Many readers who are Hu-Friedy customers are familiar with Danielle Victoriano, RDH, MHS. But in honor of National Children's Dental Health Month, we would like to introduce you to her son, Jake.
Danielle, who works for Hu-Friedy and is a Chicago resident, is a native of New Orleans. She still has fond memories of the Crescent City.
“It was a wonderful place to grow up, and I will always consider it my home and my heart,” she said. ”My dad worked as a boat captain for an oil company, and had a commercial shrimp boat. One memory that clearly stands out is playing with the soft-shell baby crabs Daddy would bring home to sell to our neighbors.”
While in high school, a co-worker at a restaurant enrolled in a dental assisting school, and Danielle followed her into the program. “I fell in love instantly! My instructor, Merrill Ferguson, CDA, strongly encouraged me to pursue college and apply for dental hygiene or dentistry at LSU School of Dentistry. Thanks to her relentless encouragement, I received a full scholarship to the community college and later an admissions interview at LSU.”
She met and married a Chicago resident. In recent years, she has taught in Chicago area dental hygiene schools before landing her current position with Hu-Friedy.
Jake was born in July 2006. “He is an only child and totally my little prince!” his mother proclaims. As is the case with many young mothers, Danielle answers questions about spare time with a “what's that?” response. “The whole life/work balance has always been a challenge for me. I love spending time with Jake — that is always my first choice. It is an instant uplifter!”
(and Jake Blaszczynski)
Chicago, Illinois
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Job: Product manager of scalers and scaler accessories for Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co.
University Attended:b> Graduated from LSU in 1995 with her associate's degree, then earned bachelor's degree in 1997 and master's degree in 2003.
Moved to Chicago: 2003
Master's thesis: Examined the differences in traditional and web-based classroom performance and satisfaction in dental hygiene programs.
