Dental Hygienist
Hi! My name is Mary and I have been a dental hygienist since 1994. I graduated from Harper College where our training was to provide the highest standard of care possible. One of my greatest passions is to help patients achieve and maintain healthy beautiful smiles that last a lifetime! The past ten years or so, I have placed focus on the link between oral and systemic health: a healthy mouth is a healthier person! Other wonderful aspects of dental hygiene are building long term relationships with patients and staff, helping the most scared patients, teaching patients tricks and tips to maintain optimal oral health, and having good laughs along the way!
Although Chicago is my home town, I have lived in Arlington Heights the longest -25 years. I enjoy the outdoors, walking, reading, serving in a prison ministry (grading Bible Study essays) and spending time with family and friends.
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity in Arlington Heights?
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library!
Where do you hope to travel to one day & why?
Scotland - I love the history, especially the overall United Kingdom history!
How did you come to work at FDOAH?
I had a very good job already, but this position was close to home and Dr. Cheryl's credentials are so outstanding I had to meet her. Fortunately, she agreed to hire me. I feel so honored and blessed to work with her and this competent, hard working, fun staff!
What is something that makes you smile?
What makes me smile? Kids laughing, a bad joke, and animals.
What is one gadget or piece of technology you couldn't live without?
My Kirby Vacuum cleaner!
Dental Hygienist
Hello there my name is Alena and I am one of the FDOAH’s hygienist. I am one of the newer faces at the office but not new to the dental field I’ve served the Schaumburg community for 7 years and I cannot wait to serve you and your family. Looking forward to meeting you and seeing your (clean) smiles.
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Greece-beautiful landscapes, history and good food
Why did you pick a career in dentistry?
Dentistry is very interesting, the health of the mouth connects to the health of the entire body
What is your favorite snack or comfort food?
Chicken nuggets from any fast food place
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve actually always wanted to be in the dental field
What is one gadget or piece of technology you can’t live without?
My phone
What is your favorite family activity?
Eating
What is the best part of your job working at FDOAH?
The patients and staff
Receptionist
I have worked at this office since 1995. My favorite part of my job is working with our patients. I have been married to my husband Larry since 1980, we have 2 sons, and we have a new grandson. Larry & I have lived in Arlington Heights since we were married. In my spare time I love spending time with family making cards and traveling.
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity in Arlington Heights?
Frontier Days & Sounds of Summer
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Iceland, I want to see the Northern Lights
What is the best part of your job working at FDOAH?
The patients, we have the best patients
What is your favorite family activity?
Babysitting my grandson & card making
What is your favorite restaurant in Arlington Heights?
Javier’s
Any interesting dental tidbits?
Teeth are the only body part that can’t repair itself
If you were going to splurge on something, what would you do or buy?
A new car with all the bells & whistles
Receptionist
I worked in the Customer Service field for over 35 years so when I was looking for a new career path I thought working as a Dental Receptionist would be perfect, I came across Family Dentistry of Arlington Heights – great place to work. I’ve been married to my husband Wes for 45 years and we have 2 daughters and 5 grandkids, 2 boys and 3 girls. I also have an identical twin sister who is also in the dental field. She is a dental assistant for the past 35 years.
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity in Arlington Heights?
Walking around Al Fresco in downtown
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Back to Hawaii that is where we went on our honeymoon 45 yrs. ago
What is the best part of your job working at FDOAH?
My co-workers and patients
Any interesting dental tidbits?
Known today as cotton candy, the machine that made the “fairy floss” was co-invented by a dentist
What is your favorite restaurant in Arlington Heights?
Salsa 17
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A School Teacher
Favorite Animal?
Monkeys especially Chimpanzees
I am relatively new in the dental AH office and right now I am simply enjoying the experience of working with fun folks at the Family Dentistry of Arlington Heights office. It is a delight getting to know people from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds. I learn something new every day!
Any interesting dental tidbits?
Eat sweets, and in a matter of minutes it will eat your teeth
What is your favorite restaurant in Arlington Heights?
Mitsuwa where I can buy my comfort foods
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Europe, to see the magnificent architecture
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity?
Eating dinner together and sharing stories
How did you come to work at FDOAH?
I have worked for Drs. Mora for years so I pulled some strings and collected on some favors -- :)
Tell us about your pet!
Bella! She's a pineapple conure that always stays near me and understands words in both English and Tagalog. We also have a psychic dog name Nicky who likes massages and comes to me whenever I think of her, I don't even have to call her name and she's there beside me!
Dental Assistant
I’ve been working at this office for 20+ years. I love seeing our patients and hearing about their families. My husband and I have been married for 50 years, we have 4 children and 9 grandchildren from 5-20 years. We always love fishing in the northwoods of Wisconsin. My claim to fame is catching a 47” musky.
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity in Arlington Heights?
Having a cocktail Al Fresco
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Alaska
Why did you pick a career in dentistry?
My mom signed me up as an assistant when I was 16
What is something that makes you smile?
My grandkids
What is your favorite family activity?
Fishing and golfing
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher for the blind
Any interesting dental tidbits?
Giraffes only have bottom teeth