Introduction – Who Am I?

My name is Gabriela L. Rivera. I was born and raised in Brazil, but have lived in United States for the past 25 years of my life. I graduated from the University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC)/ Kennedy King Dental Hygiene Program, and practiced most of my clinical years in the city of Chicago. I have been a dental hygienist for 17 years now and have enjoyed the many years I had as a clinician, but as life unfolds I find myself wanting more from the profession, this desire led me back to school. For the past 6 years of my career, and awhile I continue my education, I have been involved with healthcare administration which has open up the doors to a business side of me I enjoyed very much. Although I appreciate what I do, a large part of me still misses dentistry, so I plan to pursue a master degree in public health/administration so I can join my two passion in life, business and dentistry. I currently reside in CT with my husband, my two children and our beloved bulldog, Ferdinand. I look forward to continue growing professionally, and graduating after my internship.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene – 2020

Associates of Science in Dental Hygiene – 2003

Bachelor of Business Administration – 1994

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Internship

I am thrilled for my internship site! I will be assisting Mrs. Maryann Goss at the Connecticut Department of Public Health with the Office of Oral Health. She recently took over the sealant advisory committee and could use some help. I look forward learning from this experience and helping contribute to what it is a great cause for our state. We had a first meeting yesterday and we are now working on logistics of schedule, and other details. As a previous clinician, I look forward to learning new skills in a new career path in public health.

Community Outreach

Speaking of giving back, I would like to share a moment in my dental hygiene career that I am very proud of it. During the many years that I worked in private practice in Chicago, I was able to meet many interesting and selfless people in the field of dentistry. These friendships with common goals took me to places of much neediness. During my career and for many years, I travel to Mexico and volunteer in the villages of Yucatan. Because of my efforts and volunteering work, I was recognized by “Modern Hygienist” for what I was giving, but truly, I was the one receiving gratitude for making a difference.

Research

During Fall of 2019 I was exposed to a learning curve experience in my career, RESEARCH. This class at UB thought me the ways, and the many facets of research. Together with a group of 3 other dental hygienist we embarked on our journey and were fortune enough to complete a research on “Factors Influencing Diode Laser Knowledge and Usage Among Dental Hygienist”. Our sample was small due to the time allowed, but we were invited to publish our research which we were very proud of it. Here it is a good summary of our study.

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