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On the Front Lines: Elizabeth Mendez, Hygienist
 Elizabeth Mendez gives a presentation on oral health to elementary school students. Photo by Doug McAndrew
Elizabeth Mendez lucked into her first dental job. A Bronx dentist at a public clinic needed an assistant, no experience required, so she applied for and got the job. Turns out Mendez was a natural—and she soon felt inspired to do more for her patients and get involved in treatment. So with the encouragement of the dentist and a lot of hard work, she successfully completed school and became a hygienist.
Mendez now works as a hygienist in Community DentCare Network clinics, which provide patient-centered dental services to underserved populations in northern Manhattan. Its mission: to create a comprehensive dental delivery system for children, adults, and senior citizens in need of affordable dental care. Mendez rotates between different Community DentCare clinics, both school- and community-based, and also spreads the word about the importance of dental care at health fairs, workshops, and other events. "I'm able to educate and teach individuals something that I love," says Mendez, whose passion for her profession is evident in her commitment to education and outreach. Lack of education about dental health is a constant battle, particularly in underserved areas where families often have no health insurance and dental services are scarce. For Mendez, the most rewarding part of the job is not only increasing awareness and teaching her patients, young and old, how to care for their teeth and gums properly, but also seeing the results when they listen and learn. When giving health promotion talks, Elizabeth Mendez likes to use analogies to get her point across. Imagine, she says, taking a shower and not washing under your arms. Well, that’s what happens if you brush your teeth and don't floss! Another important part of the puzzle is sending patients away with a free sample. Real-life practice is the only way to change habits, she says, and if you teach someone how to brush their teeth or floss and don't give them a toothbrush or some floss to take home, the lesson is quickly forgotten. For people on tight budgets, that free product is more than just a giveaway—it's a tool to establish healthy dental habits. Tom's of Maine is trying to make a difference, too—by supporting public dental clinics like those where Elizabeth Mendez works. Mendez herself encourages people to get involved—she is living proof that experience isn't necessary to get started. In her eyes, there's nothing more rewarding than educating someone and making a difference to their health. And she's doing just that, one person at a time. Join Us! To find out more about Community DentCare, visit http://dental.columbia.edu/dentcare/. |