UOR profiles, part 4: Hygienists share what they like about career, personal time, and conference

Nicole Philips, RDH

School: Southern Illinois University in 1996.

Practices where: She has practiced in Chicago for the past 16 years with Dr. Susan Mayer. She is also a territory clinical representative for Young Dental.

Career highlights: “What I really enjoy most about my career in dental hygiene is the opportunity to meet and engage with so many like-minded hygienists. The camaraderie I find with other hygienists, and the encouragement I take away from meeting new people with great ideas is amazing. Clinically, I find the most enjoyment in my longtime patients who have passed many milestones in life, and want to share that with me. These patients become almost like family, and I love the experiences we share. As I work with them to improve their oral health, seeing how they have responded to my advice as a clinician, and their pleasure at seeing the good outcome when they follow through is priceless. It really makes my job worthwhile.”

Favorite patient: “Many people have never had a positive dental visit, and they are so anxious because they assume their visit with me will be the same. I find this interesting. Sometimes we find out that patients are more similar to us than we realize. One woman started crying as soon as she sat down in the operatory chair. She could hardly even speak or tell me what she was so anxious about. I calmly had a friendly discussion with her until she felt comfortable. It turned out that she was really embarrassed because her husband had mentioned her bad breath. But she avoided the dentist because she had a bad gag reflex. She was worried that she wouldn't be able to get the work done and her husband would be upset! We had a good laugh over how ‘awesome’ our husbands can be, and this patient was so grateful. She complied with all of our recommendations for treatment. Now, her entire family comes to our practice. I love winning patients over!”

Outside of work: “One of my professional interests is the professional events company my husband and I have called Phillsgood. I've had the pleasure of working with dental companies to help them throw great parties and networking events in Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta, and I've met some great dental professionals at all of these events. I also enjoy hanging out with my family. Our two boys ages 8 and 10 keep us busy.”

Reached decision about RDH Under One Roof how: “This decision was an easy one to make. I know this is one of the best conferences for hygienists today. I've always attended UOR each time they have been in Chicago, and I've been able to attend as an exhibitor for Young Dental at the UORs in 2015 and 2016. I love coming to this conference as a delegate and exhibitor! The excitement is so contagious, and this conference has what I consider to be some of the best CEs in the business. Having an event that is laser-focused on just dental hygiene is invaluable to any RDH that wants to be a better clinician, scientist, educator, advocate, and leader.”

Best UOR takeaway: “My networking experiences had the greatest impact on me! It's impossible to go to this conference and not meet at least one new person, new speaker, or new company that won't influence you to be better, work harder, or try something new. The people you meet can even lead you to new career paths you may not have realized before you attended. My current position with Young Dental developed because I attended UOR in 2014 and went to a networking session with companies who were looking for hygienists. I can honestly say it has changed my life since! Each year I have attended, I have developed great friendships with hygienists from all over the U.S., many culturally diverse and talented RDHs who understand the value of conferences like these, and want to meet other speakers and attendees like themselves. I look forward to the Chicago conference in 2017, I'm sure it will be the best UOR yet!”

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Brandi Seaman, RDH

School: Harrisburg Area Community College in 2006

Practices where: She practices at Hershey Dental Associates in Hummelstown, Pa.,

Career highlights: Brandi is on the Visionary Board of Directors for the National Cancer Network. “My profession is my passion. I love absolutely everything about being a dental hygienist. Every day is a learning opportunity and a new experience. To watch a patient grow and change just from suggestions and guidance is amazing.”

Favorite patient: “I have had the opportunity over the last 10 years to work with many patients suffering from dry mouth caused for many different reasons. When I am able to work with a patient, come up with protocols, and really problem solve issues with his or her dry mouth, it is always amazing for me. I feel fulfilled helping patients find what could make their mouth as close to back to normal as possible after losing salivary flow.”

Outside of work: She is an active volunteer for the National Cancer Network. “I volunteer for a pet adoption event called Petapalooza, which is a one-day pet adoption festival in central Pennsylvania. I enjoy yoga, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with my best friend. I also have a Seal Point Siamese who is the love of my life. Mr. Mickey Blueyes is probably the most spoiled cat in the United States.”

Reached decision about RDH Under One Roof how: “UOR was so close to home and now that I am the dry mouth specialist for the National Cancer Network I wanted to not only attend Dental Impact but also be on the event floor to network, find new products, and find people who may want to help partner or give samples for the National Cancer Network. I also had not had the opportunity to attend a dental hygiene conference, and it was the opportunity to see how much fun and educational a conference like UOR can be.”

Best UOR takeaway: “The networking opportunities with the vendors for the National Cancer Network was a huge benefit. The keynote speaker was made a huge impact especially because I feel it is very important to talk about taking care of ourselves, not just our patients and others.”

Sherrie Breitenbach, RDH

School: Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio, 1989.

Practices where: She is employed in the dental office for Dr. Lisa Frost in Waverly, Ohio.

Career highlights: “Obviously, I enjoy keeping my patients’ mouths healthy and educating them about how they can help me in joining that quest with their home care. I also enjoy our whitening procedures, whether it's our chairside whitening or our take-home whitening program. I enjoy helping patients achieve that bright white smile they desire. At our office, we also have a home sleep device that they can use to screen for sleep apnea and bruxism. It's a good feeling to help not only our patients’ dental health but their overall health as well.”

Favorite patient: “Oh, that's a tough question. I have 27-plus years of patients in my mind. But I would have to say my 106-year-old patient who had most of his teeth. He was not only unique because of his age but because of the things he's seen and done in his life. Sadly, he passed at the age of 109.”

Outside of work: She owns a small baking business. “It started as a result of our boss encouraging us one year to make goals—personal and professional. When I shared that I had always wanted to be paid for baking, she encouraged me to look for a way to make that happen. That was two years ago now. I started baking cookies and pies for a local coffee shop that same year, and I branched out to making cakes by design. The most ironic part is some of my cakes are for our patients, and they literally come to the office to pick them up. If there are patients in the waiting room at the time of the "pick-up" the awesome confused look on their faces as to why someone is picking up a cake in a dental office is priceless!”

Reached decision about RDH Under One Roof how: “My boss values the meeting and actually sends myself and the other hygienist in the practice every other year as a gift.”

Best UOR takeaway: “I really liked the seminar about whether we are keeping our patients in chronic illness limbo."