“Growing up, I always wanted to be a dentist, but I didn’t want to go all in at first, so I started with dental assisting.”
– Julie Bruce, DH36, Class of 2025

From a childhood dream of becoming a dentist to achieving the prestigious Canadian Dental Hygiene Award, Julie Bruce’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. The road to success in the world of dental hygiene is not always a straight line, but Julie’s passion for patient care and her commitment to excellence have made her a standout in the field.

We are beyond excited to celebrate Julie’s well-deserved recognition as this year’s recipient of the Canadian Dental Hygiene Award! Presented to a graduating student who exemplifies outstanding leadership, scholarship, professionalism, and humanity, this award highlights the very best of what it means to be a dental hygienist. Julie’s exceptional qualities made her an ideal candidate for this honor.

Julie’s story began with a curiosity about the dental profession that led her to dental assisting. She recalls, “I always wanted to be a dentist, but I didn’t want to go all in at first, so I started with dental assisting.” That initial step not only solidified her passion for dentistry, but also revealed her desire for a more independent role in patient care, eventually guiding her to pursue dental hygiene.

At CNIH, Julie found herself thriving in an environment rich with opportunity, forming lasting bonds with classmates from across Canada and forging meaningful relationships with the dedicated faculty. “I actually enjoyed my experience at CNIH because of the amazing faculty, location, and the amount of draw it has within our country. With CNIH being a private institution, it allows you to become close with the faculty and build relationships with them.”

Though the path wasn’t without challenges, Julie’s determination and clear goal kept her focused. When she received the news of her award, she was overwhelmed with gratitude: “I was very surprised and thankful to win an award, but I didn’t expect anything as I knew I did my best throughout the program. Graduating and moving on with my pending RDH diploma was fulfilling enough, let alone winning an award!”

Looking ahead, Julie is preparing for her board exam in May, with a little help from her family and a lobster fishing trip with her father to help her unwind. Once certified, she’s set to begin her career as a Registered Dental Hygienist in a general dental office, already securing a full-time position within her province.

Julie’s success is a shining example of the dedication, hard work, and passion that are at the heart of every CNIH graduate. Congratulations, Julie, on this monumental achievement! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish in the dental hygiene world.

A huge congratulations to Grace MacDonald (DH36, Class of 2025) on receiving the Golden Scaler Award! Awarded upon graduation, this honor recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in client care—a quality Grace has exemplified throughout her journey at CNIH. 

Interestingly, dental hygiene wasn’t Grace’s first career choice.

“When I was younger, I actually wanted to become an orthodontist,” she shared.

However, as she explored different areas of dentistry, she discovered that dental hygiene combined everything she loved: hands-on work, client care, and education.

The ability to transform lives through prevention and patient education was what ultimately made her realize she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Grace describes her time at CNIH as challenging, rewarding, and full of growth. “The staff and instructors were incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in our success,” she recalled. The bonds she formed with her peers were just as meaningful. The program was intense, but the friendships and support system made every challenge worthwhile.

Graduation was an emotional milestone, marking the end of a journey filled with hard work and perseverance. Winning the Golden Scaler Award was an unexpected but deeply meaningful moment. “It was a moment of real pride and reflection—a reminder that sometimes the path you didn’t originally plan for leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.”

As Grace steps into her career, she is particularly passionate about working with families and children to instill healthy oral habits from an early age. She hopes to make a lasting impact on her clients and the dental community while continuing to grow in the profession.

Her precision, dedication, and commitment to patient well-being have set a remarkable standard, and we’re excited to see her continue making a difference in the field of dental hygiene.

Congratulations again, Grace!

Congratulations to Heer Brahmbhatt (DH36, Class of 2025) on receiving the Ottawa Dental Society (ODS) Award, presented by Dr. Sherif Elsaraj! This award is given to a Dental Hygiene student who has excelled academically and clinically, actively contributed to community placements, supported fellow students through extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated leadership qualities expected of a healthcare professional. 

For Heer, dental hygiene is more than a career—it’s a passion for healthcare, patient care, and building meaningful connections.

“Dental hygiene drew me in because of my passion for both healthcare and patient care, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful connections while promoting oral health,” she shared.

Her commitment to oral health education and advocacy has made a lasting impact.

Completing an 18-month condensed program is no small feat, and Heer reflects on the journey with gratitude. “My time at CNIH has been an incredible experience—supportive faculty, hands-on learning, and great friendships have all played a huge role in shaping me as a professional,” she said. The challenge was intense, but the rewards were even greater.

Now, Heer is preparing to take her National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination to become a Registered Dental Hygienist. She is eager to continue growing in the profession with patient-centered care and continuous learning. She also hopes to return to CNIH as a faculty member in the future—bringing her knowledge and experience full circle. Heer’s dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence have truly set her apart, and we can’t wait to see her future impact in the field of dental hygiene!

Congratulations again, Heer!

We are thrilled to celebrate Gracie Allen, a proud graduate of DH36 (Class of 2025) at CNIH, for receiving the Canadian Award of Excellence in Public Health! This award is presented upon graduation to a student who has demonstrated outstanding qualities and a strong interest in the discipline of community health. 

Gracie’s journey into dental hygiene started as a registered dental assistant, where she quickly discovered a passion for oral health and education.

“I recognized that dental hygiene was more than just cleaning teeth; it was about promoting overall health and educating patients on the importance of oral hygiene,” she shared.

For her, dental hygiene is more than just cleaning teeth—it’s about empowering patients to take control of their well-being through knowledge and preventive care.

Gracie describes her time at CNIH as a period of learning, growth, and connection. “The faculty shaped my academic journey and instilled in me a hard work ethic and a deep understanding of dental hygiene practices,” she recalled. Between intense coursework, hands-on experience, and late-night study sessions, she built lasting friendships and a strong foundation for her future career.

Reflecting on her graduation, she describes it as a surreal and rewarding moment—a culmination of motivation, perseverance, and a deep passion for improving patient care.

For Gracie, receiving this award is an affirmation of her commitment to patient-centered care. She is dedicated to educating patients, promoting oral health awareness, and making a meaningful impact in her community. Winning this honor has only strengthened her drive to continue excelling in her career.

Looking ahead, Gracie plans to pursue specialized certifications in Periodontitis, with a strong focus on preventive care and patient education. She is excited to begin her professional journey as a dental hygienist in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, close to her hometown of Davidson, SK.

As Gracie embarks on this next chapter, we have no doubt that she will continue to make a profound impact in the field of dental hygiene and public health. Gracie’s dedication to patient care, public health advocacy, and oral health education truly embodies the spirit of this award, and we can’t wait to see the impact she continues to make in the field. 

Congratulations, Gracie!

A massive shoutout to our amazing CNIH students and staff for their dedication and compassion during our recent blood drive in collaboration with Canadian Blood Services!

Every drop donated helps save lives, and your support showcases the spirit of care that defines our community.

As part of Heart Month 2024, CNIH is geared up for another life-changing event. On February 28, we partnered with Canadian Blood Services to encourage blood donation and highlight the importance of giving back.

Did you know that a single blood donation can help save up to three lives? This effort exemplifies how small actions create a big impact.

Whether it’s a student donating for the first time or a staff member returning to give again, your participation builds hope for patients and families in need.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Keep your ears open and your sleeves rolled up, and help us make a difference next time the blood drive comes to CNIH. Together, we are stronger, healthier, and united in our mission to support our community. 

Visit Canada Blood Services to learn more and join the cause.

CNIH recently hosted a special visit from Zootherapy, providing a unique opportunity for students and staff to unwind and connect with therapy animals.

This initiative offered more than just stress relief—it brought smiles, relaxation, and a sense of community to everyone involved.

Thanks to the efforts of our DMS student representative, this event became a reality, showcasing the college’s commitment to mental wellness.

We’re proud to prioritize the well-being of our CNIH family.

Learn more about the power of zootherapy here.

The Power of Zootherapy
Research shows that interacting with therapy animals can reduce stress, improve mood, and create meaningful connections. Events like this are invaluable to a high-intensity program like ours, reminding everyone to take a moment for self-care amidst academic challenges.

We look forward to more events that support health, happiness, and community spirit!

View our post on Instagram!

Our Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) students recently gathered for the Spring 2024 Mentorship Meet and Greet, and it turned out to be an unforgettable event!

Students engaged in dynamic activities like the Human Knot game, promoting teamwork, and a spirited Beach Ball Toss, testing hand-eye coordination.

Diversity Bingo encouraged communication and understanding, while a lively game of “Agree or Disagree” sparked meaningful conversations.

The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, making this event a memorable experience for all.  A huge thank you to everyone involved in creating such an impactful and enjoyable experience! Here’s to fostering collaboration and growth!

As the DMS 17 students prepare to embark on their practicum journey, we celebrated their hard work and dedication with a wonderful send-off dinner at Speakeasy Tapas Lounge in the heart of Ottawa’s ByWard Market.

Dressed in elegant attire—a refreshing change from their regular academic dress code—the students enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, delicious food, and laughter.

The menu featured a variety of mouthwatering foods, complemented by refreshing drinks in the lounge’s chic and cozy atmosphere.

Instructors, administrators, and our program director joined the festivities, cheering on the students and congratulating them on this exciting next step in their education. Fun, personalized awards brought lighthearted moments to the evening, highlighting the unique personalities and strengths of each student.

This memorable night exemplified the supportive and celebratory spirit of CNIH. We are proud of our students’ accomplishments and look forward to hearing about their practicum adventures. A big thank you to the DMS faculty for organizing such a beautifully executed event!

Good luck, DMS 17—we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! 

On August 28th, we celebrated the amazing accomplishments of our DH 35 graduates!

After completing a rigorous 19-month program, these students are ready to make their mark in the dental hygiene field.

We are incredibly proud of their dedication and hard work, and we are excited to see the bright future ahead of them. 

At CNIH, we are honored to have been part of their journey, and we can’t wait to watch them thrive in their careers. 

Best of luck, DH 35—your success here is just beginning!

View our post on Instagram!

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the DMS 16 Graduation Awards, recognizing their exceptional accomplishments in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program:

• President’s Award of Excellence: Olivia Molcjan
  Awarded to the student with the best aggregate score in theory courses who consistently strives for excellence.
• Patient Care Award: McKenna Olshewski
  Given to the student who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in patient care.
• Foundations of Sonography Award: Jasleen Nijjar
  Awarded to the student who has demonstrated reflection, communication, and professionalism in resolving issues.
• Kathleen E. Foran Memorial Sonography Award: Logan Moham
  Recognizes exemplary leadership, fellowship, and advocacy on behalf of peers.

Congratulations to all recipients on their outstanding achievements!

CNIH’s Meet and Greet with the DH 38 students was an incredible success!

We had a blast connecting with everyone over ice cream and sharing in the excitement of the new journey ahead. To kick things off, we also launched an Epic Photo Scavenger Hunt across Ottawa! Students were tasked with finding iconic landmarks like the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, the Ottawa Sign, and the Maman Sculpture, while capturing creative photos with their CNIH signs.

We can’t wait to continue supporting our students throughout their journey at CNIH College.

Submissions were due by September 22nd, with prizes announced on September 27th. What a fun way to explore our beautiful city!

View our post on Instagram!

This Sonography Week, held from October 7-11, marks a special celebration of the vital role sonographers play in delivering quality healthcare to Canadians.

This year’s theme, “10 Years Strong: Honouring Excellence in Sonography”, highlights the dedication, strength, and resilience of sonographers who have shaped the field over the past decade.

At CNIH, we kicked off the week with the Pulse Playoffs, an exciting competition that brought students together in friendly rivalry. Congratulations to Ricayla, our crowned champion of the event! 🎉

Sonography Week is a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of sonographers and inspire future professionals. CNIH is proud to support and celebrate this remarkable field.

Learn more about Sonography Week here.

View our post on Instagram!

CNIH proudly participated in the Light the Night Walk, a heartfelt initiative by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLS).

LLS supports individuals affected by blood cancers, funding research, patient support, and advocacy.

The Light the Night campaign symbolizes hope, with participants carrying illuminated lanterns to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and inspire continued progress.

This year, CNIH’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program raised an impressive $1,521.01 for LLS! Walking through the ByWard Market with glowing lanterns, our students caught the attention of the community, raising awareness for this vital cause.

Coinciding with Sonography Week, students proudly wore Sonography Canada t-shirts, further spotlighting the sonography profession. This dual-purpose event was a testament to the dedication of CNIH students and faculty to making a meaningful impact both in healthcare and their communities.

Learn more about the Light the Night initiative here.

View our post on Instagram!

CNIH proudly participated in the 9th Annual CAR Day on the Hill, lending a helping hand to advocate for better access to medical imaging for all Canadians. The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) is the national voice of radiology in Canada, dedicated to promoting medical imaging excellence through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

With our dedicated Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) instructors on-site, we joined CAR in championing essential improvements through a strengthened radiology workforce strategy and advancements in imaging technology.

The event showcased CAR’s impactful efforts, including raising awareness about Canada’s imaging workforce shortage, advocating for modernized breast cancer screening guidelines, and securing investments in innovative imaging equipment. Live demonstrations, like mobile mammography clinics, highlighted the vital role radiology plays in delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare.

CNIH is proud to stand alongside CAR in addressing these crucial challenges. Together, let’s pave the way for better, faster access to medical imaging across Canada!

Learn more about the event here.

We are thrilled to announce that Poojarika Salveru, a graduating student from CNIH’s Dental Hygiene program, has been honored as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Colgate STAR Award. This award recognizes dental hygiene students who exhibit outstanding dedication to the profession, compassion in patient care, commitment to community service, and excellence in patient education and motivation.  

For CNIH, this achievement reaffirms the strength of our program and the dedication of our students to excellence in oral healthcare.

It highlights Poojarika’s hard work, passion, and exemplary skills, setting a standard for future graduates and reflecting positively on the dental hygiene profession as a whole.  

The Colgate STAR Award nomination process is open to program directors at accredited institutions, allowing them to nominate exceptional graduating students. The program also supports student and faculty development through tools and educational resources.  

We are immensely proud of Poojarika and look forward to seeing her continued success in the field of dental hygiene!  

Learn more about the Colgate STAR Award here!

We are thrilled to announce that Amber Carter (DH35) has been recognized as one of the 2024 recipients of the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) Excellence in Dental Hygiene Advocacy Award. 

This prestigious award acknowledges her advocacy work on “The Lack of Access to Dental Care for Indigenous Populations in North Canadian Communities” under the guidance of Shairose Gillani, our Health Promotion & Education II Facilitator.

Amber’s dedication exemplifies the spirit of advocacy and commitment that defines our students. Congratulations, Amber!

Amber’s recognition by the ODHA highlights the exceptional caliber of students at CNIH and underscores our commitment to fostering advocacy and leadership in dental hygiene. This achievement reflects the dedication of both our faculty and students to addressing critical healthcare issues, such as equitable access to dental care. For the dental hygiene community, it emphasizes the importance of advocacy in creating meaningful change, inspiring others to champion similar initiatives. CNIH is proud to contribute to shaping the future of oral health advocacy and education.

Past Achievements at CNIH

Amber Carter joins a proud legacy of success at CNIH. Over the past three years, our students have consistently demonstrated excellence in advocacy and dedication to improving oral health outcomes. We celebrate the achievements of Alexandra Beck (2023), Kate Brown (2022), and Katelyn Jaeger (2021), who were also recipients of the ODHA Excellence in Dental Hygiene Advocacy Award. Their contributions have set a high standard for our students and reflect the strength of our program and the passion of our community.

For award details, visit ODHA Student Awards. View ODHA’s Instagram post about the award.

We are beyond proud to announce that two of our outstanding students, Caelen Kay and Disha Patelia, have been recognized as winners of the 2024 Dentalcorp Academic Excellence Award. This prestigious honor highlights their exceptional academic achievements, dedication to the field of dental hygiene, and alignment with the core values of excellence and innovation.

Their hard work and commitment to their studies have earned them this accolade, which includes a generous tuition contribution and a two-year employment opportunity at a leading Dentalcorp clinic.

At CNIH, we take immense pride in fostering the next generation of oral healthcare leaders, and seeing Caelen and Disha excel at this level is a testament to their perseverance and the support of our faculty. These awards underscore the high caliber of students at CNIH and their readiness to make meaningful contributions to the profession.

Congratulations, Caelen and Disha! You inspire us all to aim higher and work harder. Here’s to your bright futures in dental hygiene!

Students in their final year of dental hygiene, dental assisting, or dental therapy programs at Canadian schools can apply for the Dentalcorp Academic Excellence Award. Applications for the 2025 program will open in January 2025. For more details, visit academicexcellenceaward.ca.

Check out the winners of the 2024 Dentalcorp Academic Excellence Award, including our exceptional CNIH students, on Dentalcorp’s blog! You can read the full article here: Dentalcorp Academic Excellence Award Recipients.