Kaitlyn Machado, RDH, BS, MEd, FADHA
Since a very young age, Kaitlyn Machado, RDH, BS, MEd, FADHA, has always wanted to be a dental hygienist. She was the youngest student to graduate from her dental hygiene class in 2017. Since then, Kate has returned for her bachelor's and master's degrees. She is a faculty member at her local dental hygiene school and a clinical dental hygienist. Kate has been a part of Today's RDH since its launch. She is extremely passionate about homecare, loves her prophy paste and fluoride varnish, and enjoys attending professional conferences. In addition, Kate loves to work with a local non-profit organization that helps fight against hygiene insecurity of all ages in her community. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys being as involved as possible in the dental hygiene profession. When Kate isn't working, she enjoys traveling, sports, watching movies, and spending time with her amazing, supportive family.
Engagement: Dental Hygiene’s Process of Change Inspire Oral Health Improvements
The processes of change in dental patient education are associated with the stages of change model. The stages of change, also known as the...
6 Ways to Instill Bravery: Caring for Patients with Dental Anxiety
Have you ever put a patient back in the chair, and they blurt out, "I really hate going to the dentist?" Well, it's a...
Dental Compliance: Helping Patients Comply Using the Stages of Change Model
Many healthy behavior models and theories are available, but the Stages of Change Model, also known as the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), is one that...
Different Stages of Career: Meet Kim, The Gung-ho Seasoned RDH
In part three of our series, we move our way up the ranks to a hygienist who has many years of experience under her...
Different Stages of Career: Mid-career RDH Reflects on Challenges
Over the past three years of clinical experience, I have been introduced to many different dental professionals, especially hygienists. Everyone possesses their own opinions,...
On the Hunt for CEs: Finding the Best Continuing Education Courses for You
Wherever you practice any form of dental hygiene, you require some sort of licensure, certification, or permit. One thing that all states have in...
How I Went from Dental Hygiene Student to Educator
During dental hygiene school, I decided I wanted to eventually be a dental hygiene educator. I've previously written about the steps I took to...
Difficult Patients: Not an Endangered Species
You see them all the time, difficult patients. They are definitely not an endangered species. We all have those war stories. Throughout the hygiene...
The Art of Sampling: A Fresh Insider Perspective of Dental Products
Samples, samples, samples! Sampling products from PPE to home-care supplies are a great opportunity for patients and clinicians to try something new and test...
5 Tips for Treating Geriatric Patients
Have you heard "I'm too old for x-rays!" from a geriatric patient? Age is but a number, and it is not an excuse for...
Networking: Dental Hygienists Should Make One Connection after Another
Networking can be intimidating, but it is necessary for your continued success. Networking is a form of communication in the professional world. Networking can...
What’s Next? My Personal Experience towards a Bachelor’s Degree
So you’re a dental hygienist, huh? Yes, yes I am. I am more than that though. Personally, I have goals outside the clinical setting....
Why I Decided to Become a Dental Hygienist
What did you want to be when you grew up? Throughout childhood, we were asked this question. I assume many of you changed your...
The Importance of Social Media & An Online Presence for Dental Offices
Having a presence on social media and an updated website is now more important than ever, including in dentistry. Many patients, especially younger generations,...
3D’s: Do’s, Don’ts of Dental Hygiene Interviewing
New graduate? Looking to change your office? Whatever situation you’re in, it doesn’t matter because it all starts with a job interview. Eww, the...