Better Together: A Day Behind the Scenes at Bloom Family Dental

By Dakota Richardson, Aspiring Dental Hygienist

When I first arrived at Bloom Family Dental for my shadowing experience, I had no idea how much I’d learn about teamwork and patient care. My day started by watching hygienist Ashley Stroik clean a patient’s teeth, with Erica Ordiway assisting her. It was like watching a well-oiled machine in action—Ashley focused on the cleaning while Erica helped prepare and pass tools, making sure everything ran smoothly.

The Tiny Details That Make a Big Difference

Take the suction tool, for example. Most people probably don’t think twice about it, but Erica explained how important it is to keep it in top condition. She carefully maintains the tool to prevent any blockages and ensure it works perfectly. “It’s all about keeping patients comfortable and confident,” she told me. Who knew such a small tool could make such a big difference?

More Than Just Helping Out

Dental assistants like Erica play a crucial role in helping patients feel at ease. Some patients are nervous, some feel anxious, and some are dealing with discomfort. But Erica approaches each interaction with patience and understanding.

“You need to stay calm and really listen,” she explained. “Every patient is different.”

Teamwork in Action

I watched Erica assist Dr. Nathan Bloom during a filling procedure, and it was like watching a choregraphed dance. She passed instruments to him seamlessly, anticipated his needs, and helped keep the patient comfortable. Their communication was so smooth, it was clear they’d worked together for a long time.

A Piece of Advice That Stuck with Me

Erica shared a piece of advice that I know I’ll remember: “If you can’t get into the hygienist program right away, start by assisting. You’ll gain a wealth of knowledge that will help you explain procedures to patients, and you can always go back to school later.”

Looking Ahead

I’m super excited about the Wisconsin AHEC’s Future Oral Health Workforce Day on April 15 at Lakeshore Community Health Care’s Sheboygan clinic. With over 40 high school students from counties across Wisconsin attending, I can’t wait to practice the care skills I observed with Erica, Ashley, and Dr. Bloom.

To learn more about this incredible opportunity, visit: Future Oral Health Workforce Day. 

This isn’t just about a potential career. It’s about understanding how teamwork, skills, and genuine care can make a real difference in people’s lives.

What’s Next

Next up, I’ll be sharing my shadowing and interview experience at Amato Orthodontics’ Manitowoc office. As someone who’s been in braces for years, I’m fascinated to be on the observing side of the chair this time. It’ll be interesting to see how orthodontic care differs from the general dentistry I experienced at Bloom Family Dental.

Stay tuned for another behind-the-scenes look at oral healthcare!

Stay curious. Stay awesome.