October is National Dental Hygiene Month

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October is National Dental Hygiene Month.  National Dental Hygiene Month is an effort to celebrate the work of dental hygienists and to help raise awareness of good oral health.

At Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dental hygienists are an integral part of our team.  We are fortunate to have 3 wonderful dental hygienists.  Each of our dental hygienists is very dedicated and really cares about the well-being of their patients.  We would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to and introduce you to all three of our hygienists.

Darlene:

Darlene joined Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in 2005 and was the 1st new employee hired by Dr. Novak after he founded Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in 2005.  Dr. Novak and Darlene worked together for 5 years at a group practice in Spring Hill, FL prior to Dr. Novak starting Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.  Darlene was the Lead Dental Hygienist at that practice and always impressed Dr. Novak with her vast knowledge and skills.

Darlene graduated from St. Petersburg College with her Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene.  She has been a licensed hygienist in the State of Florida since 1991.  In 2013, Darlene earned her Certification to Administer Local Anesthesia in the State of Florida.  In 2017, Darlene completed a multi-day advanced oral health training program at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Darlene lives in Pasco County, FL.  In her time away from work, she enjoys spending time with her family and being near the water.

“I feel so fortunate to be part of the great team we have at Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.  I have been with the practice since its inception 14 years ago which has allowed me to establish great long term relationships with my patients; they are like an extension of my family!”—Darlene

Emily:

Emily is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and joined Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in 2010.  Emily previously worked for Coast Dental but desired to work for a private practice that focuses more on individual patient care.

Emily graduated from Pasco Hernando Community College with her Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2008.  In 2013, Emily earned her Certificate to Administer Local Anesthesia in the State of Florida.  In 2017, Emily completed a multi-day advanced oral health training program at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Emily is a native Floridian and was born and raised in Dade City, FL.  Emily and her family now reside in Hernando County, FL.  In her time away from work, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and boating with her family.

“I just love the relationship I have the privilege of developing with my patients, and bringing them back to health and realizing being at the dentist is not so scary is the ultimate reward” --Emily

Lauren:

Lauren is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and joined Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in 2011. 

Lauren graduated from Santa Fe Community College with her Associate of Science Degree Hygiene from Santa Fe Community College in 2010.  She also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology from the College of Central Florida. In 2015, Lauren earned her Certificate to Administer Local Anesthesia in the State of Florida. Prior to working with Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Lauren worked as a substitute hygienist at multiple offices in the Ocala area.

Lauren is a native Floridian being born and raised in Ocala.  Lauren still resides in Ocala with her family.  In her time away from work, Lauren enjoys baking, crafts, home decorating and travel.

“I love being a hygienist thanks to my patients.  Building a rapport and seeing improvement in their oral health is very rewarding.” –Lauren

Thank you Darlene, Emily, and Lauren for being integral parts of the Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Team.  We couldn’t do what we do without you all!