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!