I live in:
Naperville, IL
My alma mater is:
William Rainey Harper College, IL (A.A.S., 2003)
I wanted to be a dental hygiene professional because:
My Mom and Dad have been involved in dentistry for over thirty years. I not only wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps, but also wanted to be involved in a profession where I can fulfill my love of teaching, interacting with people every day, and helping others improve their dental and overall health. The flexible hours and high demand for dental hygienists are also perks of the profession.
My current position as a dental hygienist is:
Currently I practice clinical dental hygiene in private practice. I am lucky enough to be employed by two wonderful dental offices. Full-time I work with my Dad, Dr. Anthony J. Guido, DDS, in Berwyn, IL, and part-time I am in Arlington Heights, IL with Dr. David Baldare, DDS, and Associates. I am also serving my second term as the President of the North Suburban Dental Hygienists’ Society (NSDHS). NSDHS is the largest component of the Illinois Dental Hygienists’ Association.
The thing I enjoy the most about being a dental hygienist is:
I enjoy being able to provide patients with information on so many different areas of health. Advice dental hygienists offer about teeth may be able to improve a diabetic condition, prevent heart problems, and prevent pre-term low birth weight babies. We can identify high blood pressure and even help people quit smoking. Our job is so important. I feel good at the end of the day.
The most gratifying thing I have accomplished as a dental hygienist is:
Becoming a leader in my professional organization has been the most gratifying thing I have accomplished thus far. In College I served as the Vice President of SADHA. I then went on to volunteer as Meeting Coordinator, Delegate to IDHA, Vice President, and now second term President of NSDHS.
My mentor:
My mentor is my Dad. My Dad has been a Dentist for thirty-two years. Watching the way he practices and treats patients has been a great inspiration to me. It is so wonderful to see a Doctor who treats the whole patient, and not just the tooth. My Dad’s generous and caring spirit has kept patients coming back for so many years. I truly enjoy coming to the office everyday and working with both my Dad and Mom. My Mom is also an inspiration to me as she holds our office together as our office manager and is also a certified, expanded duties dental assistant. My parents have always been there throughout my whole life, and it is nice to have this continue on into my career and professional life.
In the next five years, the dental hygiene profession will be:
Our profession will be growing more than we could have imagined. With talk of an Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner, hygienists will be able to advance their education and broaden their scope of practice to help so many more people.
The current trends affecting the practice of dental hygiene are:
Technology! With the introduction of laser dentistry, digital radiographs, oral cancer screening devices to aid in early detection, the dental hygienist is under more pressure than ever to keep their knowledge current. I see so many new technologies in many areas of our practice. Also, computer knowledge and skills are almost a job requirement now as many offices go paperless.
This is where I see my dental hygiene career professionally going:
There are many avenues of dental hygiene that interest me. Furthering my education and attaining my bachelor’s degree is next on my list. Becoming a dental hygiene instructor is one of my goals. I also have an interest in pediatrics, veterinary dentistry, and possibly traveling with my Dad to a foreign country to provide volunteer dental care. I am going to be busy!
These are some of the individuals I admire within the dental hygiene profession, and the reasons why:
I admire all of my fellow board members at NSDHS. These hygienists volunteer so much of their time to their career and professional organization. I am among truly amazing women who juggle families, work, continuing their education, and volunteering. I thank them for encouraging me to get involved and making me feel welcome at North Suburban. It is because of people like this that our voice is heard.
Outside of work, I enjoy:
I enjoy spending time with my husband, Brandon, our two cats, Rex and Fifi, and our family and friends. Brandon and I enjoy traveling and are looking forward to a trip to Mexico in October for our second wedding anniversary. I also enjoy cooking, shopping, and reading a good book.
My three most important personal characteristics are:
Dedicated, enthusiastic, optimistic
If someone is interested in finding out more about me or my job, please contact me at:
Pepster526@aol.com |
