Belén Díaz: Recognized as a Leading Dental Hygienist in Spain
Belén Díaz (born 1991) has recently been recognized as one of the best dental hygienists in Spain by doctor & Cols, a distinction she views as an opportunity to highlight the importance of basic – and often overlooked – oral hygiene habits. She has passionately pursued this goal for the past five years, a journey that began unexpectedly for this former Arts student at the Menéndez Pidal Secondary Education Institute.
From Arts to Oral Health: An Unexpected Path
Díaz’s path to becoming a dental hygienist was not a direct one. “I had no idea what to do after finishing high school,” she admits. She initially worked in a shopping center before deciding to train as a nursing assistant.
Her first practical experience was in a dental clinic. “It didn’t promptly appeal to me, but after just two days, I had already enrolled in a Dental Hygiene program.” Even before completing her studies, she responded to a job advertisement and began working at a clinic in Fonsagrada (Lugo). However, the COVID-19 pandemic soon disrupted her plans.
Bridging the Gap: “Higienista de Pueblo” on Instagram
Facing the challenges of the pandemic, and recognizing the specific needs of her patient base, Díaz launched an Instagram profile, Higienista de Pueblo (“Hygienist of the Village”). “80% of my patients were over 80 years old, so I had the idea of creating a profile to reach people and offer cleaning advice to overcome their fear of the dentist, and also to raise awareness about certain hygienic habits that I felt weren’t as well-known as they should be,” she explains.
This initiative was born out of a need to address the anxieties many older patients held towards dental care. “These patients come to the dentist with trauma and fear. It’s difficult to dispel that idea because, in the years they whent to the dentist, the only solutions were extractions, and professionals didn’t have the same sensitivity we have now,” she adds.
Díaz emphasizes that the core function of a dental hygienist is prophylaxis and oral health – helping patients achieve and maintain good oral hygiene. Through “Higienista de Pueblo,” she provides advice, recommendations, and promotes the importance of brushing and overall oral care.
Future Aspirations and Continued Advocacy
Currently in her third year of a Dentistry degree at the University of Porto,Díaz is determined to specialize in surgery and implants. Despite her advanced studies, she remains committed to her foundational belief: emphasizing the essential nature of preventative oral hygiene. She continues to use her platform to educate and empower individuals to take control of their dental health.
Key Takeaways
- Belén Díaz was recognized by Doctor & Cols as a leading dental hygienist in Spain.
- Her career path was unconventional, starting with a focus on the arts before transitioning to healthcare.
- The Instagram account Higienista de Pueblo was created to address patient anxieties and promote oral hygiene,notably among older adults.
- Díaz is currently pursuing a Dentistry degree with plans to specialize in surgery and implants.