Kyra Kerr, B.S.D.H.

What is your hometown?

Benton, Maine

When did you know you wanted to pursue dental hygiene as a career?

I knew I wanted to pursue dental hygiene as a career after going through years of orthodontic treatment myself. I had braces on and off for about 10 years and even wore headgear, so I spent a lot of time in dental offices growing up. Those experiences made me really appreciate the impact that dental professionals can have on a patient’s confidence and overall health. Seeing how much my own smile transformed over time inspired me to want to help others feel that same confidence. It also sparked my interest in the connection between oral health and overall health, which ultimately led me to choose dental hygiene as a career.

Why do you feel this career will be rewarding and is the right fit for you?

I feel that dental hygiene was the right fit for me because it allows me to make a direct impact on patients’ health and confidence. Being able to help someone improve their oral hygiene, prevent disease, and feel better about their smile is incredibly meaningful to me. I enjoy working closely with people, educating them, and building trust over time, which is a big part of what makes this profession so fulfilling. Dental hygiene combines my interest in healthcare with my passion for helping others. I value attention to detail, strong communication, and patient-centered care, all of which are essential in this field. My own experiences in dentistry have also given me a genuine understanding of what patients go through, and I want to use that perspective to provide compassionate and supportive care.

Why did you choose WVU for your education?

I chose West Virginia University for the dental hygiene program because of the strong hands-on experience and the quality of education it provides. One of the biggest factors for me was that it was a four-year integrated bachelor’s program, which allows students to gain both clinical skills and a strong academic foundation all in one program. I also liked that students get real patient care experience, with six semesters in the clinic and even an eight-week rural rotation, which helps build confidence before entering the workforce. Another reason I chose this program at WVU is the small class sizes and supportive learning environment. The low faculty-to-student ratio allows for more individualized instruction and guidance, which I felt would help me succeed. I also appreciated the program’s strong reputation and high job placement rates and board passing rates, which showed me that students are well-prepared for their careers.

What would you tell a prospective student about the program and your experience at the WVU School of Dentistry?

I would say that the West Virginia University School of Dentistry dental hygiene program is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It is a fast-paced program that pushes you to grow not only clinically, but also academically and personally. There are stressful moments where you feel like giving up sometimes, but those experiences truly prepare you for real-world patient care and help build your confidence over time.

My experience in this program was truly the best. One of the best parts of the program is the amount of hands-on clinical experiences you get. You work with real patients early on and continue building your skills each semester, which makes a huge difference when transitioning into practice. The faculty are supportive and genuinely want to see you succeed.

Who has had the biggest impact on your college experience?

The people who have had the biggest impact on my college experience are my classmates and faculty. My classmates have been such a strong support system throughout the program. We’ve gone through the same challenges, long clinic days, lots of exams and assignments, and stressful moments together, which created a close bond between us. They’ve motivated me to keep pushing forward and reminded me that I wasn’t alone during difficult times. The faculty have also played a huge role in my success. They’ve provided guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback that helped me grow both clinically and professionally. Their support and dedication pushed me to become more confident in my skills and prepared me to succeed as a future dental hygienist.

I would like to shout out professor McQuain. She has always been very understanding and compassionate, especially on days when I wasn’t feeling my best. Knowing that I had a professor who would be sympathetic and willing to work with me during difficult times made a huge difference and helped reduce a lot of stress. She was just as encouraging on the good days, always celebrating our successes and pushing us to keep improving. That balance of support and motivation helped me stay confident and focused, and it played a big role in helping me succeed both academically and clinically.

Tell us about experiences during your time in the WVU School of Dentistry that you particularly enjoyed.

One of the experiences I enjoyed most during my time at the WVU School of Dentistry was working in clinic. I really valued the hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply everything I learned on a real patient. Being able to treat patients, develop my clinical skills, and gain confidence over time made clinic one of the most rewarding and fun parts of the program. I also loved getting to know my patients. Building relationships with them, seeing their progress, and knowing I played a role in improving their oral health and confidence was incredibly meaningful. Those connections made the experience feel more personal and reminded me why I chose this field in the first place.

Tell us about your rural rotation experience.

My rural rotation was at Tim Nichols, DDS, located in Romney, WV. It truly exceeded my expectations, and to put it simply, I LOVED this office. I absolutely loved the atmosphere of the office; it had such a strong family-oriented feel that made both the staff and patients feel comfortable and welcomed. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was starting each day with a prayer before seeing patients, which created a positive and supportive tone for the day. I also really enjoyed spending time with my coworkers, especially having lunch together and building relationships outside of patient care. It made the work environment feel even more connected and enjoyable. Through this experience, I learned how important it is to be a team player. Everyone in the office worked together to support one another, and that collaboration made a huge difference in keeping the day running smoothly and ending on a positive note. That’s something I will for sure carry with me into my future career.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work at the WVU School of Dentistry over the summertime by helping sophomore dental hygiene students as they begin seeing their first patients in clinic. I’m really excited about this opportunity because it allows me to stay involved in the program while giving back and supporting students who are just starting their clinical experience. I remember how nervous I was to see patients for the first time, so being able to guide, encourage, and share what I’ve learned will be very meaningful to me. It’s a great way for me to continue growing professionally while also helping others build their confidence and succeed. This experience will also help prepare me for my long-term goal of becoming a professor, as it allows me to develop my teaching, communication, and leadership skills in a real academic clinical setting.

As a soon-to-be graduate, what advice would you give to your freshman self?

The advice I would give to my freshman self is to stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone learns in different ways, tests differently, and has different personalities. It’s important to focus on your own growth rather than measuring yourself against those around you. I would also remind myself to just be confident in who I am. Being authentic and true to yourself not only helps you succeed in your own way, but it can also positively impact others. Sometimes simply being yourself can make someone else smile or feel supported every day, and that matters just as much as academic success.

Anything unique or interesting about yourself that others might not know?

Something others might not know about me is that I’ve been actively involved in leadership roles outside of clinic and coursework. I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee as well as participate in the WVU School of Dentistry Wellness and Wellbeing Committee. I really enjoy being part of these groups because they allow me to contribute to improving the program, support my peers, and be involved in decisions that help shape the student experience.