I’m the person that started it, and the owner of the business. We see kids who don’t have dental insurance or kids who are on Medicaid, kids whose parents can’t make it to the dentist. We set up a portable dental office at schools, and then we do cleanings, screenings, fluoride and sealant.

What led you to start this business?

I live in Yacolt, and I noticed some of the kids in the schools had horrible, horrible teeth. I called the health department to see if they had programs that could help. The person that I talked to said there weren’t any programs, so I said I should start my own. The health department held my hand and I took all my savings and sunk it into the equipment to get this going.

Is this a full-time job, or do you also work at a traditional dentist’s office?

It’s my full-time job. We do a lot of work in Clark County, but we also service the whole state. We go anywhere they call.

How do you make money doing this?

We sacrifice a lot, but we do get paid by the state through Medicaid, and for kids not on Medicaid we do charge a minimal payment of $25. We work a lot, and it adds up. I saw probably 15 kids today. My staff and I did cleanings and screenings on them. It’s not a hugely profitable business, but it pays for our supplies.

When did you decide to become a dental hygienist?

Starting when I was about 14, I had a job cleaning dental offices after school, and since then I have worked nonstop in dentist offices. I took pre-dental classes at Portland State University, and then I decided to become a hygienist.

Did you work at a traditional dental office before you started Dream Team Dental?

I worked in Oregon for about 18 years. I started this business two years ago.

Is there a great need for dental hygienists?

There is always going to be a need for hygienists, not a huge demand but a steady need. It’s a great occupation, and in private practice it pays well. When I worked in private practice I could work two or three days a week, and then I could raise my kids.

Is running a business what you expected?

It’s been really good to me. I’m gone a lot, traveling around the state, but I can arrange my schedule. I’m off all summer, I’m off all spring break and Christmas break with my kids. On days when my 16-year-old daughter doesn’t have school, she helps out.

What is your typical day like?

We got done today at about 3:30 p.m. and we started at 9 a.m. A lot of times we work straight through lunch to get all the kids done. We’ll go to a different school tomorrow; we go to another school the next day.

We have to set up a whole dentist’s office and tear it down each day. We’ve gotten really good at that, even though it’s the least favorite part of our job.

It’s neat, because kids are in their own setting. They’re not scared to see us at all. We always wear pink and black athletic jerseys, as the “Dream Team.” Kids behave better here at school than in a private practice, because they know how to behave at school.
 
What career decision makes you especially proud?

I’m proud of starting this. It was a big step for me and for my family. We stuck with it, and I’m starting to see the payoff. It’s really, really exciting when I see all the kids I saw last time I was at a school and there’s not one child that has a new cavity. I’m really making a difference. When they’re 30, 40 years old, they’ll still benefit.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

Being away from home.

Also, dentists may think we’re trying to take away business. We don’t want to take the place of any dentist, we want to work as the middle man and find a home for kids at a dentist.

What are you reading for fun right now?

I like to read Ann Rule books.

What’s getting the most play in your CD player or iPod?

I like rock. I have an iPod. Van Morrison is one of my favorites.

Favorite restaurant?

The Snack Shack in Yacolt. It’s the best in the state.

What’s the most money you’ve spent on a pair of shoes?

I don’t ever spend much money on my shoes, but I did spend $100 on a pair of shoes for my daughter. They were Nike Air Force Ones or something like that. I just about had a heart attack, spending that much money. But she’s a teenage girl and I love her to pieces.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this profession?

I would say it’s really tough to get into hygiene. I would stick to science courses and your studies and keep going. Keep your eye on where you want to be. You’ll get there eventually.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A nun, because my dad wanted me to become a nun. My dad was very, very, very influential. Later, he’s the one who really encouraged me to go into hygiene and to help kids.

COURTNEY SHERWOOD is a Columbian business reporter. Reach her at 360-735-4553 or courtney.sherwood@columbian.com.