Anistinn Dental Hygiene Student & Creator

quip: For many, getting into hygiene school is a journey in and of itself. What did your path to acceptance look like, and what helped you stay focused while waiting for that “you’re in” moment?

Anistinn: Oh, it was definitely a journey! I’ve lived in Arizona since I was 10, but after high school I moved to Utah to try and be independent. I started taking prerequisites at a community college, but the school didn’t have a hygiene program — somehow I ended up in medical assisting classes instead. Then COVID hit, and I moved back to Arizona. That whole pause made me realize I needed to be more intentional with my education, so I transferred to Phoenix College to focus on dental hygiene.

I discovered I was actually really good at anatomy — which surprised me, because with ADHD, staying focused can be tough. But I learned how to work with my brain instead of against it. After finishing my pre-reqs, I started tutoring other students while I waited to get into the program. The waitlist at Phoenix was three years long, and even though I was willing to wait, my sister-in-law said something that changed my mindset: “Time is money and money is time.” That helped me realize it was worth investing in my future sooner. So I applied to Carrington College — and got in on my second try!

Looking back, what kept me focused was wanting to create a better life for myself sooner, and having that motivating push from my sister-in-law made a big difference.

quip: You recently wrote an article for RDH Magazine while still being a student — huge! What inspired you to share your voice so early in your career, and how can other students find the confidence to do the same?

Anistinn: Thank you! Honestly, writing an article wasn’t something I planned. I’ve always just made videos. But then BrushwithBritt reached out to me and offered to mentor me, and she encouraged me to write about my experience. That gave me the confidence to go for it.

One thing about me is I never “gatekeep” — if I know something that can help someone, I’m sharing it. That’s what inspired the article. I wanted to show other students how to make the most of their time in school. My advice? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know what opportunities (or people) will come your way just from being yourself. I’ve been so blessed by just making my little TikToks — truly!

quip: Finding clinical patients can be one of the most stressful parts of hygiene school. What strategies worked for you, and what advice would you give to students struggling to fill their schedules?

Anistinn: Finding patients is so hard! I’ve been really lucky to have friends and family who were willing to sit in my chair for four hours — multiple times. I know some of my classmates struggle, especially those with long commutes, so I try to help them find patients too.

Social media has been a huge help, though it comes with risks. Sometimes people ghost you or act weird. But it works. I also recommend just asking people in real life, even though it’s nerve-wracking. I made business cards with a QR code to make scheduling easy, and I’ve handed them out everywhere — gyms, grocery stores, smoke shops, coffee shops, you name it.

Oh and yes, I made a sign and dressed up as a tooth fairy to promote free cleanings. People stare, but hey, a girl’s gotta graduate. And honestly, I’m not just doing it for me — I do it for my classmates, too.

quip: You’ve opened up about the pressure to be “perfect” in hygiene school, especially when it comes to grades, clinical requirements, and comparing yourself to classmates. How have you learned to manage those feelings, and what would you say to students going through something similar?

Anistinn: Imposter syndrome is so real. I still struggle with it. There’s this pressure to get straight A’s and be perfect, but that’s not what makes a great hygienist. Just getting into hygiene school is an accomplishment, it means you deserve to be there.

At first, it feels like you’re drowning in information. It’s like learning a whole new language and being expected to speak fluently in four months. But eventually, things start to click. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, some classmates will be better at one thing, and you’ll be better at another. The best thing you can do is collaborate, communicate, and lift each other up. You’re not in it alone.

quip: What’s one study technique, mindset shift, or school habit you swear by that helped you stay organized, motivated, or sane through school so far?

Anistinn: My golden rule: If I don’t know it by 9 p.m., I’m going to bed. Sleep is so important, especially in hygiene school when your brain is constantly overloaded. Prioritizing rest has helped me stay sane, retain information better, and actually enjoy the process (most days!).

quip: If you could give educators or clinical directors one piece of feedback based on your experience as a student, what would it be and how could it better support the next generation of hygienists?

Anistinn: Great question! I’d love for grading to be more consistent in clinic. It can be tough when each instructor is looking for different things and it takes time to figure out what each one expects. And sometimes, even when they try to help correct something like a radiograph, it still doesn’t work and you lose points.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some amazing instructors. But I think we all wonder: If there’s such a shortage of hygienists, why make school so stressful? A little more empathy and consistency could go a long way.

quip: You’re part of our quip Profreshionals Ambassador program (yay!). In your eyes, how important is it for brands to build community with students and new grads?

Anistinn:  It’s so important! When brands like quip connect with students, it makes us feel seen and appreciated, especially when we’re spending so much money on school. Even small gestures go a long way. It reminds us that the profession values us and that we’re not just “future” professionals, we’re already part of the community.

quip: As you look ahead to graduation and clinical practice, how do you hope to use your voice in the dental space whether that’s patient education, advocacy, or just keeping it real on social?

Anistinn: I hope to keep sharing online, educating people, and building connections with other health professionals. I really believe everyone deserves quality healthcare, no matter their background. Our financial upbringing shouldn’t determine the care we receive. I want to use my voice to advocate for that and to keep showing up authentically in the dental space.