Get published

Pick your passion and get to work. That’s how one hygienist reached her dream of writing books and magazine articles. by Steven Diogo

Dental hygiene professionals get the writing bug for many reasons. For some, it’s a way to build their name recognition as they launch a consulting practice. Others want a creative outlet and a way to help share the experience and insight they’ve gained in their years of practice. Whatever the reasons, there are plenty of opportunities for dental hygienists to see their names in print.

To help give you the inside scoop on how to begin your writing career, we talked with Yorktown, N.Y., hygienist, Judith Dember-Paige, RDH, a Modern Hygienist contributing editor and author of the children’s book, Smile Wide, Look Inside, which walks children through the experience of a hygiene visit and introduces them to the tools used to clean, polish and examine their teeth.

MH: Where did you get the idea for your children’s book?

JDP: I always thought it would be great to create a book that could help children develop a positive attitude toward the dental profession and help bring together parents, children and dental professionals. I pictured parents and their children sitting and reading the book together. It’s a bonding experience, an educational experience and an opportunity to change a child’s life. Wow!

MH: What was the biggest challenge?

JDP: It was difficult for me to find the time to collect my thoughts and write them down. Once I decided to write the book, I spent every free moment over the next two years reorganizing my thoughts, writing, printing and re-editing. It was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and following through.

MH: Did you have help?

JDP: I credit Linda Miles as a mentor who really convinced me to follow my dream of writing. I was attending a meeting of the Speaking & Consulting Network, which [Ms. Miles] founded. And during her talk, she said, “Everyone’s got a book inside them.” It just struck me. I also had the help of a custom publisher. Once I had the words and photos, I sent all the digital data by e-mail to Jenkins Group, Inc., a company that specializes in self-published material. They did a fabulous job. I’ve also had great opportunities with Advanstar Dental Media; I’ve written articles for Dental Practice Report and Modern Hygienist. It’s given me an opportunity to become outwardly passionate about my career.  After working clinically for 24 years, I am having fun writing articles. It’s the added dimension in my career I was searching for.    

MH: What advice do you have for fledgling authors and columnists?

JDP: Tap what you’re passionate about. What is it that’s driving you that you would like to pursue, but haven’t yet? Also, don’t think you have to be a world-class writer to get published. What’s important is that you have the ideas, not necessarily the greatest writing skills. If you’re open to the experience of working with an editor, you will find ways to get your ideas into print.