The four dental hygienists featured on this month's cover graduated from Temple University in 1970. Since their college years, they have spread to Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia, meeting once a year or so for a vacation together. The featured photos capture them in southern New Jersey. From left to right, they are:
Libby Garey, Doras Ladd, Elaine Spence, and Fran Visalli
- Fran Visalli of Pennsville, NJ, was born in Rome Italy, but immigrated to the United States with her parents in 1956, becoming a citizen in 1962. She holds licenses in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, and currently practices for Dr. Anthony D'Angelo in Kennett Square, PA.
Visalli said, "Temple University provided me with a wonderful education for a long-lasting career and the best part - my three best friends of 42 years, Doras, Elaine and Libby - priceless!" - Elaine Spence currently resides in Chesapeake, VA, but was born and raised in Easton, PA. She has worked in offices in Pennsylvania and Virginia - the last 16 years in Chesapeake.
- Doras Ladd lives in Scottsdale, AZ, but was born and raised in Lancaster, PA. She has worked in offices in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. She currently works part time in Glendale and resides in Scottsdale.
- Libby Garey of Harrington, DE, is a native of Delaware who has worked as a dental hygienist for 28 years and nine years for a dental manufacturer. She is the current president of the Kent/Sussex Dental Hygienists' Association.
Garey said, "I love being part of a profession that is growing and meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow. Dentistry and dental hygiene have been much of my focus over the years, but the most important gifts and joy are my family and friends."
Photography by Jessica Walker
Elaine Spence's family: Her husband, George, and two sons, Brian and Kevin.
Doras Ladd's family: Her husband, John, and two daughters, Ashley and Brittany.
Fran Visalli's family: Her husband, Joseph, two children, Joe, 36, and Cristina, 34, and two grandsons.
Libby Garey's family: Her husband, Ken, three children, Ashley, Brie, and Tate, and four grandchildren.
