Yan, a first-generation Chinese immigrant residing in the Seattle area, is proficient in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. She graduated in 2016 with multiple accolades from the Dental Hygiene program at Shoreline Community College. Yan's passion for periodontal disease and her relentless pursuit of effective treatments began during her time in the Dental Hygiene Program. Despite attending numerous educational courses on periodontal disease since 2016, she found none that provided definitive answers to her questions.

While acknowledging mouth breathing as a contributor to periodontal disease, Yan sought to understand why some individuals develop this habit while others do not. She also explored factors influencing the development of malocclusion and mouth breathing, as well as the reasons behind relapses after orthodontic treatments. Additionally, Yan questioned the variability in the occurrence of enlarged tonsils and why some individuals harbor the five periodontal bacteria without manifesting periodontal disease.

Reflecting on her experience as a dental professional, Yan recognized an oversight in focusing primarily on dental biofilms and patient education, without considering the broader context of dental diseases as indicators of underlying systemic or congenital issues.

Yan's epiphany came after an observation by an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, whose insights into dental problems stemming from environmental factors, habitus, and congenital conditions (such as lip-tie or tongue-tie) resonated deeply with her. This revelation sparked her excitement about Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, which offered the missing piece in her approach to periodontal disease treatment since her time in the Dental Hygiene Program.

Driven by this newfound passion, Yan pursued Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy courses and got certified through the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT). She continued her education with Myo Mentor, the Breathe Institute, and other in-person and online Myofunctional Therapy courses.

Understanding that Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is still relatively new, particularly among minority populations in the Greater Seattle Area, Yan is committed to providing high-quality care, education, and therapy. Her vision includes making Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder assessments a standard of care in pediatric clinics.

Yan’s journey demonstrates her commitment to continuous learning and a holistic approach to dental care. Her efforts not only expand her skill set but also contribute to the advancement of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and promote equitable access to healthcare in her community.