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!