Getting to Know Palos Heights Family Dental Hygienist Maggie
Time to get to know another one of our Palos Heights dental hygienists! We sat down with hygienist Maggie and channeled our inner journalists to get the inside story for you.
Q&A with Palos Heights Family Dental Hygienist Maggie
Q. How long have you been a dental hygienist?
I’ve been a dental hygienist for nine years. It’s a great job!
Q. Did you always want to be a hygienist? If not, how did you decide that’s what you wanted to do?
No, in fact I started out wanting to be a police officer. It doesn’t seem like the two jobs would have anything in common, but they do. It’s all about taking care of people, keeping them safe from harm, and helping them when they get into a sticky situation. Only with dental hygiene, plaque, tartar, and cavities are the enemy, not other people. That seemed to suit me better. Actually, I started out as a dental assistant and then fell in love with what hygienists did, so I worked to make that happen!
Q. What do you think it is that makes you a great hygienist? How do you approach your job?
I put my heart into every patient, every time. I treat each one that sits in my chair like a family member. I try to do my best to help every single one of them to achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.
Q. You must hear some funny comments in your conversations during cleanings — care to share?
Oh, patients do say “the darndest things.” Like during an oral cancer screening (OCS), they might say “mom always said it’s not nice to stick my tongue out.” Or when using the Cavitron, an ultrasonic scaler that uses a lot of water, one might say “glad I learned how to swim.” And of course, there is the frequent comment about daily personal flossing services. It’s all in good fun to lighten the mood of things some people get pretty stressed about. I love when my patients make me laugh and vice versa. We’re in it together!
Q. Can you share what you love about Palos Heights and the surrounding area?
I was born and raised in Poland, and I’m so glad I was able to find a home that I love here. Everyone is so nice and helpful, both in the office and in the community. Here at Palos Heights Family Dental, it’s all about teamwork. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Q. What are some of your favorite hobbies and things to do outside of work
Travel is a big one for me. My latest was a road trip to Florida. Like many of my colleagues, I love to read. Right now I’m reading Sam’s Letter to Jennifer, which is about letters a grandmother wrote to her granddaughter. I like to find fun and relaxing ways to get some exercise, and even tried boxing for a while! And I never get tired of spending time with my husband and two kids.
Q. Back to work-life as a dental hygienist, what’s your best advice for patients?
My top advice for my patients is no surprise: brush twice a day and floss daily — it cannot be overstated. And please don’t wait until something hurts. Come in for your checkups to prevent big issues. I can’t imagine anyone has ever regretted giving or taking that advice!
That’s a wrap on our chat with hygienist Maggie. Keep an eye out next month for our next Palos Heights Family Dental Hygienist Q&A, and in case you missed it, check out our Q&A with hygienist Tricia.
Time for a Visit?
To come in and meet hygienist Maggie and see the rest of the Palos Heights Family Dental staff, give us a call at (708) 448-7588 or complete this form to schedule a visit.