Each week the RDH PIRA (Patient Impact & Rise Above) recognition program, sponsored by Water Pik, Inc., features a dental hygiene clinician who excels in his or her role and goes the extra mile. The past two and a half years have been a challenge for many clinicians and as we return to the operatory, we want to acknowledge those who provide patient care—clinicians who are changing their patients’ lives, influencing their patients’ health, and making a difference every day. This week we honor Stacey Douglas, RDH.
Here's what Stacey wrote in her submission.
“Dental hygiene school was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I have accomplished to date. During my journey in hygiene, my little brother-in-law and my mother passed away, making school that much more difficult. Nevertheless, I persisted, remembering what I could do for people like my mom, who had struggled with her oral care her entire life. I have been a RDH for nearly a year, seeing hundreds of patients and delivering quality care each day.
"My patients drive me to be successful, and my love for what I do carries me through each day. It is our responsibility as dental hygienists to be not only clinicians but also educators, leaders, and supporters. I strive to provide exceptional care to each of my patients, especially those with dental anxiety/trauma; I love working with LGBTQ+ patients and patients who are often misunderstood by their providers, providing specialized care to make them feel seen, heard, and accepted.
"I am new to the field, but there is nothing that makes my heart happier than my patients and the difference I can make, not only on their smiles, but their lives."
More PIRA honorees:
Stacey has worked at Dental Care of Lee Village in Smyrna, Tennessee, since last December after graduating dental hygiene school not long after her 21st birthday. She and her fiancé Ryan, her support throughout her hardships and her academic career, plan to marry this winter.
Visit the PIRA website to nominate someone today! Good luck, and we look forward to hearing from many outstanding and qualified colleagues!
