Let's Meet Selda Suleymanoglu

Why did you decide to teach at the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry?

I’ve always wanted to expand and grow in my career. When I first started working as a dental hygienist in private practice, I knew that down the road I would want to explore other avenues. During the pandemic, the mental and physical challenges of my work inspired me to consider new opportunities. That’s when I decided to pursue my master’s in health professions education. While completing my studies, a close colleague who worked as a part-time dental hygiene clinical instructor encouraged me to apply. This is now my fifth year teaching, and the journey has provided me with opportunities I never imagined I’d experience in such a short time. I truly enjoy teaching and look forward to seeing how I continue to grow in academia.

What do you like best about the school?

I love working alongside educators and professionals with such diverse expertise and experiences. I learn so much from the people around me—their ambition and passion for sharing knowledge makes me a stronger educator and clinician. It takes a collective effort to nurture and guide students, but that same collaboration also creates a community for self-growth and appreciation of the wide variety of resources available to us.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I was born in Turkey and moved here at a young age. My parents came from very small towns and wanted to provide the best opportunities for their children. Oral health were not priorities in their upbringing, so I had frequent visits to the pediatric dentist due to poor homecare habits (I hated going—but look at the field I’m in now!). As I grew older, my passion for helping people led me to explore health-care professions, and it was actually my own dental hygienist who encouraged me to apply to the program. Now, 12 years later, here I am—a dental hygienist and educator.

What are three words to describe you?

Authentic, Big-Hearted and Caffeinated 

What are your hobbies and passions?

I enjoy spending time outdoors—whether it’s reading on my deck, biking, or hiking. I’m also passionate about traveling and exploring other cultures. One of my most memorable trips was to Colombia and Ecuador, where I participated in providing free dental care. The gratitude and kindness shown by the local community—bringing me flowers, fruits, and pictures from their homes—left a lasting impression and was truly an unforgettable moment in my career. 

What would you title your biography?

My friends always say I’m “tiny but mighty.” So, if I had to choose a title for my biography, that would be it... Tiny but Mighty :)