Kate Machado, RDH, BS, MEd, FADHA

I truly believe I was destined to become a dental hygienist. My journey began at just five years old, when something as simple as chocolate chip prophy paste sparked an interest that would grow into a lifelong passion. Nearly ten years into my career, I am even more grateful for this profession—not only for the opportunities it has provided me, but for the person it has helped me become. Dental hygiene has taught me so much about myself, both personally and professionally. It has helped me find my voice, build my self-confidence, and recognize my worth. Through my own journey, I have become deeply passionate about empowering others to recognize their worth, advocate for themselves, and never allow anyone or anything to lower their standards—especially when it comes to patient care. I believe we owe it to ourselves, our profession, and our patients to continually strive for better. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to wear many hats: clinician, educator, advocate, writer, exhibitor, creator, continuing education author, and mentor. Each role has allowed me to contribute to dental hygiene in a different way, but they all share one common purpose: to make a positive impact. I strive to show fellow hygienists and students that opportunities extend far beyond what they may initially envision for themselves. If I can do it, so can you! I want others to see what is possible when they believe in themselves, embrace opportunities, and are willing to step outside their comfort zones. I am also a firm believer in lifelong learning. As a new graduate, I began taking continuing education courses well beyond what was required to maintain my license. I wanted to feel confident in my knowledge, answer patients’ questions thoughtfully, and ensure that my recommendations were rooted in science. Over time, that desire to learn has grown into a calling to help other professionals stay informed about the changes, advancements, and evolving evidence within our profession. We cannot provide the best possible care if we stop learning. Dental hygienists are not simply tooth cleaners; we are healthcare professionals who play an essential role in prevention, disease management, patient education, and overall health. I have translated my commitment to continuing education and professional development into meaningful changes in my clinical practice. By implementing new adjunctive therapies, evidence-based products, patient recommendations, strategies, and techniques, I have helped evolve my office’s periodontal program. These efforts have contributed to improved patient acceptance, more appropriate periodontal classification and treatment protocols, and greater integration of evidence-based care. Even as a part- time clinician working just two days per week, I have some of the highest fluoride and periodontal treatment numbers in the office. More importantly, the impact extends beyond

my own schedule and patients. The knowledge, systems, and strategies I have shared have helped influence the care delivered by other clinicians as well. To me, this demonstrates the power of using what we learn not only to improve ourselves, but to elevate the entire team. Maintaining a high standard of care is equally important to me. When I joined my current office, I recognized a need for a consistent dental unit waterline maintenance program and took the initiative to address it. That effort helped establish a system that has since supported consistently successful waterline testing. I believe protecting patients requires us to recognize potential gaps, take responsibility, and act—even when no one has specifically asked us to do so. Advocacy is not always a grand gesture; sometimes it means noticing what needs to change and having the courage to make it happen. I also believe that exceptional patient care is often found in the smallest details. Providing patients with evidence-based product samples and coupons has always been important to me. I love sending patients home with bags filled with products I have personally used, researched, and confidently recommend. Their appreciation is a reminder that these small gestures can make oral health recommendations feel more accessible, achievable, and personal. When patients know that we have taken the time to find resources we genuinely trust, we strengthen the relationship we have built with them and help empower them to take ownership of their oral health. Although dental hygiene can sometimes feel like an individual sport, I believe it is just as much a team sport. I value supporting my coworkers in ways both big and small, often before they even have to ask. Whether it is bringing a tray to sterilization, lending a hand during a busy day, or simply recognizing when someone needs support, I try to treat others the way I would hope to be treated. These moments may seem insignificant on their own, but they contribute to a culture of kindness, teamwork, and mutual respect. A positive workplace does not happen by accident; it is built through the everyday choices we make to support one another. My commitment to education and mentorship extends beyond clinical practice. When working with dental hygiene students, I strive to go above and beyond my contractual responsibilities to create opportunities that enrich their education and professional growth. I help connect students with professional development experiences, including dental conferences, community service, campus outreach, and fundraising initiatives. Dental hygiene school is challenging, and I want students to see that there is a supportive community and a fulfilling professional future waiting for them beyond graduation. My goal is to encourage them, broaden their perspectives, and help them recognize that they

belong in this profession. Sometimes, what a student needs most is someone who believes in them before they fully believe in themselves. Ultimately, the heart behind everything I do is my belief that every person deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered—whether that person is a patient, a colleague, a student, or a fellow dental hygienist. I want to help others find their voices, recognize their potential, pursue knowledge, and never settle for less than what they and their patients deserve. I may have started this journey at five years old because of chocolate chip prophy paste, but my purpose has grown into something much greater. I am committed to continuing to learn, advocate, educate, mentor, and challenge the status quo so that our profession continues to evolve and our patients continue to benefit. One small action. One meaningful conversation. One moment of encouragement. We may never know the full impact of something we say or do, but those moments can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond us. That is the kind of hygienist, educator, colleague, and mentor I strive to be. And that is why I believe the heart of dental hygiene is not only in the care we provide with our hands, but in the lasting difference we make through our knowledge, our compassion, and our willingness to help others recognize what is possible.