Passion to Presentation: How Topics in Dental Public Health Strengthened My Voice in Oral Health

When beginning this course - eager as I was - I had no clue what to expect. I knew it would challenge me, push me, and expand my perspective in new ways. Looking back, I can confidently say that participating in this course has strengthened my ability to communicate, educate, and advocate for oral health; Elevating my approach beyond anything I had previously practiced. 

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Public Speaking? Sign Me Up!

Personally, I enjoy public speaking - especially when it’s about a topic I’m passionate about! I was excited for our public health presentation since we had the freedom to choose our topic. Public speaking has never been something I shy away from, but presenting in an academic setting? That unlocks a whole new level of passion - professor is next on my list! Initially, I thought I did a decent job staying informed on public health topics, but there’s always room for refinement. The many discussions surrounding policy were incredibly important, and quite frankly, I was never the best at deep-diving into those areas, until now. Strong professional work demands more than just enthusiasm. The research needed must be solid, the flow had to be compelling, and the content had to be both relevant and relatable to my audience.

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The Art of Storytelling in Education

One of the strongest techniques I used was storytelling. By connecting information to real life cases and experiences, I made the material more digestible and engaging. For example, when discussing oral health in dementia patients, I avoided drowning my audience in citations. Instead, I shared a story about a patient who struggled to recognize their toothbrush - a powerful way to highlight why oral care in neurodegenerative diseases matters. Another tool I leaned into was visual engagement. I’m a visual learner - no question about it! So infographics and clean slide designs are a must to keep the audience focused. When our audience is not overwhelmed, they are more likely to stay engaged and absorb the content!
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Preparation is key. I always start by gathering research from reliable sources, which I then organize into a separate clear document. This step helps me see the big picture and structure my presentation effectively. Since I have dyslexia, having everything laid out in one place is a lifesaver - allowing me to focus on the most important points while keeping my slides minimal and impactful. Does it take extra time? So much, but we know how our bodies best adapt - so utilize what you can and set the time aside you need. The best part? Fewer words on the screen means more room for me to dive in, discuss, and bring the topic to life - so I review my slides multiple times to ensure I’m fully prepared.

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Pobody’s Nerfect: Nobody’s Perfect

I firmly believe there’s always room for improvement, no matter how many presentations someone gives. While this is far from my first presentation, I consider public speaking one of my strengths, though there are still areas where I can fine-tune my approach:

1. Time Management: I got carried away in certain sections, which left me rushing through the end. I get a little excited sometimes! Next time, I’ll structure my pacing more efficiently and set firm time markers.
2. More Interactive Elements: While I engaged my audience well, I would have loved to include a short quiz or audience poll. Next time, I’ll add an interactive component to keep engagement levels high—because captivating an audience is key!
3. Less Self-Criticism: This one’s tough because I hold myself to a high standard. But I need to remind myself that a presentation doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be impactful, well-prepared, and delivered with confidence.

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Go Make It Happen

This assignment was more than just a grade; it was an opportunity for professional growth and reflection. It solidified my passion for educating patients, mentoring future students, advocating for oral health awareness, and using my voice to make a difference. Each new topic opened the door for deeper research, and the engagement component of this course made it even more meaningful. The structure and layout were beneficial overall, though some guidelines were a bit confusing - nothing that couldn’t be managed or overcome with some further investigation! 

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If I could give future students one framework of advice, it would be:

• Own your knowledge
  

• Embrace the learning curve
  
• Find ways to make the information meaningful