A meaningful history celebrated virtually
By Carolyn (Lamster) Kay, RDH, BA, MEd, DH 6T6
On March 8, 2021, I was virtually reunited with my classmates from 55 years ago. We were transported back to the Dentistry building, blustery days hurrying up University Avenue to main campus classes, stressing over chalk carvings, starching and ironing uniforms, that first clinic session, getting ears pierced on Yonge Street and choosing gowns for the Dentistry Formal.
In 1964, I entered the Program in Dental Hygiene at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry along with 49 other young women. The program began in 1951 and with it, the field of dental hygiene in Canada was launched. At our 55th Virtual Reunion, attended by 32 classmates from Ontario, B.C., Florida, California and the Yukon, we recounted stories of two incredible years together at the Faculty and our long careers in dental hygiene.
When we enrolled, most of us were fresh out of high school and didn’t know much about dental hygiene. However, we had rejected teaching or nursing, the two career paths most of our parents had encouraged us to pursue. Some of us first learned about dental hygiene from our own dentists or dentists in our respective communities who were interested in hiring a dental hygienist. I applied to the program after having read an article promoting dental hygiene in the Toronto Star. I recall that my dentist, too, encouraged me to apply to the program. At the time, dental public health was seeking dental hygienists primarily for its school-based programs and a number of my classmates followed that path, some because their academic program was supported by a public health bursary. Many continued in dental public (community) health for their entire careers while others worked in general and specialty practices and dental hygiene education. I chose private general practice combined with a part-time clinical instructor position in the Dental Hygiene Program at the Faculty under the direction and mentorship of the late Dr. Marjorie Jackson.
All of us are retired from the practice of dental hygiene, but we remain involved in our communities through volunteer activities such as Out of the Cold programs in support of the homeless and pastoral work as well as travel and family events. Many also are pursuing creative activities and in fact, one of our classmates has recently published a book of poems. As for me, I am privileged to volunteer on the Faculty of Dentistry Alumni Board.
Looking back, I have no regrets. The program prepared me for a rewarding career in clinical practice, teaching, administration, professional organizations and provided a grounding for further education. I’ve seen dental hygiene programs evolve from training “dental auxiliaries” to educating self-governing professionals. I’ve been blessed to have worked alongside former teachers as well as former students, all of whom became wonderful colleagues.
The COVID-19 pandemic, for all its pain and suffering, necessitated a virtual reunion but that enabled classmates who had never attended our reunions before to join in despite distance and health challenges. Like siblings who share unique experiences, we shared, once again, a history meaningful only to us. To me, that’s the power of Alumni!