July 2024

Initially I had a fear of the dentist. When looking to go to school, I read about dental hygiene and found interest in the scientific courses. After starting to learn more about dentistry, it turned my fears into an interest that has since turned into a 15+ year career as a dental hygienist.

Through assisting with auxiliary duties, my manager nominated me to become a member of the Oral Health Plan Advisory Group which is facilitated by PCOH.

One of the most challenging, but most rewarding parts of this work, is finding ways to educate patients in a way they can understand and relate to that works for them. The textbook way doesn't work for everyone. Watching patients improve over time is a great reward to remind me that my work is valued by my clients, even though sometimes it feels like we will never make progress. Finding that individualized item that will get the patient compliant with treatment can be very challenging, but also keeps me invested each day.

I would love to see Pennsylvania restore Medicaid benefits to what they once were.

My patients keep me motivated. I’m in this profession to help people and I try to find a success story each day. Some days are major, many days are minor improvements, but as long as I can find those moments of hopefulness each day, I stay motivated.

Spending time with my fiancée Jen, her 3 children, getting outdoors for any activity in the sunshine (hiking, biking, kayaking), and traveling when I am able to.