Clinical Chronicles: A Q&A with Benevis’ Director of Dental Hygiene and the ADHA’s Standout Seven Award Winner, Dominique Szach

Let’s kick things off by talking about your road to Benevis. No two people have the same story about how they ended up working in the dental profession so we would love to hear yours.

I knew I wanted to be a dental hygienist ever since I was about 15 years old and back when I lived in Tucson, AZ. So, when I graduated and went to college, I had all the prerequisites completed and applied for their dental hygiene program. But there was only one program, and unfortunately, the wait list at that time was about eight years long. Rather than wait what seemed like an eternity, I ended up going into nursing school at Grand Canyon University, which post-graduation led to an oncology research position; but throughout it all, my passion for dental hygiene never wavered. After I finished my master’s, I reapplied to the same dental hygiene program and was accepted. I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do, and I have never been happier since.

So, what was it at that early age that made you want to pursue dental hygiene?

I’ve always liked teeth and I was always keenly aware that they were the first thing people saw when you met them. A smile can really change your day, even if it’s just an exchange with a stranger. And some people don’t feel so happy with themselves, and their teeth and their smile doesn’t give them confidence. So, I’ve always wanted to be the person that could make that better for them and make the dental experience a good one for them.

Can you tell us a bit about how you came into this role as Director of Dental Hygiene at Benevis?

The position was initially presented to me at the time by my district manager. I’d been working at Benevis serving as a dental hygienist for the last five years and about a year ago, moved into the leadership role as director of dental hygiene for the entire organization serving as a voice for hygienists at the company’s more than 100 offices across 13 states and Washington, D.C. When I got the promotion, I just kind of did what my heart knew, and now I could absolutely never see myself doing anything else. I absolutely love being the advocate for our hygienists and them knowing that I am always here for them, and I am fighting for them no matter what.

At Benevis what interests you most about the patient population that you get to see and the hygienists that you support. What makes these patients unique?

At Benevis we see a group of patients that, in many instances, no one else will treat. There are a lot of providers who do not see Medicare and Medicaid patients because the reimbursement rate is not high as high as other plans—so you really do see all types of patients from tiny babies to adults that can get the care that they have been wanting. When you’re able to see these patients who are just so excited to have their teeth cleaned because they can’t find anyone else to do it, that’s what really makes this company stand out so much.

In the end Benevis as an organization isn’t in it for the money. [Our company is] focused on making the communities that we serve know that we’re there for them. We want them to have a pretty smile, and we don’t want them to be in pain. It is our goal that they are able to trust that we’re going to take care of them no matter what their insurance is. That shouldn’t even be a factor.

Before we wrap up are there any misconceptions about dental hygienists that you would like to clear up?

I think first and foremost I would like to address the popular but erroneous perception that dental hygienists are not providers. They are not dental office support staff, rather they see their own patients and in certain states, hygienists can even open their own practices. So I think that that is something that is overlooked far too often. By being pigeon-holed as assistants, I think it kind of takes away from what hygienists are all about because we have worked very hard to earn and maintain our licenses.

I also think it’s important to remember, and I can speak from my own personal experience here, that the hygienist is the patient’s advocate. While the dentist comes by for the quick check-up, it’s the hygienists that really know the ins and outs of a patient’s dental health and needs and [who] patients end up coming back to see, you know. Sure, the dentist does the filling or delivers the treatment that a patient needs, but they really come back every three-four or six months to see that hygienist. You have a bond with them; they start trusting you, and the next thing you know, you are treating their kids.

You were recently awarded the ADHA’s Standout Seven Award – Corporate in recognition of your comprehensive and personalized approach to patient care as well as leadership on behalf of the profession. Congrats, what does this accolade mean to you?

I care about my job very much and I have made some lifelong friends in this company, from district managers to office managers to hygienists. That’s just my personality. They know that I’m a loyal person, and I will fight for them until the end. To be recognized for this passion for my Benevis colleagues combined with my commitment to my patients and the advancement of the hygienist profession overall just means the world to me; and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every individual we care for is connected to the dental treatment they deserve.