Kailan Hoerl, RDH, is a recent graduate of dental hygiene school, but developed a love for dentistry at an established practice in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis.
"I got into the dental field while still in high school," Kailan said. "I started with assisting and doing front desk at a general family practice. It was only supposed to be for the summer. Before I knew it I really got into it, realized I love teeth, loved how the hygienist got to work closely with patients, loved the organization, flow, and effiency in the workplace, and knew it would be a stable career I could find all over the world. Did I mention I love teeth?
"I'm still at that same office today, over seven years later. My secret dream is to be a toothpaste/mouth model ... is that weird?"
She is a fine model, as far as we are concerned, picking at a flower from her parent's garden for the photos in this issue.
A single woman, Kailan is a native of Wiconsin, an animal lover, and a recent apprentice in belly dancing.
"I've been belly dancing for about three years," she said. "It's something I've always wanted to do. One day, I just signed up and found I really love it and can learn a really cool skill. I wouldn't call me a professional yet, but almost."
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
College attended: Milwaukee Area Technical College
Date of graduation: 2006
Travel plans for 2009 include: Key West, Egypt
Names of pets: Corky (poodle), Portia (schnauzer), Roscoe (Scottish terrier), and Duke Pettington (hamster)