Introducing Anila Hasko Kurti, a dynamic force in the fields of dental hygiene education and holistic wellness. With over a decade of experience as an educator at John Abbott College and as an independent dental hygienist at OraSmile Dental Hygiene Clinic, Anila embodies dedication and passion in her dual roles. Her journey from being a dentist in Albania to becoming a respected professor in Montreal is a testament to her perseverance and commitment to her dreams.

Anila’s teaching philosophy revolves around creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive intellectually, emotionally, and socially. She believes in the power of real-life experiences to enhance learning and actively incorporates her insights from private practice into her classroom teachings.
Beyond academia, Anila is also a proud Arbonne independent consultant, promoting sustainable healthy living through a range of botanical products. Her journey with Arbonne has not only transformed her own health but has also provided her with a platform to inspire others to prioritize wellness.
As a woman in the dental profession, Anila’s story of overcoming challenges and achieving success serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for aspiring professionals. Her advice to students and young professionals alike is to remain focused on their goals, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the impact of hard work and belief in oneself.
In all aspects of her life, Anila exemplifies resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

How do you manage your dual role as an educator at a dental hygiene program at John Abbott College and as an independent dental hygienist at OraSmile Dental Hygiene Clinic? What challenges and rewards come with this unique balance?

I love being an educator; sharing my knowledge with my students is one of the highlights of my life. Preparing dental hygiene students for the profession takes the effort of all faculty and staff at the college. I teach Pharmacology, Restorative Dentistry, as well as Periodontal Instrumentation and Clinical practice. Well-educated future dental hygienists must be open to the ever-changing approach to delivering the best care to their patients, whether it be instructional or operational. At John Abbott, we are fortunate to have the latest in dental equipment and have, on occasion, participated in research projects with dental companies. Workshops are organized to introduce students to new products. Working as an independent dental hygienist at OraSmile, the first independent dental hygiene clinic in Quebec, adds another great satisfaction to my professional life. Teaching takes most of my time, whereas, at OraSmile, I work on a part-time basis. I make my schedule, mainly weekends, and late afternoons on specific days. I don’t have any challenges in maintaining these two roles, and the rewards are enormous. In private practice, I strive to educate my patients about the importance of oral health as it relates to general health, making a hygiene visit not simply an appointment to ‘clean’ their teeth. Working in private practice keeps me grounded, making me appreciate this wonderful profession even more. Bringing real-life experience to my teaching makes learning even more interesting to students, and they understand the subject matter better.

Can you share your journey in academia? What inspired you to become a professor in the dental field, and how has your experience been over the past 10 years?

Being a dentist from Albania, I graduated in 1992 from Tirana University, Faculty of Dentistry. My dream was always to continue in the same field when I arrived in Montreal in 1998. I started studying dental hygiene at John Abbott College in Montreal in 1999, which was the only college in the whole province of Quebec to offer a dental hygiene program in English. During my three years of schooling, I noticed that all my teachers were dental hygienists before teaching, and some of them were John Abbott alumni. Their love for teaching inspired me. I graduated with the thought and dream that one day I would come back and teach.
I love teaching, communicating with people, sharing my knowledge, and inspiring people to become the best they can be. This dream came true in 2008 when I was asked to join the dental hygiene program. I couldn’t believe it. This is when my beautiful teaching journey started, and I have been teaching ever since. Completing a master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Sherbrooke in 2018 made me a better teacher.
Hearing my students tell me that my success story inspires them makes me feel that I have accomplished my dream. My advice to my students is: ‘Follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.’

As a professor, what is your teaching philosophy, and how do you strive to inspire and educate the next generation of dental professionals?

It’s almost impossible for a student to learn and grow without the help of a teacher. Students need assistance when they face difficulties in understanding concepts, thinking logically, and acting morally. To me, teaching philosophy is like a torch, a guiding light in the darkness, helping someone find the right path.
In my teaching philosophy, I believe that each student is a unique individual who requires a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, and socially. As an educator, I aim to help students reach their fullest potential in these areas by providing a safe environment, supports risk-taking, and encourages the sharing of ideas.
There are three elements that I believe are conducive to establishing such an environment: (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the student’s natural curiosity to direct their learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and people.”

How do your experiences as a dental hygienist influence your approach to teaching, and vice versa? How do you bring real-world insights into the classroom?

“As a dentist from Albania and a dental hygienist, I always bring my professional life experience to my teaching. Sharing real-life experiences makes teaching more engaging, as students tend to remember stories related to certain subjects better. Our classrooms are heterogeneous, with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. Adapting my teaching to their level of understanding is very rewarding.
Pharmacology is one of the courses that I teach, and it can be challenging to remember. I try to connect it with real-life stories and encourage students to share their own experiences with us. The rewards are astonishing.
In essence, sharing the experiences I’ve had in private practice and in my life allows me to prepare students for what they may encounter when they embark on their professional journeys. Students love hearing about ‘real-life’ situations.
By observing the challenges students face when learning about oral health care, I can adapt my instructions to patients in private practice to address similar concerns. It’s somewhat of a collaborative effort; we learn from each other.”

In such dynamic fields, how do you stay updated with the latest advancements in dentistry, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your teaching and clinical work?

“As professionals, we need to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field of dental hygiene. Part of the requirement for annual licensing as a dental hygienist is 40 hours of continuing education within two years. We participate in various lectures, hands-on educational seminars, and conferences offered by organizations such as the Order of Dental Hygienists of Quebec (OHDQ), the Federation of Dental Hygienists of Quebec (FHDQ), and the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association (CDHA).
In August 2022, I had the opportunity to participate in and present at the Symposium of the International Dental Hygiene Federation in Dublin, Ireland. I attended many courses offered by teachers in dental hygiene programs from other countries. It was an amazing experience. Bringing this new knowledge to my lectures, clinical instruction, and private practice is what keeps our profession in constant forward motion.
Whether adapting lecture material or having a one-on-one conversation with a student, I strive to share my newfound knowledge daily at the College and OraSmile.”

As a woman in the dental profession, how do you see your role in inspiring and supporting other women pursuing careers in dental education and clinical practice?

“When I started school in 1999, my boys were very young, 8 years old and 11 months old. I had no close family to look after my children when I needed help. We had only one car, and I didn’t even know how to drive. My husband had to leave the house at 4:30 am to go to work, as he had to support us. The school was two hours away by bus, metro, and bus again. My English language skills were limited. I used a dictionary to translate chapters from different textbooks, and my computer skills were nonexistent. It seemed like I would never be successful. Many times, I questioned myself if this was a good decision. There were many sleepless nights, but with hard work and my husband’s immense support, I not only succeeded, but I was also on the Dean’s Honor Roll many times. This made me feel very proud and my family very proud.
As I mentioned before, our classrooms are very diverse. The students’ ages vary from 18 to 50 years old. We have mothers with one to three children, and there are cohorts where a vast number of students are immigrants, just like I was when I started school. I always share my story with my students, showing them the place where I was sitting when I was a student.

At first, I could see disbelief in their eyes, but then their look changes. With passion and conviction, I encourage by telling them that if I did it, so can they. If they work hard and believe in themselves, the sky is the limit.”

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to enter the field of dentistry, whether as educators or clinical practitioners?

“Students who enroll in the dental hygiene program are dedicated individuals. However, throughout their academic journey, they may experience doubts about whether they’ve chosen the right profession. As their teacher and mentor, my role is to listen to their struggles and guide them toward the right path.

I emphasize the numerous advantages of the dental hygiene profession to those who are considering the challenge. While I do not underestimate the hard work required to achieve this goal, I highlight that the rewards are worthwhile in the end. For those already working in private practice who aspire to teach in the program, I stress the importance of teamwork and being aware of the struggles that students often face.

Ultimately, I advise both potential students and aspiring educators to stay focused on their goals and to remain resilient in the face of challenges.”

Photocredits: Ermal Hoxha (@ermalphotography)

As an Arbonne independent consultant, are there specific products or principles from the beauty and health line that you find particularly effective or transformative? How do these align with your values?

“Arbonne, as an international network marketing company, has been at the forefront of the healthy living movement for over 40 years, driving positive change within the health and wellness industry since its inception in 1980. Throughout its history, Arbonne has remained committed to sustainability, considering both people and the planet in every decision they make. As a Certified B Corporation, Arbonne takes pride in its dedication to environmental and social responsibility.
They meticulously develop each product with meaningful ingredients, continuously raising standards to strike the perfect balance between plant-based, bio-based, and scientifically derived ingredients. With a range of over 400 products including facial care, body care, gut health, and sports supplements, Arbonne offers a comprehensive selection for individuals seeking holistic wellness.
As someone working in the health profession, I initially believed my mission of teaching, guiding, and helping people achieve better oral and overall body health was fulfilled. However, two and a half years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a new dimension to my mission through Arbonne. After experiencing remarkable transformations in my own health with their botanical products, I was inspired to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey.
I was captivated by the quality of Arbonne’s products and their philosophy of empowering people to flourish with sustainable healthy living. Recognizing the potential to share these healthier alternatives with others, I wholeheartedly embraced this new chapter in my life. It has been an enriching journey filled with encounters with inspiring individuals who support and encourage one another.
Through Arbonne, I have not only incorporated healthier habits into my life but also discovered the opportunity to make a positive impact while earning additional income. Engaging in mentorship calls, I have grown in my belief in myself, my products, and the company I proudly represent. Transitioning from a bystander to an active participant, I have found my unique voice in this business, all while continuing to fulfill my mission of promoting health and wellness.”