Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, MEd

Avid readers of this publication are likely familiar with The Dental WINEgenist^™️. Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, MEd, certainly stands out in the field of dental hygiene for her skills as a sommelier, but her work in the operatory is just as impressive. Sanders is the Clinical Liaison of Hygiene Excellence & Innovation for AZPerio, a group periodontal surgical practice with offices throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. There she works with a team of clinical dental hygienists who spearhead patient consultations and also work side-by-side with dentists on laser-assisted osseous procedures and gingival flap cases.

"The really cool thing about this role is that it leverages every skillset that a dental hygienist in the state of Arizona can legally do," Sanders says. "That allows our dentists to do more of the work that they want to do, and it allows the hygienists to really see and treat the disease process and manage cases that we typically would never see."

Sanders (whose photograph in black scrubs was taken before the global health crisis and does not depict the level of PPE she wears currently) compares her career path to the story of Goldilocks: She worked at a DSO, a family practice, a high-end cosmetic practice, and a Medicare/Medicaid practice before finding her "just right." She recommends that other dental hygienists interested in high-level clinical work start by seeking out training courses.

"Advanced periodontal coursework is critical," she says. "You need to fully understand what the AAP is publishing. Our hygienists also have strong skills in using advanced technologies such as periodontal endoscopy." She recommends being assertive. "Often, hygienists say, ‘My dentist would never let me do that.' Well, have you taken the coursework? Have you proposed it to the dentist? Have you explained the benefits? Doing those things has led me to a fulfilling career."

Is your hygiene team amazing?

We want to hear about it! Send us a team photo with a few words about how great you work together for a chance to be featured on our social media. One lucky team will also be included in our next issue! Send your entries to: idhteam@aegiscomm.com