Valerie Phillips, RDH, MSDH, practiced dental hygiene for 25 years in three states until becoming partially disabled in 2012 from shoulder injuries. She completed her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene at Eastern Washington University in 2013. Her thesis research was a qualitative study of cardiologists and their beliefs and opinions of the oral systemic link. Valerie currently teaches online in the Bachelor degree completion and the Masters of Science in Dental Hygiene programs for Eastern Washington University. She volunteers as a delegate for her local dental hygiene component and fills the role of “social media chairperson.” Valerie also supports outreach programs for the component and is involved on a personal level with the mentally ill community with a focus on enhancing/educating the dental needs of this population. Valerie can be reached at vphillipsRDH@outlook.com or 530-227-0546.
Top 5 checklist for a dental hygienist to do before becoming disabled
May 16th 2016The practice of dental hygiene wreaks havoc on the body. Although many ergonomic improvements for safely practicing clinical hygiene are available, most of us do not make it to retirement age working chairside, even part time. Do you have a plan, should you become disabled?