Shirley earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Alberta. She continued her studies at the same university and graduated with a diploma in Dental Hygiene.
After 26 years as a dental hygienist, Shirley continues to find her work both challenging and fulfilling. She has developed her skills throughout her career and aims to be thorough while remaining attentive to each patient’s comfort.
Shirley believes that open communication can make hygiene visits easier. She understands that the dental environment can feel stressful, and she has seen how trust between a patient and clinician can reduce some of that anxiety. As knowledge about the connections between oral disease and general health has developed, she has found even greater meaning in the preventive care and education she provides.
Away from work, Shirley enjoys yoga and Pilates to decompress. She is also learning to meditate, although she admits that it is still a work in progress. She loves cooking and baking and especially values time with her husband and two sons.