Ashley Brooker
Ashley Brooker is a human resources professional with over 22 years of experience. For the last 10 years, she has worked in the dental industry in a Human Resource management capacity for Pure Dental Brands. Ashley graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, and has spent most of her life living in the state of Florida. She is married with grown children and two Labrador retrievers. In her spare time, she likes to travel, spend time with friends and family, and be in the great outdoors.
9 Tips for New Dental Hygiene Graduates for the First Day and Beyond
You've made it through two to three years of dental hygiene school with long days and nights studying and probably missing out on a few hours of shut-eye. All that diligence and hard work have paid off, and you've got your first job at a local dental practice. Your head is telling you to be excited, but your nerves...
High Demand: How to Prepare for Current Surge in Dental Hygiene Opportunities
Careers in dental hygiene are growing, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is a high-demand field with job growth at 9%, which is considered faster than average for all occupations.1 In comparison, the dentist occupation is growing at a 6% rate, which is considered “as fast as average” for all occupations.2
When a career is...
The Power of Positive Thinking in the Dental Office
A positive attitude in the dental office is essential for a successful practice. Patients who enter your operatory can typically tell if this is a positive and friendly environment. Are co-workers smiling and saying hello as they walk by? Are dental assistants friendly chatting while they seat a patient? Does your doctor stop in to offer a warm greeting?
These...
Problem-solving in the Dental Office: Solutions for Dental Hygienists to Consider
Problems within the workplace seem to be a fact of life. While many of us wish that our work worlds were problem-free, the truth is that issues are bound to arise occasionally. When you work in a people-centered field such as dentistry, you work with, meet, and interact with individuals from all walks of life.
The good news is that...
How the Tone of Hygienists’ Voice Affects Conversations with Patients & Co-workers
The word “tone” has several definitions. You may refer to the tone of your muscles, the tone of a musical instrument, or the tone of a picture. For this article, I am speaking of the tone of the dental professional’s voice. In other words, how the words sound when you speak them out loud within a dental practice.
Individuals throughout...
Emotional Intelligence: How a Dental Hygienist Can Acquire Higher EQ
Emotional intelligence is more than just a buzzword of the 21st century; it actually is something very important in the workforce when dealing with dental co-workers. Just as IQ refers to your intellectual intelligence, EQ refers to your emotional intelligence or how smart you are when it comes to emotions. Emotional intelligence is a valuable skill that may help...
Wellness at the Dental Workplace: 5 Tips for Improving Mental Outlook
The month of May is a great time for talking about workplace wellness. Mental Health Awareness Month occurs each year during May, and it's a full 31 days dedicated to sharing information and knowledge on the subject of mental health.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 21% of adults in the U.S. have a mental illness. When this...
Dental Office Communication: Address Others Using Their DISC Quadrant
Think about your dental office, colleagues, and the patients. Does everyone understand each other? Would you agree that communication between others is easy in your office? If you cannot answer yes to these questions, you may need some tips on how to better connect, communicate, and present with others in your office.
DISC is a four-quadrant behavioral model that William...
Hygiene Careers: A Case for Stressing the Importance of Office Culture
Job opportunities are on every corner for dental hygienists. If you are on LinkedIn or have a resume on Indeed or other niche sites, you are likely getting recruiter calls and emails daily. With new dental offices opening and other offices increasing their compensation or benefits offerings, how do you decide what is best for you? Do you stay...