For Sania Pullen, the path to a career in dental hygiene started not in the application process, but in the dental chair as a child.

Pullen, a member of VCU School of Dentistry’s dental hygiene Class of 2026, recalled early interactions with a dental hygienist in her hometown of Waldorf, Maryland. Casual chatting at dental appointments led to questions about dental hygiene itself. And those questions led to a profound interest.

“I was a talker, and still am,” Pullen said with a laugh. “But building that rapport and that personal relationship with her gave me the confidence to basically see the inside scoop of what she does. She told me how she got to interact with people from different backgrounds and ages, and how she got to work alongside different practitioners and specialties.”

Pullen’s path to dental hygiene was shaped by her drive to not only succeed, but to challenge herself and go above and beyond. She received her Bachelor’s in Health Services from VCU and worked as a dental assistant before starting on her second Bachelor’s degree, this time in dental hygiene.

“I was like, ‘Okay, I might as well just shoot for the stars,’” she said. “I decided to go for a bachelor’s degree instead of settling for an associate.”

Over the past few years, Pullen said both VCU and the city itself have played a significant role in her personal growth.

“It shaped me as an individual,” she said. “It gave me a sense of community while also being away from my family. It’s kind of like a coming-of-age story of becoming who I am and seeing myself for who I am.”

Throughout her time in the program, Pullen found guidance and support from faculty mentors who helped shape her experience both academically and personally. She credits LaTesha McLee, M.S.D.H., R.D.H., and Heather Tuthill, M.P.H., B.S.D.H., R.D.H, as particularly influential figures.

“They’ve been trailblazers throughout my whole experience,” Pullen said. “They helped me not just focus on school, but also take care of myself and avoid burnout.”

McLee noted the consistency of Pullen’s positive attitude and her continuous growth throughout the program, as both a leader and learner.

“Sania will be an exceptional dental hygienist because she consistently demonstrates dedication, professionalism, and a strong desire to learn,” said McLee. “She is detail-oriented, professional, and committed to providing high-quality care while making patients feel comfortable and respected. Her dedication to lifelong learning and staying current with evidence-based practices will take her far in the profession.”

At VCU, Pullen fully embraced the opportunities available to her, stepping into leadership roles and immersing herself in both clinical and community experiences. Early in the program, she became class secretary for her class, a role that quickly expanded her responsibilities and impact.

“I kind of wore many hats,” she said.

Her leadership journey didn’t stop there. Pullen was later selected as secretary of the Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SCADHA), where she became more deeply involved in advocacy and professional development. She later served as a student delegate in 2025 and played a direct role in voting during sessions. Through these roles, she gained insight into the broader impact of dental hygiene beyond patient care.

“As a student delegate, you’re not only learning the clinical side, but also the advocacy side of our profession,” she said.

Being an advocate for dental hygienists across the country is extremely important to Pullen, who noted the challenges that dental hygienists are facing in the workforce. She proudly attended VDHA’s Rally Day at the Capitol with her classmates and dental hygienists from across the state, where she spoke directly to legislators regarding proposed bills that could compromise the integrity of the profession.

“It is important for students and hygienists to be advocates and leaders because they play a vital role in advancing oral health and strengthening the profession,” said McLee. “Advocacy helps improve access to care, raise awareness of oral-systemic health connections, and support the communities we serve. Leadership is equally important because it inspires collaboration, mentorship, and positive change in healthcare.”

Those experiences in advocacy took her beyond campus and into professional spaces across the country. As the recipient of the 2025 IOH Foundation Travel Grant on behalf of the ADHA Institute for Oral Health, Pullen attended multiple conferences, including the ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition in Oxon Hill, Maryland. It was an experience that felt especially meaningful as it brought her back home in a new professional capacity.

“That was fun for me,” she said. “It gave me a bird’s-eye view of what my future could look like, such as traveling and connecting with other dental hygienists from around the country.”

She also participated in the Student Leaders for Social Change program, where she connected with dental and dental hygiene students from across the country. Many of those relationships have continued beyond the program, forming a network of peers who share her passion for advocacy and patient care.

In addition to her leadership roles, Pullen dedicated time to community service by participating in oral health screenings alongside classmates and faculty. These experiences reinforced her commitment to increasing access to care and engaging with underserved communities, one of the pillars of education at VCU SoD.

Pullen also participated in research while at VCU. On Research Day 2026, she and classmate Emily Carico won first place for the Dental Hygiene Student Awards for their research project, “Inhaling the Unknown: A Dental Hygiene Analysis of Vaping’s Impact on the Oral Microbiome and Periodontal Disease”.

As she prepares to graduate, Pullen is focused on the next chapter of her journey. She plans to move back to her family in Maryland and work as a dental hygienist in a private practice. 

In addition to her clinical work, Pullen plans to remain active in professional organizations, including the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association, and to continue her involvement in advocacy and community outreach both in Virginia and in her hometown.

Reflecting on her journey, Pullen says the most important lesson she’s learned extends far beyond technical skills or clinical knowledge.

“Believe in yourself,” she said. “You are enough. Don’t ever second guess yourself or let doubt drive you toward fear, because you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”