Brooke Sergent, RDH, BS
Brooke Sergent, RDH, BS, obtained an Associate of Science degree from Southeast Community College in Whitesburg, KY, in 2002. While obtaining this degree, she took an elective course that allowed her to job shadow her mentor, a Registered Dental Hygienist at a local dental office. It was here her passion was confirmed for dental hygiene. In 2004, she graduated cum laude from Big Sandy Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene program in Prestonsburg, KY. Brooke was also the recipient of the 2004 Colgate S.T.A.R. award.
Immediately following graduation and obtaining licensure, Brooke began her clinical dental hygiene career. In 2005, she moved to East Tennessee and earned her Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Tech University based in Cookeville, TN. After years of clinical hygiene, Brooke felt the need to connect in other ways to those in her profession. She became a Colgate Oral Health Advisor and served on the Colgate Oral Health Advisor Board in Piscataway, NJ, in 2013. In 2014, she organized a Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Future Event for her local elementary school.
Brooke is approaching her 14th year of dental hygiene. She resides in Telford, TN, with her husband and twin sons.
Why Dental X-rays Are Needed & Are Less Radiation than You Think
For some, a dental appointment is a fearfully, dreaded appointment; while others don’t mind or even eagerly anticipate the appointment. However, no matter which side of the fence you are on it seems to be a mutual consensus that no one enjoys dental X-rays, and many are confused why they are even necessary. Often, dental professionals are questioned about...
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: How the Dental Professional Can Intervene
Thankfully, I am a deep sleeper. I often joke that I die every night and resurrect every morning. I have been blessed with good sleep genes and require no assistance from the Sandman.
In addition, noises such as snoring (from my bed partner) have never disturbed me. The same cannot be said for my sister. She sleeps very lightly, and...
Electric Brush Vs. Manual Brush: Which is right for you?
Taking a walk down the dental aisle in any retail store can be slightly overwhelming. The selection of dental products is rich. Among that selection exist a multitude of toothbrushes. Toothbrushes have evolved into technologically advanced gadgets that some may contemplate the effectiveness or the need.
A routine visit to your dental office can often lead to a recommendation for...
More than Just Teeth: A Hygienist’s Journey to Patient Satisfaction
Landing my first dental hygiene job was a breeze. I had just graduated from the dental hygiene program and was excitedly looking for a position to jumpstart my career. The third office I walked in to hired me on the spot after I handed them my very green resume. I was beyond perplexed but also extremely ecstatic. I smiled...
Mail-Order Orthodontics: Are They Worth the Risk?
The world in which we live in is centered around convenience and appearance more than ever. Take these two said factors and mix them together, and you have a booming business of mail-in orthodontics. While this may sound like the perfect combination, it is actually one to seriously contemplate.
In 2013, the first mail-in orthodontics to straighten consumers teeth was...
E-cigarettes: An Unhealthy Epidemic Impacting Adults and Youth
Get in your car and drive into town and pay close attention to the cars around you. If you see a billowing cloud of smoke rolling from within the car, you have found a “vaper” or e-cigarette user. I recollect the first time I witnessed this monstrosity. My initial thought was the car was on fire. To my wondering...
The Forensic Puzzle: How Dental Professionals Play a Vital Role in the World of Forensics
When patients dawn the door of their dentist, whether to spruce up their pearly whites or to cure a toothache, they do not think any further about the appointment outside of its purpose. Patients do not think twice about the radiographs that were taken, the charting that took place, or the molds that were made of their teeth; just...
Seeing Clearly: Say Yes to Loupes!
The first surgical loupes date back to 1876 and consisted of simple, convex lenses that attached to a spectacle frame or a headband1. Loupes have been used by zoologists, ophthalmologists, surgeons, and of course, dental professionals. Loupes have evolved and improved tremendously over the decades; they come in a variety of styles, frames, and magnifications. Loupes can be customized...
Difficult Debbie: Dealing with Frustrating Dental Patients
There is nothing more frustrating than having a patient that makes your job extremely difficult. We all have them and we always will. Let’s face it, working with the public is challenging. In a perfect world, all of our patients can all lie back to our comfort level, open wide like a monkey, and never complain. However, this is...