WVU Dental Hygiene graduate turns her passion into a career
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As a child, Gillian Pierrard loved visiting the dentist. What began as a fascination with her own teeth grew into a deep-rooted passion for dental hygiene.
A native of Newton, Pennsylvania, Pierrard said her desire to help others solidified when she witnessed her mother experience serious dental health issues.
“That was the first time I truly saw how poor dental hygiene can affect not just the body, but a person’s self-image,” Pierrard said. “Watching my mom go through that made me realize she wasn’t the only one—and I wanted to be someone who could help make a difference.”
That calling led her to West Virginia University, where she will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the School of Dentistry.
Pierrard said the emphasis on clinical training at WVU stood out during her college search.
“At WVU, we begin our clinical rotations in the summer of our sophomore year and continue seeing patients until graduation,” she said. “These hands-on experiences helped me sharpen my instrumentation skills and learn how to connect with patients to provide the best possible care.”
Beyond the classroom and clinic, Pierrard found a leadership path through the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She served as class representative during her junior year and currently holds the position of president.
“My presidency has been an amazing experience,” she said. “It’s allowed me to grow as a leader and build relationships that have shaped who I am.”
Her time at WVU has also influenced her plans for the future.
“Thanks to the opportunities I’ve had as a student here, I’d like to explore travel dental hygiene,” Pierrard said. “And I’m not sure this is the end of school for me. Our curriculum teaches us a lot about public health and education, and I hope to earn a master’s degree in dental hygiene within the next decade.”
As she reflects on her journey, Pierrard said she’s proud of how far she’s come—and who she’s become.
“I’ve grown into more than just a dental hygiene student,” she said. “I’m a leader, a mentor, a friend, a volunteer—someone my childhood self would be proud of.”
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