Kimberly Cardiff, RDH, grew up in a dental family. Her father is a prosthodontist. But her first career choice led her to Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., where she graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and minor in microbiology. “After college, I worked in pharmaceuticals until I realized that I wanted to go back to school for dental hygiene,” Kim said.
She graduated from the Forsyth Dental Hygiene Program in 1997. “I currently work in our family practice here in Massachusetts,” she said. “Boston is a great city to be a dental hygienist. Not only has it been rewarding to educate and help the public, but it has also allowed me a flexible schedule to pursue other avenues of oral health education and awareness.”
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in far away New Orleans was “one of the most life-changing experiences for me.” Kim was there two weeks after Katrina came ashore. She was one of 120 animal humane society volunteers who “kicked down doors and windows to save family pets.”
“We walked the streets where emaciated, sickly animals dragged themselves around in such confusion. Most residents left their homes thinking that they would soon return, not realizing that they would never return again. Approximately 80 percent of these people left behind their beloved pets.The people of New Orleans are some of the strongest people I have met.”
Kim loves to travel. “I have visited numerous countries. Some of my family still reside in Norway, so its always a treat to visit them. My favorite place so far is Italy. But the two places that are on my list to see are South Africa and Thailand - two cultures I would definitely love to experience.”
Boston, Massachusetts
Years of Practice: 10
College University Attneded: Forsyth Dental Hygiene Program
Cool job: I also had the opportunity to work at the New England Aquarium as a marine mammal trainer performing in sea lion shows, and yes, brushing and rinsing their teeth! Sea lions were actually some of my best patients! Ha!
