Amanda Vogel and Sandy Royalty are sisters and hygienists in Indiana, and they were recommended for the cover by a friend who pointed out to us that Mandy graduated from dental hygiene school during the administration of George Bush, the father. Sandy, on other hand, graduated during the term of the current president. Yet, they are only 11 months apart in age.
We couldn't pass that up.
Actually, the friend wrote about the "perfect examples of health care professionals," and that Mandy's 10-year-old daughter imitated her mother during a school-sponsored dress-up day. "She went as a dental hygienist. In fact, Mandy accompanied Sara and they wore matching scrubs, complete with masks, glasses, and gloves. Mr. Hartley, I believe Mandy and Sandy would make a wonderful cover story for your magazine."
We believe in good cover stories too.
"There was not really a family history of dentistry," said Mandy. "But dental hygiene was my chosen profession since the age of seven. Sandy became interested in dentistry when I cleaned her teeth during my first year in the dental hygiene program. The next year, she enrolled into the dental assisting program, and we graduated together on Mother's Day of 1991. Ten years later, again on Mother's Day, Sandy also graduated from the dental hygiene program."
She added, "We still work together occasionally. Sandy and I have each worked at the other"s office of employment when a substitute hygienist was needed."
About Mandy: Married with two children — Daniel, 14, and Sara, 11 — and lives in North Vernon, IN
About Sandy: Married with three children — Derek, 20, Brittaney, 18, and Clayton, 11 — and lives in Greenwood, IN
About Mandy II: Sunday school teacher who enjoys scrapbooking
About Sandy II: Enjoys fishing and hiking
Together: For four straight years, they have joined 35,000 other runners and walkers in downtown Indianapolis for the annual Indianapolis 500 Mini Marathon
