Gayle Ardakanian, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, 1981

Heart To Hands 

My name is Gayle Ardakanian, and I have been a clinical dental hygienist for 44 years. I graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Dental Hygiene in 1981. Over the years, I have been dedicated to providing the best care to my patients, and helping them achieve optimal oral health. 

In 2008 I made the switch from general dentistry to pediatric dentistry, and from a traditional office setting to providing preventive dental services with a mobile unit in schools. I always loved being a dental hygienist, but this switch helped me find my “purpose and true passion”. I felt recharged and loved going to work every day! 

In 2017 I joined Tender Smiles 4 Kids and started up their mobile program. I feel very fortunate that Dr Maxim Sulla and Dr Liya Ostrow of Tender Smiles 4 Kids were willing to take a chance on a hygienist they didn’t know that came to them with this crazy idea of starting a mobile program. 

I now lead a team of dental professionals full time, providing preventive dental services to children in need throughout several counties in New Jersey. Since our inception, our team has provided these necessary services to thousands of children in over 100 schools per year. We mostly treat children who have not had access to care for many reasons. Our diagnostic and preventive services include an exam, digital radiographs, prophylaxis, oral hygiene instruction, sealants and Fluoride varnish application. In addition to providing these services, each child goes home with a toothbrush and a dental report card. This report card explains the services we provided and information on follow up treatment if needed. Our mission is not only to provide this care, but to help find the child a dental home for continued care. This is my passion and what drives me to continue this program. In addition to providing dental treatment in the schools, I also represent Tender Smiles 4 Kids in the community. I attend several health fairs and community outreach events to promote children’s oral health. 

In the summer of 2024 I also had an opportunity to join Global Dental Relief on my first dental mission trip to Guatemala. This truly was an amazing experience. Our team of 4 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, 2 dental assistants, and a handful of non dental volunteers provided dental treatment to 436 children in 6 clinic days. Many of these children were in pain and it was their first time seeing a dentist. The clinic was set up in the remote village of San Martin Jilotepeque, and many of the children were bused in and patiently waited their turn to be seen. The clinic was set up very similar to my mobile clinic in the schools, and I couldn’t be happier providing the care that I did. The language barrier wasn’t a problem and the children were very grateful for the care. This was my first dental mission trip, but I know it won’t be my last! 

I can actually say that I love going to work every day, and that even after 44 years in dental hygiene, I know I’m not done yet. There’s still so much more to be done! I would be honored to join the other dental hygienists that are being considered for the Heart To Hands award. 

Gayle Ardakanian, RDH