MEET DEMETRIUS GRAY, Dad to Naveyah (12), Demetrius (10), and Ava (4). Demetrius is the office manager at Refresh Dental – Middleburg Heights in Northeast Ohio Region.

What would you like your kids to remember about you?

One thing I would like them to remember is that I’m the “FUN” parent. We always try to seek something new to do together – either going to different parks, beaches, indoor entertainment centers, or road trips. I want them to remember the times we cooked food together, decorated Christmas trees, dressed up for Halloween, every special occasion, and holiday. I want to be sure my kids remember that no matter what circumstances life throws at us, has thrown at us, or will throw at us in the future that I will be front and center to make sure we get through them together and that they are the most important people in my life. I want to make sure they remember the great conversations we had that has given them the knowledge they can use throughout life. Lastly, I want to be sure that they remember that their dad is hard working and fun and that I love them more than anything.

GET TO KNOW BRETT DELOACH, Dad to Layla (7) and Skylar (4). Brett is the treatment coordinator at Winning Smiles – Amherst in New York Region 2.

The term “girl dad” has recently gained popularity. What’s it like to be a ‘girl dad’?

Happy to answer that question! I say proudly to people about twice a week that I am “a girl dad” (RIP “Girl Dad” Kobe Bryant). Anyone who knows me knows that my girls are my world. I am blessed with two beautiful girls

that call me “daddy.” The oldest, who is 7, is my biological child and her sister is 4. To be a dad you don’t have to be their biological father. I’m so incredibly proud of the young ladies they are becoming. They have both taught me so much about life. I am truly lucky to have their smiles to help encourage me to do my best daily – whether that’s in life or in the workplace.

CHATTING WITH ELIZABETH (SANDERS) WOHALA, daughter to Dr. J. Clarke Sanders. Elizabeth is a field marketing manager for the NADG Marketing team. Dr. Sanders is an NADG Partner and Group Founder at Stonecreek Dental Group in the Central Ohio Region.

Since you grew up in a dental family, what was it like working with your dad in his practice? How has he helped shaped the person you are today?

It was a fun time! I got to see how he interacted with his team and his patients.

Whenever a patient found out that I was his daughter, they would say – “Is this how he is at home?” I always proudly said – “The way he is with his team and patients is exactly how he is in everyday life and as a father.” He is someone everyone looks up to. He is a leader who truly cares about his team and patients and that is why he is so loved.

He has taught me some of the most important lessons in life – to always have integrity; to give to those in need; to work hard; to be kind; to laugh and be goofy; and, to always try and make the best of every situation.

As hard as he worked, and for as many hours as he put in, he always showed up. He was always there for our family and he and my mom are my biggest cheerleaders. He taught me to never give up. Even when a fire burned down his entire practice many years ago, he taught me that life doesn’t always go as planned but we still stand tall and figure it out while keeping a positive attitude.

He can always see something good in everything and is a role model to not only me but so many others. He is a true leader, a caring friend, a goofball, and the best dad a girl could ask for!

CONNECTING WITH DR. ANTHONY LE, Dad to Paxton (6), Haven (4), Emme (2), and Mason (9 months). Dr. Le is an NADG Partner who practices at Refresh Dental – Rochester in Michigan Region 2.

You have a full house with 4 young children! What do you love most about being a dad?

Being a dad has been a blessing. Seeing them adapt and learn new things astonishes me. I love that they’re dependent upon my wife and I and will be sad when they grow out of that stage and don’t need us anymore. The ever-changing words that they come up with to describe things has been funny to hear. I love how excited they get when I come home with all their bright smiles and open arms. I would not change anything about it. I love being a dad to them!

REMINISCING WITH KIM SLOAN, daughter to Tom Snyder. Kim is an east market HR business partner for NADG’s Human Resources team.

What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned from your Dad?

I love this question because one of my favorite comments is that I’ve learned all my bad habits from my dad. Ha! The life lessons are endless. But I would say the important things that I have learned from my dad are all centered around his work ethic. You give your all, no matter what. It’s not for glory or praise, it’s the right thing to do.

His empathy and compassion. My father would give everything he has to help others. He was a teacher his entire life and as a child with one sibling, I truly thought I had hundreds (of siblings) because anyone that needed anything became my sibling.

But most of all love. This has been the hardest year in my family’s life because my mother died unexpectedly of a heart attack on May 26, 2020. I was blessed enough to see her two days before her death, but this was the day after my parents 57th anniversary. It was so difficult to watch my hero, the man I have always looked to for everything, broken. What I learned was love.

My father has done the best that can be expected with this big life change in losing his soulmate. Since then, he has left his home of 80 years to move closer to my family (and sister’s family) in Florida. I have been blessed by now having him less than five minutes from my home. Now I get to repay him by being his caregiver and enjoy dinner with him every night. Every day we miss my mom. But we speak of the “silver lining” that we now get to see each other every day. I get to help him like he always helped me and to worry as I am sure he did so much about me. He is still my hero. But I get to help him and be his sidekick.

BEING INSPIRED BY NICK VATALARO, dad to Isabella and Anthony. Nick is regional director of operations for the Northeast Ohio Region.

Where do you find inspiration as a single dad?

As we approach Father’s Day, I am experiencing the second holiday as a single father. Thanks to my family, and my children’s mother, it still feels special. To say being a single dad is easy would be a lie. I miss my children every evening when they aren’t with me. The inability to kiss them goodnight and make them breakfast in the morning is a struggle. But it is nothing compared to my sister’s situation.

If you want to talk about an inspiration, I look at my sister, Heather. Being a single parent is difficult regardless of the situation, and I don’t want to downplay that for anyone’s life. However, in my experience, I have witnessed the most difficult of all situations in viewing what my sister went through. Her husband, Joe, my best friend, passed away due to a glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. I went from having a beer with my best friend to helping him do the basics, such as, take a shower. During this time, I watched my sister navigate grief, pain, and most importantly motherhood.

Being a single parent is a challenge for everyone. Yet, watching my sister explain to her son why he needs to say goodbye to his father before hospice picks him up, there is nothing comparable. While I know the example is drastic, I know every day I am striving to be the parent my sister was through those years. Parenting has zero to do with being a father or a mother but has everything to do with the moments you create. I am eternally grateful that I was able to witness the mother and woman my sister became which gave me something to strive for each day.

So, as Father’s Day approaches, I want to celebrate the woman that taught me to be a better man and a better parent regardless of the situation. I’m not surprised to say that my Father’s Day is firmly based upon the mothers and women that shaped my life.

Thanks to these exceptional team members for sharing their stories. And thanks to all the fathers at NADG. You are an inspiration to us all. Have a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.

This week, President Biden signed legislation marking June 19 as National Independence Day which formally recognizes Juneteenth as a national holiday. This day marks an important and necessary shift in our country’s rich history, an enduring moment when all people – regardless of skin color or ethnicity – were declared to be free and treated as equal. The U.S. has come a long way over the past 156 years but not without significant racial unrest and civil injustice turmoil that continues to plague our country today.

At NADG, we are committed to embodying the spirit of this day – celebrating inclusiveness, championing diversity, and living empathetically while ardently rejecting all forms of bias, discrimination, and hatred. This is the culture we continue to build.

This culture building effort is being led by our Diversity & Inclusion Committee and involves our entire NADG family. Over the past year, our Committee continue to support Team Members impacted by racial and civil unrest with strong public statements of support and outreach. More recently, the Committee launched five Team Member Resource Groups to offer outlets for discussion and sharing of ideas on diverse issues that might impact the workplace. It is through these efforts we strive to continue creating community and safe spaces for all our NADG family.

The spirit of Juneteenth is alive and well at NADG. Our strength is our culture, and our culture of inclusion is you. Thank you.

For more information, please contact:
Rodney Thomas
Vice President, Clinical Strategy 
Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

 MEET

Rita Carstens Office Manager Sorrento Dental Care Florida Region 3	Linh Pring Hygienist McDonough Center  Family Dentistry Georgia Region 1	Dr. Jung Lee NADG Partner & Dentist Stonewalk Family Dentistry Georgia Region 1

 What is an interesting hobby or talent that you have that someone might not know?

Rita:

I love boating, fishing, and camping. When I “grow-up” I want to be a camp host and travel the United States. I’d like to live in Colorado during the summer months.

Linh:

During the pandemic, I became a crazy ‘plant mama’.

Dr. Lee:

A new hobby for me – learned how to play piano.

What is the proudest moment in your personal life or career?

Rita:

When I married my best friend and when my children and grandchildren were born. Also, seeing my grown children and spouses accomplishing their career goals.

Linh:

It’s always rewarding when I can put smiles on patient’s faces when they overcome their fear of dentistry and that it’s ok to come to the dentist and not have to worry about pain.

 Dr. Lee:

The day I got my dental school acceptance letter, it was a long haul for me.

How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?

Rita:

Rita and her mother.

My Japanese mom raised me to be hard working, dedicated, grateful and appreciate everything that you have. Respect your elders!

Linh:

My heritage has shaped me into the person I am today by being open and understanding of other cultures.

Dr. Lee:

As a 1.5 generation Korean American who immigrated to the U.S. as a child and grew up in the states, my parents never ceased to instill the values of common sense and respecting others. My parents always taught me to treat others as you’d like to be treated, and that hard work always pays off. I try my best to practice that philosophy each day.

Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?

Rita:

On New Year’s Day we make and eat mochi which is a Japanese rice cake.

Lihn’s daughters – Chloe (2) and Brooklyn (6)

Linh:

Yes, every year we love to dress up in traditional dresses (ao dai) and pass out red envelopes with money (li xi) on Lunar New Year.

What does Asian Pacific AMERICAN Heritage Month mean to you?

Rita:

Recognizing different heritages that makes this great nation come together as one. It recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States.  My mom came to the United States in 1967 and became a citizen years later so Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is special to me.

Linh:

I think it’s a great opportunity for people to recognize Asian history and culture.

Dr. Lee:

It’s a time of reflection and gratitude. As a matter of fact, we should all celebrate every ethnic heritage every day of the year, and not just one single month. We should value each of our unique cultural heritage with respect and understanding for others. Mutual respect for one another seems to be lacking lately.

Thanks to these exceptional and generous team members for sharing their personal stories and letting us get to know them a little better.

Moms….you’re doing a GREAT JOB!

In honor of Mother’s Day, please join us in celebrating a few of the special “Moms of NADG” as they share personal insights on being a mom.

MEET SARAH STRONG, Mom to Shane (22), Lexi (19) and Chadd (16) and Hygienist at Mandarin Smiles in Florida Region 3

Where do you find inspiration as a single mom?

I draw my inspiration as a single mother from GOD. I am grateful he allowed me to be a mother to three incredible humans, not perfect but perfect for me. Raising children is a challenging task in itself, so being a single parent is not easy. Although the job I face daily is challenging, the rewards are that much more valuable. To see your children, start to mature into independent, successful young adults is the best blessing. I gain support and guidance from a host of sources, my mother, other awesome mothers, male role models, and my church family. When the picture is not perfect, and no one seems to know the answers, that is when I lean on my faith in GOD to guide my steps as a mother. I know my journey as a single mom is not easy, but I would not change it for the world.

GET TO KNOW KIMBERLY NEWBY, Mom to Lakely (1) and Office Manager at Cloudland Dental – Chattanooga Shallowford in the Tennessee Region

The journey to motherhood does not look the same for everyone. What did your journey look like?

My husband and I had tried for several years to start a family but found out after about a year of doctor’s appointments that we were unable to have children on our own. We prayed and prayed that God would allow us to be parents and knew that someway, somehow, he would provide.

At the end of 2018, we knew that God was calling us to pursue domestic adoption (adoption within the US). We knew that adoption was expensive, so we started fundraising which included multiple yard sales generating $500-$6,000 in sales each!

We matched with a birth mother which unfortunately resulted in a very traumatic, failed adoption. Although our hearts were broken, we were able to find comfort knowing that God was still good in the heartache and that he had a larger purpose and plan for our family.  We continued to trust in the Lord.

3 1/2 weeks after our failed adoption we received the call that changed our lives forever! An expectant mother had heard about us through someone sharing our story and wanted us to adopt the baby she was carrying.

Our little blessing was born March 2020. With Lakely, our family is complete, and we thank God daily for his faithfulness and his goodness! We are so undeserving of his blessings!

HELLO GWYN RUTHVEN, Mom to Liam (13) and Grace (10) and Dental Assistant at Eaves Family Dental – Bath in the New York Region

As a mom of school aged children, how did you manage the challenges of working and home schooling during the pandemic?

In the beginning we thought it was going to be for just a little while, right? When I realized that wasn’t the case, I was so thankful to be home with them because I knew they couldn’t have gotten through the rest of the school year without my help.

I returned to work for the summer and realized it was short-lived when I learned that school in the fall would only be two days in person and 3 days virtual. How could I not be home with them on those virtual days when I knew how difficult last year was? Thankfully Eaves Family Dental allowed me to work the days they were in school and be home on the virtual days. This way, I was able to still hold my job and be there for my kids when they needed me. I know how hard my teammates had to work to make-up for my absence. I truly appreciate it. Really managing it came down to doing what needed to be done, one day at a time. Believe me, I wasn’t always positive and chipper. I’m pretty sure my kids thought I was losing it at times. I was also grateful for my husband taking over when needed, especially when the school would sporadically shut down. He is a disabled veteran dealing with his own daily needs. All in all, thank you Lord for getting us this far!

REMINISCING WITH DR. VASANTHI RENGA, Mom to Sravan (29) and Charanya (20) and Doctor at Canton Family Dentistry in Michigan Region 1

When reminiscing about your childhood, what is one of your favorite memories with your mom? What is one of your favorite memories with your own children?

My 80-year old mom, Jambaga, lives in India. I always loved the way she helps people. The best memories that I have with her growing up is watching her always doing things for others. She’s truly a great social worker. Very good in all forms of art. Never can she be idle. A very caring person who is concerned for others well-being. Very helpful and giving, and she taught us to be the same way. She taught us not to complain. Not to whine. To be content in what we have with a grateful heart.

With my own children, I have several special memories but one of my favorites is letting them go parasailing and watching them soar! Now, I’m enjoying watching them as adults pursuing their dreams – My son, Sravan, works for Amazon in Seattle and my daughter, Charanya, is in her third year of pre-med at the University of Michigan.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT ELISE HORNSBY, Mom-to-be and Field Marketing Manager on the Marketing team

As an expectant mother, what are you looking forward to about being a mom for the first time this August?

I am most looking forward to all of our “firsts” together as a family. She’s our first child and the first grandchild (on my mom’s side of the family). I’m so excited to watch my husband become a daddy and our fur baby (Coal) become a big brother. I can’t wait to celebrate the holidays as a family of three this year and look forward to all of her first milestones!

CONNECTING WITH SANYA HATIMI, Mom to Alya (7 months) Hygienist at Alpine Woods Family Dental in the Indiana Region

As a first-time Mom, what are the moments that have made you smile and what advice would you give to a future ‘mom-to-be’?

I am truly blessed to have my Alya. She makes me smile with her cutest little tricks of crawling wherever she is not supposed to and with her funny facial expressions all day long. Despite a tough pregnancy that included multiple ER trips and losing 12 pounds along the way, I can say that she was the best thing that has happened to me. The advice that I would give to a ‘mom-to-be’ is that every pregnancy is different and the fruit of that journey in form of your little one is going to make it ALL WORTH IT. The kid is going to change your life completely, and trust me, for the BETTER.

CHATTING WITH ALEXIS WARNER, Mom to Liam (13), Elena. (11), Annelise (9) and Gabe (3) and Senior Regional Director of Operations for Michigan Regions 1, 2 & 3

NADG recently introduced five Team Resource Groups (TRG’s) as part of our mission to ensure diversity and inclusion in the workplace. What inspired you to lead NADG’s new TRG, “Working Parents Network”?

Leading the new Working Parents Network is an exciting way that we can connect and support as parents. I started my professional career when I was 7 months pregnant in a new field and company. Learning how to lead a team while also learning how to be a mother was challenging. I was so fortunate to work for a leader who demonstrated great work life balance as a working single dad. In addition, I was surrounded by peers who were also seasoned parents. Throughout my career I have been blessed to have the support of the organizations I have worked for as a working parent but the best support I have received has been from my peer group. I can enjoy work life balance caring for my four children.

Thanks to all of these exceptional moms for sharing their stories. And thanks to all of the mothers at NADG. We appreciate your hard work, dedication, and commitment to juggle work and family especially during these trying times. You are an inspiration to us all. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.

What Inspires You? When Did You Know That You Wanted to Pursue A Career In Dentistry? What Is Rewarding About Your Career?

As I walk down the hallway with my young patient to our ‘treasure chest’ of goodies, I smile to myself. That was me at 5 years old, seeing Dr. Bob as his little patient. The very same letters still hang over my head, “Grove Dental.” Back then, the walls were covered in a wallpaper with a palette of avocado green, maize yellow and burnt orange of yesteryear. I have fond memories of going to the dentist as a child but would have never imagined becoming a pediatric dentist at the very place where I was a patient.

My Chicago roots kept me here. I attended college at the University of Chicago and received my dental education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. When I was ready to be a pediatric dentist, joining Grove felt like the best fit. And after more than 17 phenomenal years, I am still here. Grove has served the Chicagoland community for over 50 years and is unique in that it was at the forefront of the multi-specialty, multi-location dental practice model. Grove’s origins began in 1968 with 3 dentists, eventually becoming 4 locations with over 30 dentists and 250 team members. In 2019, the group affiliated with North American Dental Group, with an even greater network of dental practices in the East and West.

Most of the time when people ask what I do, I reply enthusiastically with “I’m a pediatric dentist.” Oftentimes, the reciprocating facial expressions are of bewilderment. They say, “God bless you, why would you choose to do that?” Then I get to share all the reasons of why I absolutely love my job. Our days are filled with interacting with so many remarkable people and patients. This includes our many infants, children, adolescents and people with special needs and abilities patients. We have the privilege to follow our patients through their formative years and get to appreciate their distinct personalities, stories, and dreams. My youngest patient is just a few days old, and my oldest patient is in his sixties. One of the best parts of my job is the small but meaningful victories, such as helping a new patient get comfortable enough to sit in the dental chair for the duration of the first visit. When our team is able help the patient overcome some of their fears and anxieties (and their parents’ too), it is truly an incredible feeling.

Working with my team continues to be an incredible journey. Despite the challenges that. dentistry faced with the coronavirus pandemic, my team was able to navigate and adapt to provide the best-in-class patient care. This year will be forever marked in our memories, and we will remember that we got through it together, with care for our patients and each other as top priority. For this, I will be eternally grateful. We work together like a well-oiled machine. From our years of closely working together, we have developed the ability the communicate with quick glances, and sometimes without uttering a word. On occasion, we have been known to spontaneously belt out in unison, “The Brushing Song” in tune and in rhythm.  I am constantly amazed by the empathy and enthusiasm of our team. We love any opportunity to engage with the local community through volunteer events and to support each other during times of difficulty. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I say it takes a tightly knit team to deliver outstanding dental care.

At times, I come to work, fix my gaze on the “Grove Dental” sign, words that take me back to my childhood, but also represents something of my present self. It encompasses the years of change through the community that embraced me as a kid and has had a huge impact on my life. I am proud to say that Grove is a part of me, it is my community.

At NADG, we stand united in celebration of our differences and respecting what makes each of us unique. We are proud of the women within our organization who are making a difference in dentistry, championing servant leadership and exemplifying best-in-class patient care.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I am inspired by women who are unapologetically unafraid to be amazing leaders, such as my mom. She was raised in the middle east, where parts of society did not see women as equals. This left a lasting impression on her and as a result, she focused her attention on empowering and advocating for women. For example, when I was twelve, I recall her writing letters to our local elected officials alerting them of how the Taliban were persecuting the women of Afghanistan. She was, is and always will be my hero.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO PURSUE A CAREER IN DENTISTRY?

When I shadowed my older brother, Dr. Frank Nia, and realized how dynamic the field was. I was working as a project manager for a major development company and did not feel fulfilled in that position. When I saw Frank with his patients, it was like a light bulb went off and I never looked back. I wanted to impact lives, be part of a team, and HAVE FUN!

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT, PROFESSIONAL OR PERSONAL?

Having two beautiful girls with my best friend.

WHY IS IT REWARDING TO BE A MENTOR?

I have a shadowing program at two of our clinics where high school, undergraduate or dental students can come shadow me for days or weeks. This allows them to see what an orthodontist does up close. The hope is to inspire and encourage these girls and young women to pursue a career in dentistry and create that very important mentorship and sponsorship needed for them to achieve their goals. I am inspired and overjoyed when my girls get into dental school or orthodontic residency.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

I am a horrible dancer that loves to dance.

Amazing woman with an amazing story.

At NADG, we stand united in celebration of our differences and respecting what makes each of us unique. We are proud of the women within our organization who are making a difference in dentistry, championing servant leadership and exemplifying best-in-class patient care. Meet Ashton Miller, Charo Earle, Danielle Short, Yanique Griffin, and Kelly Louthain.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Ashton:

The most inspiring person that I have ever met was my mother. She was the epitome of grace and kindness. Having grown up poor, despite her own personal successes, she understood the struggles that people face. When we were very young, she counselled us to look beyond the surface of what people show you and reach out with a helping hand or word when needed.

Kelly:  

Although I lost my mom to cancer six years ago, she continues to lead me through life and is my inspiration. She was a servant leader–professionally and personally. She worked full-time but still made time for me and my siblings and was there for so many other kids that needed support.

Charo:

I’m inspired by my Mom who has continuously been one of my biggest supporters. She taught me to be a leader, to give back, help others, and get along with everyone no matter your differences. She raised me to be independent and to reach for the stars. She did not accomplish all that she wanted to in life, so she pushed me HARD to reach mine. I may not have appreciated then, but I sure do now.

Yanique:

My mother inspires me. She has been my rock for me and my family. I was a single mother for many years and my mother stepped in and was a major support to me and my girls.  She’s supportive and has always encouraged me to never settle and to work harder than expected to reach my goals. I love and appreciate her so much.

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT, PROFESSIONAL OR PERSONAL?

Ashton:

My biggest accomplishment is the work that I have done within the four walls of my home. I have three children – and as a proud mother, two of them are ranked in the top two percent of the state for academia. Plus, they love contributing to team sports and have pure hearts.

Kelly:

Professionally, my biggest accomplishment is being asked to sit on the Professional Dental Alliance’s Oral Health Board as its’ chair of the hygiene committee. I’m honored to be on a board consisting of respected dentists and continue to grow in my career. In my personal life, I feel blessed to be a mom. I am proud of my two-year old daughter and excited to see what the future holds for her. Biggest accomplishment–by far.

Charo:

I’m proud to say that I have gone further in my education and career than my parents were able to. Every parent wants more for their children and knowing that I made my parents proud by achieving this goal is a great feeling. It inspires me to mentor and encourage others to have faith and confidence to reach their goals and dreams – and that is very fulfilling to me.

Danielle:

Raising my daughter on my own since she was 6-weeks old. Now, she is an amazing 16-year old doing great things and I am so proud of her.

Yanique:

Personally, my children! I never thought that I would be a mother and my two miracles have defied those odds. They give me warmth and strength and it’s an honor to be their mom.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO PURSUE A CAREER IN DENTISTRY?

Ashton:

I used to stare at my first-grade teachers’ teeth! I was always wondering why she had the worst breath! That fascination with her teeth inspired me to pursue the dental field.

Kelly:

I grew up in a very small town with very little to do or places to go. To go to the dentist, we had to take a road trip. I loved being able to get out of school, hangout with my dentist, and eat fast food (since we didn’t have fast food, that was a treat!). It was great! I loved the experience so much that while I was in high school, I asked if I could shadow them. It was during that time when I decided that I wanted to be the reason kids loved getting out of school…to see the dentist! (I know..weird, right?)

Charo:

Growing up, I was in awe visiting my dentist, Dr. Roxanne Baker. She had such grace, strength, and confidence and her nurturing way made me feel very comfortable during what could have easily been a scary moment in a child’s impressionable mind. She had a huge impact on my choice to pursue dentistry. We formed a long-lasting connection and continue to stay in touch.

Danielle:

The hygienists in my local dental office made the job look fun and interesting, so I went back to school again and did it! 🙂 

Yanique:

I was 15-years old when I relocated to the United States from Jamaica. I was enrolled in Mount Vernon High School and was given the option between various technical programs and chose “Dental Assisting.”  I fell in love with dentistry from that point on. I later decided to pursue a degree in dental hygiene and excelled there as well, despite several hurdles and setbacks.

Amazing women with amazing stories.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Dr. Kristen Conner:

 There are two people who have inspired me at different points in my life. My best friend from dental school is a single mom of three, full-time dentist, and owner of an all-natural nail salon. And now she is an author!  Life has thrown her tremendous challenges yet, she never let it defeat or define her. She took pain and transformed it into words authoring her first novel which will be released this spring! She draws strength from her faith living every day with joy. I’m forever in “awe” of this incredible woman whom I call friend.

Dolly Parton – before she was trendy :). She has inspired me since I was a young girl. She is a true testament to beauty and brains. She never cared about what anyone thought of her physical appearance or her accent. She appeals to all walks of life because she truly has a genuine love for all people. Genuine is the key word here, in my opinion. Accomplishments in life are irrelevant if they aren’t coming from a genuine place of love and compassion. Behind her exterior is a smart, business savvy entrepreneur. She has it all. Of course, now she is trendy, once again because of her true selfless nature. There’s no true joy in success if you aren’t impacting others in a positive way.

Dr. Anna McGuire:

 My mother has always been my hero. She immigrated to America for a better life for our family. Never once did she ever make me feel that I had to alter my dreams because I was a girl. She taught me with hard work I could achieve absolutely anything. She always expected me to do my best. She worked hard and raised me and my siblings, all while fighting cancer. Never did she complain, pity herself, or fear the future. I learned from her what it was like to be a strong human.

 Dr. Anna Warnock:

 I am inspired most by both of my parents. My mother, a stay at home mom and beacon in my development, and my father, a general surgeon who was a devoted and loving husband and father. We had an unbelievably loving, kind, respectful, and supportive relationship.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR CAREER OR PERSONAL LIFE?

Dr. Conner:

Hands-down, being a mom! Never to downplay my career accomplishments but the reality is anything I’ve set a goal to do in my life I’ve persevered and managed to accomplish – no matter how long it took or how hard I had to work. They were each, for the most part, in my control. The one thing I was never worried about was having a family. I couldn’t wait. I had all the other parts of my life squared away. Then came a brief marriage that failed. Wait…what? I failed at something? That wasn’t in my plan. After a few years of hesitance, I gave it a try again. This time, success, but I was never prepared for the big, fat INFERTILITY word! It was totally out of my control. The fear, stress, hormone injections, and patience. The doctors couldn’t find any scientific reason for me not to have a baby. Stop getting stressed (they said), avoid toxic chemicals (they said), do yoga (they said). I did all the things – still NOTHING!!! I had to accept that I had no control over this situation. The one thing I never worried about in my entire life is something that I couldn’t fix. I had to let God control this one. Finally, a few years later, my prayers were answered. My biggest blessing came true and I was able to become the one thing that meant more to me than any degree, award, or my business. I finally became a mom and it forever changed my life.

Dr. McGuire:

My biggest personal accomplishment is being a role model for my three children. Showing them you can grow up and achieve your wildest dreams with patience, perseverance, and hard work – not cutting corners. Live a life of integrity. In my career I’m not quite there yet! The stars are the limit!

Dr. Warnock:

 I like to think that I have yet to reach my biggest accomplishments personally or professionally. I will say that I know I am proud of my two children, my successful yet sometimes bumpy marriage, and my relationship with my family. I am also proud to have received my 200RYT (yoga teacher training) designation. The accomplishment has nothing to do with the certificate but more to do with the personal journey I went through to learn more about myself and my interactions with the world.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO PURSUE A CAREER IN DENTISTRY?

Dr. Conner:

I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I knew I wanted to be a dentist as far back as I can remember. Of course, my dream was to be a Rockette, but my lifelong goal was always to be a dentist.

Dr. McGuire:

There were two distinct moments. The first is when my brother was instructing me to brush my teeth better and promptly sat on my chest and extracted my first tooth because I was being a baby about my loose tooth. That was never happening again! The second was watching cancer destroy my mother’s beautiful smile. I knew that I didn’t want to see that happen to others. A smile is a source of pride. It’s as much a window to our souls, as our eyes!

Dr. Warnock:

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry after I had worked two weeks as a work study/dental assistant in the Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Endodontics department the summer before my freshman year in undergrad at OSU. After working there for six-weeks, I had mastered scheduling and enjoyed working with the patients and the residents. My parents were already experiencing the financial crunch and changes administratively in medicine and suggested that dentistry would be a much better, longer-term career move both personally and financially.

Amazing women with amazing stories!

December 2020 marked a hopeful turning point in the struggle to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 with the emergence of two vaccines in the United States; the first from Pfizer and, shortly thereafter, a second option from Moderna. These vaccines offer promise for an eventual end to the global pandemic and provide hope for a weary society anxious to return to normal living and working.  However, quickly vaccinating an entire country is no easy undertaking. It requires a continued commitment from already overworked healthcare professionals nationwide.

To assist with this mission, many states are seeking the aid of other healthcare professionals with experience in administering injections. It should be no surprise that, in some states, dentists and dental hygienists certified to administer local anesthesia have answered the call to work with our medical partners in administering the vaccines. As of this writing, 20 states allow dentists to administer the vaccine after completing training. Additionally, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and South Carolina allow local anesthesia-certified dental hygienists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Each state has its own regulations and local anesthesia-certified dental hygienists interested in supporting the vaccine effort should check with their state Department of Public Health to obtain requirements.¹

Many of us have grown weary over the past year attempting to maintain oral health for our patients while mitigating the risks posed by the ongoing pandemic. By implementing administrative and engineering infection control protocols, along with donning personal protective equipment, we have done our best to work safely within an unsafe environment.² We continue to work hard to keep our patients, coworkers, and ourselves safe by following new and challenging infection control protocols. The sooner the US can reach herd immunity through vaccination, the sooner dental offices can return to normal patient treatment. Aerosol-producing dental equipment—such as ultrasonic scalers that have been turned down to low power or, in some states, shut off completely—can rejoin our treatment armamentariums.

So how do we get there? First, get vaccinated. The more oral health professionals who get inoculated, the safer our work environments will become. Next, volunteer to be part of the solution. Dentists and dental hygienists can work within their states to encourage legislators to allow oral health professionals to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Contact your state representatives and Congress members. Make them aware that states are allowing oral health professionals to administer vaccines.

Dental hygienists who are local anesthesia-certified must follow all guidelines and receive the needed certifications before attempting to administer the vaccines in their communities.  The American Dental Hygienists’ Association provides links to each states’ specific certification criteria.³ Dental hygienists are recognized as potential vaccinators due to their educational qualifications including their expertise in pharmacology and local anesthesia administration. We already understand proper dosing and dispensing protocol, how to safely handle sharps as well as the fragile nature of drugs and proper storage of delicate materials. Oral injections require precision to safely reach their target through small foramina. These qualifications prepare dental hygienists to administer vaccines during the pandemic.

For dental hygienists licensed in Connecticut, the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacology provides an online course that discusses the characteristics of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Participants learn about proper storage and handling of the vaccines. Needle safety and syringe types are reviewed. Contraindications and potential allergic reactions are discussed, along with target site, anatomy, administration protocol, and technique. Participants must be able to describe the mechanics of intramuscular administration of vaccines. An exam is required to pass the first portion of training. This certificate is needed to move to the next stage: hands on training. Participants register for an in-person session during which needle safety and loading the syringe must be correctly demonstrated for both vaccines, followed by simulated administration of them both. Once both certifications have been completed, the certificates need to be uploaded to Connecticut’s Department of Public Health. Dental Hygienists may then register through the state’s Medical Reserve Corps to volunteer.

Once selected to administer the vaccine, volunteers must be prepared to follow all protocol established by the health department facilitating the clinic. Volunteers may be expected to attend an orientation prior to deployment. Process and workflow will be explained. Documentation requirements will be discussed and demonstrated as well as safety protocols.

As more Americans begin to schedule their vaccine appointments, dental hygiene volunteers will be available to work in pop-up clinics, healthcare facilities, senior centers, and other public arenas made available for administering the vaccine. Assisting our friends in the medical field will only help to strengthen our bond as true partners in healthcare, and will ease some of burden from these overworked clinicians. This can help establish oral health professionals as true partners with our medical colleagues. Dental hygienists hold a valuable skill set that during times of emergency can be used beyond the dental chair.

References

1. Pratt Machado K. More than 20 states allow oral health professionals to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Available here.
2. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19: Guidance for Dental Settings. Available here
3. American Dental Hygienists’ Association. COVID-19 Vaccine Administration by Dental Hygienists. Available here.

Author: Carolyn Patenaude, MSEd, BSRDH, CDA
Originally Published: DecisionsInDentistry.com

Hi.  I’m Doctor Isbell.

I’d like to share the advanced safety measures that we have put in place to protect your safety and the safety of our team members.

These safety measures go above and beyond the guidelines of the CDC and the American Dental Association and include recommendations from the Professional Dental Alliance, a group of dentists who collaborate to advance patient safety and the quality of care.

Let’s get started…..

Our enhanced safety measures start with advanced Personal Protective Equipment or PPE.

Our practice is adopting PPE standards that exceed the recommendations from the CDC and ADA.

Let me explain what this looks like.

Doctors will wear N95 respirator masks and full arm gowns for aerosol procedures which are those that require the use of high-speed drills or ultrasonic equipment.

Doctors will wear full face shields and other standard PPE for all procedures. Although this enhanced PPE may look intimidating, they are for the safety of our patients and team members.

We will also be providing our patients with PPE which may include eye protection, aprons and surgical masks to wear when you aren’t receiving treatment.

Secondly, we are taking enhanced infection control measures including increasing the frequency of sanitizing all areas of the office and using tools such as rubber dams and high-suction tips. Our team members will also frequently wash their hands.

Our 3^rd key safety measure is comprehensive patient screening including a health questionnaire and temperature checks.

Additionally, we will check temperatures of team members daily.

Lastly, we have made some office visit updates to minimize risk.

They include:

•  Limiting the # of patients in the office
• Implementing a no guest policy. Exceptions will be made for young children and patients who have special needs or require assistance.
• Streamlining the check-in and check-out processes by completing as much as possible before or after your visit.
• Practicing social distancing by rearranging waiting room seating to be at least 6 ft apart.
•  Asking patients to wash hands before and after their treatment

The safety of our patients and team members is our #1 priority.

You can have confidence resuming your dental care knowing that we have implemented these enhanced safety measures, many of which go above and beyond provided guidelines.

We’re here to help you smile! See you soon!