National Dental Hygiene Month: Celebrating Award-Winning Dental Hygienist, Ashley Rodriguez

Celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month: Ashley Rodriguez, Irene Newman Outstanding Clinician Award Recipient

In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, we are shining a spotlight on one of our outstanding team members, Ashley Rodriguez, Registered Dental Hygienist at Castle Dental & Orthodontics, a Smile Brands affiliated dental practice in Hixson, Tennessee, who was recently recognized by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) with the prestigious Irene Newman Outstanding Clinician Award. Ashley’s journey in dental hygiene has been filled with passion, commitment, and the drive to make a lasting impact on her patients. Here, we share her inspiring story and insights into her work.

From Dental Assistant to Award-Winning Hygienist: Ashley's Journey

Ashley’s journey in the dental field began when she first experienced orthodontic treatment in middle school. “I loved going to the orthodontist every month, and I was so enthralled with the entire process,” she recalls. This fascination led to her first job working for her orthodontist, who saw her potential and took her under his wing.

For nine years, Ashley worked as a registered dental assistant. However, she felt a growing passion to do more, so she decided to further her education and become a registered dental hygienist. “Being a dental hygienist is rewarding because you can save lives by reducing patients’ risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and more. All we must do is simply treat periodontal disease in its earliest stage,” she shares.

Winning the Irene Newman Outstanding Clinician Award

When asked what winning the Irene Newman Outstanding Clinician Award means to her, Ashley says, “Irene Newman was the first dental hygienist and a pioneer of her time. It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award. It confirms that I am practicing top-scope dental hygiene and validates my belief that I am doing right by my patients.”

The Rewards of Being a Dental Hygienist

For Ashley, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is the opportunity to connect with her patients and positively impact their overall health. “Many of my patients see their dentist or hygienist more frequently than their medical doctor. I love assessing their medical history and discussing the oral-systemic links,” she explains. “The reward comes full circle when a patient thanks me for saving their life.”

She recalls the power of these connections through her work. “We can identify serious health issues early on, such as oral cancer or HIV, which often present in the mouth before being detected elsewhere in the body. As hygienists, we are prevention specialists who save lives!”

Memorable Patient Experiences That Make a Difference

Ashley shares two patient experiences that left a lasting impact on her. In one instance, a young man came in seeking an oral cancer check after his father had passed away from the disease. Ashley discovered a subtle area that could easily have been missed and referred him to an oral surgeon for a biopsy. He was diagnosed with oral cancer but, thanks to early detection, is alive and well today.

In another situation, she identified a patient with extremely high blood pressure and immediately referred him to the emergency room. “The patient came back later and thanked me because he said that he could have had a stroke. He commended me for taking the time to check his blood pressure and thanked me for potentially saving his life,” she recalls.

Staying Motivated and Continuing to Grow

Dentistry is a constantly evolving field, and Ashley stays motivated by keeping up with the latest advancements. “The most recent technology I have implemented is laser therapy, which is a game changer for decontaminating periodontal pockets!” she exclaims.

As a proud and active member of the ADHA, she draws inspiration from their efforts to pass legislation that expands the profession’s duties. “This year, they are focusing on the integration of medical and dental fields. I have waited for this day for so long!” she says enthusiastically.

Advice for Aspiring Experts

For those looking to become experts in their field, Ashley has some heartfelt advice. “Remember the day you found out you were accepted to dental hygiene school? Keep that passion. Don’t lose it,” she encourages. She also emphasizes the importance of continuing education and persevering through challenges. “You can do anything that you put your mind to. Never give up.”

Being Part of the Smile Brands Team

Since joining a Smile Brands affiliated practice, Ashley has embraced new technology and implemented it into her patient care. She appreciates the team culture, which embodies values of respect, gratitude, advocacy, community, and relationships. “It’s a pleasure to start each morning by sharing everyday miracles with my team,” she says. “The most fun part of my day is delivering Smiles For Everyone!”

Exciting Changes in Dental Hygiene

Ashley is particularly excited about advancements like salivary testing using a microscope. “It’s fascinating to identify specific bacteria in saliva and use that knowledge to customize a patient’s treatment plan,” she shares. She is also interested in exploring orofacial myofunctional therapy, which could benefit many patients.

Looking to the Future

When asked how she sees her role as a dental hygienist evolving, Ashley responds with enthusiasm for mentorship and learning. “I love taking others under my wing and mentoring them, as well as learning new advancements within the profession. Both could potentially open new doors for me,” she notes. While she’s not sure where the future will lead, one thing is certain: her passion for clinical hygiene will keep her in the field for a while.

We’re proud to celebrate Ashley's achievements and her dedication to delivering exceptional patient care. This National Dental Hygiene Month, we honor her and all dental hygienists who work tirelessly to create healthy, happy smiles!