Alumni Spotlight: Sheila Gagnon
Jul 21, 2025 | Vanessa Tignanelli, Storyteller & Content Creator
For Sheila Gagnon (53), the path to becoming Moose Factory’s first dental hygienist began with a high school co-op placement in 1991. At just 19, she started working as a dental assistant at Weeneebayko General Hospital. After more than a decade supporting dentists in her home community, she noticed a serious gap—while treatments were being offered, there was little focus on prevention or oral health education. Determined to do more, she made the difficult decision to return to school with her two young sons, enrolling first in Canadore College’s Pre-Health Sciences program, then advancing into its competitive Dental Hygiene program.
Sheila found a supportive learning environment at Canadore, where the steady flow of real clients helped her build confidence early on. Having family nearby gave her extra practice, and she bonded with fellow student-parents who understood the challenge of balancing school and caregiving. Learning about the links between oral health and conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy added depth to her passion—and reinforced her desire to bring that knowledge back to her community.
Now part of a team of three hygienists at the hospital, Sheila provides cleanings, screenings, and school outreach to improve access across the region. After more than 30 years in the field, she’s proud to have helped shift the focus toward prevention and community care in Moose Factory. As she looks toward retirement, Sheila hopes her journey shows others what’s possible: that with determination, support, and the right training, you can come home and make a difference.
“There weren’t any dental hygienists here when I started—I saw a gap, and I knew I could be part of the solution.”
“I was nervous going back to school after so long, but Canadore welcomed me. They didn’t just teach me—they believed in me.”
“It wasn’t easy moving away with two kids, but I kept thinking: if I don’t do this now, when will I?”
“If something speaks to you—listen. It means it’s for you. Don’t be afraid to go after it.”
“So many students have the potential to go into the health field, and with a big hospital right here in Moose Factory, there’s real opportunity.”
Sheila Gagnon
Registered Dental Hygienist, Weeneebayko General Hospital
Dental Hygiene Program (Class of 2005)
#Alumni #Canadore College #First Peoples' Centre #Indigenous