Savannah Lahey, B.S.D.H.
“I know this program has prepared me well for my future career as a dental hygienist. I am going to miss WVU and all of the memories I have made here. The life-long friendships I have made are what I am thankful for the most!”
Hometown
Charleston, WV
What made you want to earn your dental hygiene degree?
Growing up in West Virginia, I realize that oral health is not prioritized. Coming from a low-income household, I have personal experience on the ways oral health affects an individual’s confidence and self-image, as well as total health. Seeing this growing up sparked my interest in dentistry. I knew dental hygiene was my ideal career path once I researched dental hygienists’ duties. I take pride in being able to drastically change someone’s smile or educate an individual on oral health.
Why did you choose to come to WVU?
I chose WVU because the School of Dentistry provides an extensive and thorough patient care experience that prepares you for when you graduate. The program requires a unique rural health rotation that allows for students to see patients in a private practice setting. This program also offers several rotations in many specialties, including orthodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, periodontics, pediatrics, OR, assisting and many more. These are experiences that many other schools in the nation do not get to experience. The program allows for exploration of the ways dental hygienists can be involved in different specialties and sets you up with many experiences and opportunities other graduates may not have.
What are you excited for next?
I am excited to start my career as a registered dental hygienist in Pittsburgh, PA. I know this program has prepared me well for my future career as a dental hygienist. I am going to miss WVU and all of the memories I have made here. The life-long friendships I have made are what I am thankful for the most!