RDH Community Connections (RCC) is a program organized in 2019, and designed to identify and connect with dental hygienists who have created their own followers on the primary social media platforms.
In 2023, RDH partnered with 11 RCC Influencers, sharing their unique stories and discussing the influence they’ve had with their followers. They shared more than just dental hygiene knowledge. Amanda Zubricki spoke about being deaf and how we can work with those with disabilities. She stated, “There’s a need for ableism to stop, not just with hearing loss but with other disabilities.”
Read more about RCC Influencers
Amanda Zubricki, That Deaf Hygienist
Megen Elliott, MS-OCL, RDH, CDA
Kari Carter-Cherelus built a community that wants to hear her message about dealing with burnout. In her interview she discusses her book, The Ultimate Guide For Dental Hygienist Burnout. Beverly Matayoshi started a podcast during the pandemic, Dark Horse Matters, where she interviews members of her community who share their enthusiasm about their dreams.
Jessica Atkinson noticed there was a disconnect between what students are learning didactically and how they attempt to apply that knowledge in the clinic. Students often can’t visualize what they’re reading. This is how Hygiene Edge was born—short videos that demonstrate a skill set.
Throughout the year we’ve shared the stories and passions of each RCC member. Now we’d like to thank them for helping to connect members of our profession. Each of this year’s members brought their stories to our readers and shared the power of community.
Patterson Dental has sponsored the RCC program since 2020, and each year they’ve sponsored a reception at RDH Under One Roof to recognize the dental hygiene community. What was missing were the dental hygienists who were building their communities outside of social media. In 2024, RDH and Patterson Dental will further develop this program to expand the reach of the RCC program.
Membership will no longer focus on just social media reach, but the ability to build a community network. The intent of the RCC program is to work with members to build content to support RDH magazine readers in building a community/network. Whether this is in a club, a neighborhood, a city, or their home state, dental hygienists are champions at building communities.
Thank you to the 2023 RCC members for sharing their stories and insights.
- Angela Do, MEd, RDH, MAADH
- Paola Brown, RDH
- Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH
- Bev Matayoshi, BS, RDH
- Amy Parente, RDH
- Kari Carter-Cherelus, RDH, DA
- Amanda Zubricki, BS, RDH
- Britt Glauz, BSDH
- Lauren Mcguire, RDH
- Megen Elliott, MS-OCL, RDH, CDA
- Amber Auger, MPH, RDH
Editor's note: This article appeared in the November-December 2023 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
