In 2003, Sherry Priebe received her Bachelor of Dental Science, followed by a Master of Science in 2009 and has since become a renowned international speaker on oral healthcare. The Faculty celebrated her accomplishments and many contributions to the profession in 2017 when she was honoured with an Alumni Builder Award.

We connected with Sherry to learn more about her unique career path and how UBC Dentistry played an important role in where she is today.

What inspired you to become a dental hygienist?

I’ve wanted to be a dental hygienist ever since I was in grade nine! A career focused on prevention rather than fixing is a perfect fit for my personality.

What has your career path looked like?

It all started in Alberta. My sister was living in Edmonton, so I moved there and received my diploma in dental hygiene from the University of Alberta. Of course, I had to move back to Kelowna—the lifestyle here is just too perfect—and eventually craved more education, so I enrolled at UBC Dentistry to get my dental hygiene degree.

During my fourth year, I did a self-directed study in international global oral health. At the same time, the Faculty launched the UBC Dental Residents Program at the Oncology Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Professor Bonnie Craig—the director of the Dental Hygiene Degree Program at the time—encouraged me to join, and I spent several weeks learning about oral cancer. I was the first hygienist to participate in this program, and the experience made me feel like my work wasn’t done!

I enrolled in a Master of Science and studied the cultural risk factors of oral cancer in Vietnam. Completing this degree was challenging, and I think students should always remember that it’s okay if something isn’t easy—most things don’t go smoothly—and to keep trying, work hard and you will succeed!

In 2010, I was honoured with the World Dental Hygiene Award in Research, which encouraged me to become a speaker. Since then, along with practicing as a hygienist, I have also travelled across the world presenting on oral health care and oral cancer.

Do you have any advice for current dental hygiene students?

I would challenge them to open up their world to other avenues. Dental hygiene is an amazing career with many opportunities to take on unique challenges. I never expected to be an international speaker, but here I am!

You’re a generous supporter of UBC Dentistry. What motivates you to give back?

UBC Dentistry helped me advance and achieve my purpose in so many ways. The Faculty paved the way for me and opened exciting avenues—it feels like a beautiful, symbiotic relationship. It feels natural to give back and support the Faculty and students.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love to hike and go wine tasting with my girlfriends! And, of course, I love to travel.