Vanessa Johnson
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
During my undergraduate dental hygiene education, community rotations exposed me to oral health disparities among marginalized populations, profoundly inspiring my career path. Additionally, participating in a research project examining the shortage of dental providers in northern and rural BC communities sparked my passion for research. Presenting these findings at a conference further solidified my interest, as I saw firsthand how research could inform policy and create meaningful societal change. Although I entered clinical practice after graduation, my continued connection with research mentors eventually led me to pursue graduate studies.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose to study at UBC primarily because of the opportunity to work under the supervision of Dr. Leeann Donnelly, whose extensive research on oral health disparities deeply resonated with my passion for addressing oral health inequities. Dr. Donnelly’s dedicated focus on understanding and improving oral health among underserved populations — including institutionalized elders; individuals living with HIV, mental health and substance use disorders; those experiencing homelessness and previously incarcerated persons — was particularly inspiring. Her impactful research and strong community engagement approach motivated me to pursue graduate studies at UBC, where I could further develop my own research skills and contribute meaningfully to addressing oral health inequities under her expert guidance and mentorship.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
What specifically attracted me to the UBC Faculty of Dentistry’s Doctor in Philosophy in Craniofacial Science program was the faculty’s strong partnerships and networks with community organizations serving underserved populations. These community partnerships not only provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities for students but also offer extensive potential for research focused on underserved populations — aligning perfectly with my passion for addressing oral health disparities and my interest in pursuing impactful community-based research.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Even though I have lived here my whole life, I'm always amazed by Vancouver’s incredible natural beauty. Having the mountains, ocean and lush forests right outside my door never gets old, and it's something I appreciate every day. Additionally, Vancouver's diverse culinary scene captivates me, offering a wonderful range of delicious foods from around the world.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My previous research experiences, particularly the summer research projects I completed during my undergraduate degree under the mentorship of a supportive supervisor, were instrumental in preparing me for my graduate program at UBC. These experiences helped me develop research skills. Also, being able to balance my academic responsibilities with my personal life has strengthened my resilience through challenges that may arise during my studies.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Don't hesitate to seek guidance, ask questions and take advantage of the diverse resources available at UBC. It's also important to stay organized and set clear, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated and on track. Lastly, always prioritize your own well-being by taking breaks, engaging in activities you enjoy and maintaining a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal life.
Learn more about Vanessa's research
My thesis investigates the integration of an oral health helpline service into a dental and dental hygiene school to help support the oral health needs among underserved populations. My study was initiated following my initial findings from a qualitative investigation into the dental service and resource needs among underserved communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff and members from community-based organizations highlighted the necessity of a resource for oral health information and to assist navigating the oral health care system. This led to the development and pilot implementation of an oral health helpline operated within a dental and dental hygiene school. Undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students were also trained on being virtual providers for the oral health helpline and participated in experiential rotations responding to helpline cases. My research encompasses multiple qualitative inquiries capturing the perspectives of dental students, dental hygiene students, and faculty to develop a conceptual model outlining the integration of an oral health helpline into a dental and dental hygiene school.