Roxanne recently answered questions about her experience as an award recipient.
What has been the biggest change in your career since receiving the Award of Distinction?
My world has gotten much bigger. I have met so many people who have helped me grow and enjoy my career. Thank you Sunstar.
What advice would you provide a new dental hygienist?
Work outside of your comfort zone. Try new things. Volunteer. Go to as many interesting meetings as possible, read journals, network, and reach out to fellow colleagues to develop friendships.
What actions do you recommend to a hygienist who wants to move her career beyond daily clinical care?
Develop a plan and support system, be brave, and just do it!
What are your professional goals for the next ten years?
To advance my current degree and to obtain a community health degree. I also want to evolve my role as the program coordinator of the Young Children-Priority One Public Health Program. I hope to see this program, which serves at risk children, replicated throughout Nebraska and beyond.
Who has been your greatest mentor or mentors?
Wanda Cloet, the director of the dental hygiene program from where I obtained my degree, my fellow 2004 Award of Distinction winners, my comrades on the Nebraska Dental Hygienists' Association's Executive Board, and all of the fellow AmyRDH Listers.
What trends do you see in dental hygiene care?
Hygienists are progressing in their scope of practice, and we will see the ADHP become a reality. Hygienists are addressing the oral health systemic health link. We are key players in addressing the fight for access to care issues. We are seeing more advances with the use of laser therapy. Ergonomics are playing an important role in extending hygiene careers. Dental Hygienists as a whole are delivering more comprehensive healthcare services.
