga********@gm***.com.
