In the Spotlight: Dental Assistants Carol, Jillian, and Rachel
To celebrate Dental Assistants Recognition Week, we are shining the spotlight on a few of our amazing team members and the work they do in their practices.
Carol B., Dental Assistant with Family Dental Care - Downtown
Carol has worked with Family Dental Care since it was created about 7 years ago, but she’s worked with Dr. Waller, principal dentist and dentalcorp partner, for an incredible 30 years. In fact, her entire career has been with the Waller family – starting in 1974 when she graduated as a Dental Assistant and began working with Dr. Waller Sr.
She is passionate about her family and has a strong connection and relationship with her patients. Carol explains how she makes the patient experience a priority: “My goal for our patients is ‘happy in, happy out’,” says Carol. “It’s about making sure every aspect of their visit exceeds their expectations and to do that, you need to build a strong rapport.”
Her team expresses their appreciation for her: “She is very knowledgeable and has great tips and advice. We work so well together, it’s like we can read each other’s minds. Carol is a strong team player, hard worker, and still incredibly passionate about her work after 46 years!”
Jillian M., Dental Assistant with Coquitlam and Ridge Meadows Family Orthodontic Centres
Jillian has been an Orthodontic Dental Assistant with Coquitlam and Ridge Meadows Family Orthodontic Centres for the past nine years. She is passionate about making sure that every patient receives quality work and a positive experience. “What I think differentiates our team from the other great offices out there is the quality of the experience we provide,“ said Jillian. “To me, a great patient experience means going above and beyond – I try to get to know the patient’s hobbies and interests so we can form a connection, which can help make their treatment an enjoyable, memorable experience.”
The team says of Jillian, “she is always the first to volunteer to do ANYTHING, and gives 150% at everything she does. She develops lasting relationships with our patients and staff and demonstrates what it means to be a TEAM, bolstering morale with her super positive and friendly attitude. Jillian values the practice's success and puts the patients’ needs above her own. Her attitude and hard work are an integral part of why our office is so well regarded in the community.”
We asked Jillian what advice she has for dental professionals starting their careers. Her response: “Find an area that calls to you. I specialized in orthodontics after 5 years of working in general dentistry, and have never been happier! I am so passionate about orthodontics and it makes going to work every day exciting and fulfilling.”
Jillian adds, “I love what I do, but at the end of the day it comes down to the people I work with. Every morning I wake up happy to go to work because of the team I am lucky enough to be surrounded by.”
Rachel S., Dental Assistant with Janisse Orthodontics
Rachel has been with the Janisse Orthodontics team since September 2000. She balances her busy home life with a fulfilling career. “I am passionate about taking care of my family’s health and well being,” said Rachel. “I have a hard working husband and four beautiful children. I love to cook healthy meals, help the kids with homework and take them to their activities.”
Her team goes on to express how impressed they are with her day-to-day achievements, and remark that she continually surpasses their expectations by taking on additional responsibilities and training. “Most recently Rachel has stepped up to take over ordering as one of our dental assistants will be going off for her first maternity leave. Not only has she taken this task and surpassed our expectations she has helped better organize the process.”
Rachel says that patient experience means a great deal to her. “I engage our patients in conversation and make a point of remembering things we’ve talked about to help build relationships and trust. You never know the kind of day they’re having but I can ensure that when they leave our practice, they are smiling.”
When asked if she has any advice for people starting out on a career in dentistry, she says “You have to love what you do. Seek out all the different areas of dental and find the one that suits you best.”
