Beth Chartier

I grew up in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. It was a blue-collar community and most families I knew had at least one parent working in the automotive industry. The town covers 35 square miles and has 34 lakes. So being on or around the water was a big part of my life, and that’s something I’ve missed since moving away from Michigan!

Our yearly summer vacations are some of my best childhood memories because my parents always made sure we went somewhere. As a kid, it was usually the smallest things that brought me the most joy—we never cared about the destination because the journey was the real vacation. I can still picture those little roadside motels, swimming in the motel pools, and playing putt-putt golf. My all-time favorite vacation was a trip to a remote island in Georgian Bay, Canada. We traveled with several other families, so there were always kids to go swimming with, catch frogs, or take boat trips through the hundreds of surrounding islands

My first job was at Wendy’s and I learned pretty quickly that fast food wasn’t for me, but I really enjoyed working the cash register. I thought it was fun and it taught me how to interact with the public in a friendly and professional way. My absolute favorite job as a teenager was working the front desk at one of the hotels on Mackinac Island. The pay was low, but the experience was unforgettable. The island is still one of my favorite places to visit, and I always recommend a trip to Mackinac with an overnight stay. Once the last ferry leaves and the crowds go home, the island takes on a completely different atmosphere that is magical. 

You could say I stumbled into dental hygiene. After earning my undergraduate degree, I planned to become a psychotherapist, but that field didn't seem like the right fit. During a routine cleaning with my own dental hygienist, we had a conversation that made me decide to explore the profession further. Looking back, I realize now that my fascination with behavioral health blends perfectly with dentistry, especially when it comes to connecting with and motivating patients. My path into dental hygiene education grew just as naturally. I began as a clinical instructor in Georgia and Nevada before moving back to the Midwest to be near my family. Ohio State was hiring in the dental hygiene division, so I took a chance and applied – and here I am. I even managed to navigate the move and interview process on a knee scooter after breaking my leg just before my flight to Columbus. It was a whirlwind start, but I made it without any issues—and I’m so glad I did!

I decided to get my Master of Public Health degree because I’ve always been drawn to the preventive side of health care. But there was one course I really didn’t enjoy. I couldn’t see how the material fit into my career goals and I even questioned whether I’d made the right choice in pursuing public health. What I didn’t realize was that I just needed some context. Once I graduated and started working in dental public health, everything from that course – and the entire program – clicked into place. The content that felt irrelevant made perfect sense. The biggest takeaway from my experience is there’s a purpose behind everything we’re taught, and it all eventually comes together once you’re out in the field.

Working with the Special Olympics is one of the most meaningful parts of my career. I first fell in love with the athletes and the mission in Nevada, and I made it a priority to stay involved when I moved to Ohio. As dental professionals, we have a unique opportunity to use our skills to support people who frequently face barriers to oral health care. These experiences help me stay grounded, reminding me that many people navigate life with far fewer resources and greater daily challenges than my own. Being able to provide care and encouragement to these athletes is incredibly rewarding—it continually reinforces why empathy, connection, and prevention are at the heart of what we do.

Lack of access to oral health care is a complex issue, and there’s rarely just one reason why people struggle to get the care they need. Complications can include the cost of treatment; limited providers; lack of insurance; anxiety about dental procedures; cultural and language barriers; and other factors that may play a role. While this isn’t new information to anyone in our field, I believe we can do more to help by volunteering our time and expertise whenever possible.

When I was 13, someone told me, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness,” and that message has stayed with me ever since. To me, it means that while most of us aren’t going to change the world, we can still make a meaningful difference in one person’s life. I carry that mindset into my volunteer work. I don't see myself as being exceptional, but I do have a skill that is needed. A routine prophy or debridement is simple for me to do—but for someone without access to care, it can truly change their world.

I’ve recently become intrigued by the idea of train travel. If expenses were no object, my dream trip would be a luxury train journey across Canada during the height of autumn, when the leaves are at their brightest. To make the experience even better, I’d start with a few days in New York City before hopping on the train and then end the journey with an Alaskan cruise. Of course, good food, great company, a cozy place to read, and a relaxing massage or two would be the icing on the cake!