“I live by some of my grandfather’s favorite words (and song by Mahalia Jackson): “If I can help somebody, as I travel along. If I can help somebody, in a word or a song. If I can help somebody, from doing wrong [or feeling bad]. No, my living shall not be in vain.” H4H embodies the true concept of service and how I strive to live my life. I support those who are altruistic, positive, and passionate about serving others. And it is a plus that the organization is focused on reaching oral health needs and run by a fellow dental hygienist!

I met Alicia while serving at a Remote Area Medical (RAM) mission in the Washington DC area. RAM is a non-profit organization that provides free dental, vision, and medical services to those in need. Their mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering through mobile clinics around the U.S. and internationally. They are committed to serve humanity; provide free, quality healthcare services; empower communities; and generate a movement to transform communities for a better and healthier tomorrow. Alicia introduced me to H4H’s mission and objectives and I immediately wanted to support the operation.”

“My son, Micah, is definitely my other wing who keeps me going, believing I can soar, and picks me up/gives me an extra boost when I’m flying low!! I strive to be the best “me” so he can see good in the world exists, to be kind to others, and believe in his dreams.”

LCDR Turner has been serving in the US Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps for 7 years. An Air Force Veteran and with a passion for people, she has always had a heart to serve. When given the opportunity to join an elite group of qualified professionals dedicated to promoting health, preventing disease and advancing our Nation towards the fight against disease and poor health outcomes, she did not hesitate to apply for the Commissioned Corps. As a public servant, she also consistently volunteers with free mobile clinics such as Remote Area Medical and Missions of Mercy.

As one of America’s seven uniformed services and overseen by the Surgeon General, Commissioned Corps officers serve in public health leadership and clinical service roles within federal government agencies that focus on health and human services. We have a passion for public service and are dedicated to promoting public health through population and community wellness, disease prevention programs, and advancing wellbeing through science and education. We also respond to public health crises and national emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, terrorist attacks, or other response efforts with public health concerns. Our main clinical roles are within the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Indian Health Service, and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Some other agencies where we serve include: CDC, FDA, NIH, HRSA, CMS, and on DoD installations.

H4H: Thank you for taking time to connect with us Emily, we know you have a full plate as a wife, mother, educator, inventor, writer, phD student, and public speaker. You are the epitome of ‘professionalism,’ please share how you connect with our core value.

Emily: Hygienists for Humanity’s mission of supporting, uplifting, and connecting to the underserved connects directly to the mission of our College [Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, IA]; to respond to the educational and diversity needs of our community. Our team of dental hygiene educators identify with these values as we work to provide the best educational experience to our students, regardless of their socioeconomic status or at-home living situations. Some students arrive with a deep understanding of professionalism and are ready for the expectations society will place on them as a licensed healthcare provider. Other students have had limited experiences in their exposure to health settings, not to mention experiences in maintaining poise and professionalism in their role on the healthcare team. These students begin their learning journey at square one without a history of positive examples and leadership in healthcare in their past. Our job as educators is to foster a learning environment that is conducive to obtaining the hard and soft-skill knowledge necessary to think critically for every level of new student as they assess the needs of each individual patient.

H4H: How has membership with our organization affected you as a professional?

Emily: As an individual member of Hygienists for Humanity, and college administrator, I feel I have a unique opportunity to inspire the future of our profession through leadership by example. I am a firm believer in the world needing all of you, the real you, not some falsified version you want them to see. Professionalism needs to come from a genuine place, holding yourself to a higher standard of respect for yourself and the community you serve.

H4H: Your career has been extremely successful. How has professionalism played a role?

Emily: My quest for professionalism and the highest quality of team-focused care has led me to some fantastic experiences in the [dental hygiene] industry.   Working at the College allows me to continue an active career completing research, consulting, writing, and speaking for several major dental companies, fellow professionals, and dental product consumers. I attribute every achievement in my career to two things: the mentors I have been given who have taught me the skill of professionalism, and a desire to live my best life, out there being the real me, rather than some version of myself that I thought the dental world needed.

H4H: Wow Emily, you are multifaceted! We are thankful to have an Angel like you on our team who is forward moving, motivational, and professional. We thank you for your continued support! We love you, the real YOU! Thank you for being a great example of professionalism and being a great act to follow. 

Emily: I am thankful to share my support as a Hygienist for Humanity.