This month's spotlight describes the interesting career of U.S. Public Health Service Lieutenant Commander Angela Girgenti, who currently is a senior public health analyst with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Office of Performance Review, Regional Division, Dallas, Texas. She is a graduate of the Texas Woman's University Dental Hygiene Program in Denton, and is currently enrolled in the master's of public health program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Angela has presented on numerous topics and has received two U.S. P.H.S. commendation medals. She has worked in a variety of public health settings as she described to me recently.

Why did you decide to go into dental hygiene?

I started in dentistry as a volunteer for the Red Cross in Fort Ritchie, Maryland. I received free training as a dental assistant from the Red Cross and the Fort Ritchie Army dental clinic in exchange for 200 hours of volunteer work at the dental clinic. This was my first exposure to the field of dentistry, which heightened my interest in working in health care. After I completed the volunteer hours, I was hired as a dental assistant in a private practice where I continued to learn more about dentistry and dental hygiene. I loved working with patients and knew a career in dental hygiene would be well suited for me. After returning to Texas, I enrolled at Texas Woman's University and was accepted into the school of dental hygiene.

How did you get into dental public health? Did you need additional education?

The opportunity to work in a public health setting began with an internship I completed between my junior and senior years of hygiene school. This internship was with the United States Public Health Service and allowed me to work at a federal prison, providing care to federal inmates under the supervision of the chief dental officer. This introduced me to the possibility of a full-time career in the uniformed services and public health. I learned about the various ways dental hygienists could work with underserved populations in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and in other federal agencies, such as the Indian Health Service. After graduation, I was offered a full-time position at the federal prison and received my commission as an officer in the U.S. Public Health Service.

What are your current positions?

Currently, I am a public health analyst for Health Resources and Services Administration in Dallas. HRSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for improving access to health-care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov. At HRSA, I continue to serve as an officer in the United States Public Health Service. My role is to provide guidance to federal grantees and assist them in improving performance and increasing health-care access to the underserved and uninsured. I also continue to provide dental hygiene services at the federal prison on a regular basis to stay clinically active and fulfill my desire to provide patient care.

Can you discuss any particularly interesting experiences you have had in your dental public health positions?

My career in the U.S. Public Health Service has been both extremely exciting and rewarding. I am grateful for the experience I gained as a new hygienist at the Bureau of Prisons. I learned to work with culturally diverse populations, as well as underserved populations. Many of my patients never had the opportunity to have dental care; I was their first dental provider. This experience allowed me to grow as a clinician and health educator.

After Katrina, the U.S. Public Health Service deployed hundreds of officers to the Gulf Coast to assist in stabilizing the region. I was sent to Baton Rouge temporarily and served on the Secretary of Health and Human Services' Emergency Response Team in an administrative role. This was my first deployment as a commissioned officer, and I learned a great deal about the operations of federal, state, and local governments in times of disaster. I felt fortunate to serve the Gulf Coast residents in this capacity and was impressed by the dedication of my fellow officers.

One of the most unique experiences of my career was in 2007 when I was deployed on the Navy hospital ship, the USNS Comfort. Four teams of U.S. Public Health Service officers were invited to participate in the U.S. Training and Humanitarian Assistance Mission to Latin and South America. I spent an entire month onboard the ship and provided direct care to residents of Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Peru. I was amazed by the overwhelming crowds that gathered to receive care. I was also touched by the kindness and hospitality we were shown in each country. Most of all, I was proud of those I served alongside on the USNS Comfort and how well they represented our country.

What type of advice would you give to a practicing hygienist who is thinking of doing something different?

For me, continuing my education has proven to be a success. Looking back, most of my opportunities came from internships, other school activities, and volunteering. I am currently finishing my master's in public health which was essential in obtaining my current position at HRSA. Also, having a variety of mentors is extremely helpful. I have had wonderful mentors along the way who helped me succeed and encouraged me to continually grow. For those who are looking for a change, don't be afraid to embrace new opportunities and have confidence in your abilities. Hygienists are excellent teachers, problem solvers, and promoters of change. Our skills are not strictly clinical. Lastly, volunteering is an excellent way to network and meet other professionals. The need for dental care in this country is overwhelming, and volunteering in alternative settings can help increase access to care for those who need it most, as well as positively impact your career.

About the Author

Christine Nathe, RDH, MS, is a professor and graduate program director at the University of New Mexico, Division of Dental Hygiene, in Albuquerque, N.M. She is also the author of "Dental Public Health" (www.prenhall.com/nathe), which is in its second edition with Prentice Hall. She can be reached at cnathe@salud.unm.edu or (505) 272-8147.