Alicia Lovato, RDH, BSDH

 There is nothing like the love between sisters. My sister, Alicia Lovatos, RDH, is my co-hygienist. She is the Robin to my Batman. We are partners in the fight against oral health diseases in low-income communities. I am a dental hygienist known for my work in community outreach and service, but who has always been by my side, my sister, and the most pivotal dental hygienist in my life. 

Alicia and I serve patients together at a non-profit dental clinic providing care to people who are low-income and uninsured, and survivors of human trafficking. While I am the one who provides CE courses on human trafficking, she is the one teaching me how to better care for our patients. “Remember, we recommend items to our human trafficking patients, but don’t put too much emphasis on products. These patients are living in group homes and don’t have jobs. When they feel the financial strain on their life, it could trigger them to make money the only way they know how.” … “Remember to not inquire about patients’ holiday plans. A lot of these survivors have had their children taken away from them, and the holidays can be an exceptionally hard time. “ Through her actions and words, I learn how to be a better dental hygienist for my patients. As my older sister, she has been guiding me through life since I was a young girl. I was her first patient. When I was 17 and recently post-partum without money to buy formula, she was only 18 years old. She found an emergency WIC center and made the hours-long drive to get my baby the milk he needed. When I was suffering through debilitating depression, she would remind me, “The sun will rise again tomorrow,” and then drive me to my doctor's appointments. 

If I could give her every award, every recognition, it still would not be enough to express the impact she has made in my life and the lives of the people we serve. 

Organizing community outreach events was ignited via conversations with her. She not only encouraged me, but she also supported me. “Let’s do it. I will bring my dental assisting students to help.” “I will contribute dental products.” Together, we have organized well over 40 community outreach events. Many of which she would not only volunteer her time to serve and support financially, but also bring her mentee, low-income Title I high school dental assisting students, to the events so they could gain clinical experience. Her former students still reach out to her for guidance years later. Alicia serves silently, smiling and doing the work. Our events range from free oral cancer screening events. screenings and fluoride applications, sealant days, and more. 

I could share a multitude of patient stories that reflect Alicia’s clinical skill and compassion, but I will highlight a few that best illustrate her impact. As a new graduate dental hygienist, Alicia identified a suspicious lesion on a patient’s ridge. She immediately alerted the dentist, leading to a referral to a pathologist and a diagnosis of oral cancer. Although the patient later passed away, Alicia’s vigilance ensured the condition was identified and gave the patient the opportunity to fight. 

Alicia’s exemplary compassion for patients is further demonstrated through her ability to see the person beyond the procedure. One such example involved a patient with cerebral palsy. Alicia had previously cared for him while working as a dental assistant and later had the opportunity to treat him again as a dental hygienist. Although the appointment was challenging, Alicia approached the visit with patience, empathy, and positivity, enabling them to successfully 

complete it together. At the conclusion of the visit, the patient’s mother was so moved by Alicia’s care and dedication that she offered to hire her as her son’s life companion, a testament to the trust and connection Alicia builds with her patients. 

Alicia also once shared a story with me that serves as a reminder of the importance of extending grace to every patient. She spoke of a patient who, for years, was known for being consistently grumpy and unpleasant during visits. One day, however, he arrived cheerful and joking. Curious about the change, Alicia asked what had shifted in his life. He explained that he had endured years of debilitating back pain and had recently undergone surgery that dramatically improved his quality of life, and, in turn, his outlook. Alicia shared this story to emphasize a core belief she carries into her practice: we never truly know what someone is going through, and that is why every patient deserves compassion and understanding. 

Finally, when I had the crazy idea of writing a dental Spanish workbook to help dental hygienists better communicate with their Spanish-speaking patients, she appointed herself my editor. She doesn’t aim for the spotlight; she aims to make an impact. And an impact she makes. She makes an impact on the dental hygiene students she teaches and mentors who rotate through our clinic. While I chose to see patients solely, she took on the responsibility of seeing patients while supervising the students. Daily, I am reminded of her excellence by our patients; they share testimonials and often tell her, “I can tell you really love your job.” 

She is my sister. She is my inspiration. She is my RDH mentor. She is my dental hygienist. 

-Amber Lovatos, RDH, BSDH