A lifetime of care: Celebrating Susan Kamberos, RDH

Loyal patients for generations

Susan’s patients speak most powerfully to her impact. Many have remained with her for decades, drawn by her skill and her humanity. Kar Silver, a patient of more than 30 years, shares, “Susan is always thorough with every dental cleaning, ensuring that my oral health is always at its best. Her attention to detail, gentle touch, and dedication make every visit comfortable and reassuring. Her warm demeanor and genuine concern make each appointment something I look forward to rather than dread.”

That loyalty extends across generations. Pamela Collias Crouthamel, Susan’s niece and patient for more than 50 years, adds, “My dear Aunt Susan has been more than just my dental hygienist. I look forward to seeing her smile every time she opens her office door. She is making the world a happier and healthier place, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.”

Thoroughness and perfectionism

Susan’s thoroughness and perfectionism define her clinical approach. She does not cut corners, believing preventive care is the foundation of lifelong oral health. Every patient is treated with the same care and attention, whether they are new or have been in her chair for decades. Her calm presence and gentle touch help put even the most anxious patients at ease.

Impact beyond the operatory

Her impact reaches far beyond the operatory. Donna Burns, the office manager who has known Susan for 42 years and worked alongside her for 36, describes her as “my work mom.” She says, “I’ve never met someone so dedicated to her job and her patients. She truly loves what she does. Susan treats her patients like family, and they are fiercely loyal to her. She’s incredibly generous—sending birthday, get-well, sympathy, or ‘thinking of you’ cards. She’s genuine when she asks how you are and how your family is doing.”

A role model to her colleagues

Susan’s colleagues hold her in equally high regard. Kim, a fellow hygienist who has worked with her for nearly 30 years, notes, “Her love for her patients shows through her compassion, understanding, and knowledge. Susan has a huge following, and when I see one of her patients, I feel like I have to be as good as her! She’s warm, caring, and a wonderful role model.”

Her enthusiasm never fades

Despite her long career, Susan’s enthusiasm has never faded. She continues to work because she loves it, because relationships matter, and because helping people stay healthy brings her purpose. Retirement has never tempted her.

As the profession continues to evolve, Susan Kamberos stands as a reminder of what lies at the heart of dental hygiene: compassion, excellence, and connection. Her 57-year career is not simply a testament to longevity, but to the profound and lasting difference one dedicated hygienist can make.

At 79, still serving patients she loves, Susan Kamberos exemplifies the very best of the profession—proof that when work is rooted in purpose and care, its impact can last a lifetime.