March 3, 2025
Majoring in Dental Hygiene, Paige Abbinante (Hometown: Georgetown, Ohio) chose to attend Shawnee State University for its strong reputation in the allied health field. Drawn to the program’s emphasis on hands-on learning and patient care, she found it to be the perfect place to pursue her passion for oral health. Taking part in the annual Give Kids A Smile event was an opportunity for Abbinante to put that passion to work in the community.
“Being given the opportunity to be able to provide a service for those children meant the world to me,” she said. “Seeing the kids come in and be excited about getting their teeth cleaned and then leaving with the biggest smile on their faces is one of the many reasons why I wanted to go into dental hygiene.”
The annual Give Kids A Smile event allows SSU Dental Hygiene students the opportunity to partner with the Southern Ohio Dental Society, Ohio Dental Association, and state leaders to provide preventative care and teach proper oral hygiene habits to local children. During the event, Abbinante was able to provide these resources to children in need — an experience that reinforced her passion for the field.
“This program gave a little glimpse of what dental hygiene looks like in the real world—seeing a patient for a short amount of time but making such a big impact,” she said. “Dental hygienists love taking preventative measures, and it is what we preach. Giving the proper education and techniques to stay clear of any oral diseases is what we live for.”
Growing up, Abbinante always enjoyed going to the dentist and was fascinated by what happened behind the scenes. This curiosity led to her interest in dental hygiene, where she could combine patient care with her passion for improving health outcomes.
“Oral health is so important to me, not only because I love seeing people love their smiles again but because their oral health can affect their systemic health,” she said. “It all starts with a good smile.”
Abbinante has a future goal to work as a Dental Hygienist at Heck Family Dentistry in Mount Orab, Ohio. She is eager to apply what she has learned at SSU to her career to help her future patients.
“My favorite part about my classes so far has been the opportunity to learn something new every day or gain a new skill that will help me become a better hygienist,” she said.
For her, being part of the Dental Hygiene program at SSU has been more than just an academic experience—it has shaped her personally and professionally while connecting her with lifelong friends and mentors.
SSU’s Dental Hygiene program offers students a comprehensive education in oral health, preparing them for success in clinical practice. The program emphasizes preventative care, patient education, and hands-on experience to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills needed for a successful career in dental hygiene.
To learn more about Dental Hygiene at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/dental-hygiene.