Annie is a new addition to the team at Kaizen Dental, here in Richmond. She studied at both UBC and Vancouver College; receiving her Dental Hygienist Certification from Vancouver College. As a new member of the practice, we had Annie answer a few questions to get to know her better!
“When you were a child, what did you dream of being when you grew up? (If it wasn’t in the dental industry – when & why did you decide to work in the dental industry?)”
As a child, I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. However, high school helped me to see that a career in the Dental Industry was right for me. So, after graduation, I pursued a career as a Dental Hygienist.
“What are Kaizen Dental’s core values and what makes it unique?”
Kaizen Dental is unique because you can truly tell that everyone really cares about the patients. The environment is very friendly, the practice is detail-oriented and the rapport in the office is awesome. I go home at the end of the night and feel like I’ve spent the day chatting with friends.
“What is your favourite thing about being part of the Kaizen Dental team?”
The people I get to work with and the care they have for their patients and employees.
“Part of the focus at Kaizen Dental is ongoing educating and being dental leaders in the industry. Can you tell us about the courses, education and training that you’ve taken & why this is important to Kaizen Dental?”
I am very new to Kaizen Dental – I started two months ago! However, it’s great being a part of a practice that values ongoing education and continuous communication between all staff members. Every week we have a meeting to discuss new rules or regulations and to make sure everyone in the practice is doing well. In regard to ongoing training, when you take additional courses it’s encouraged by the office for you to share what you’ve learned so everyone can benefit from the resource. I have never been at an office before that encourages and motivates its employees to continuously learn and improve themselves.
“What is your #1 advice for your patients?”
This is a hard question! Every patient is different, and you want to cater your advice to every individual person. If I had to pick some key advice, it would be to come back regularly. Regular check-ups are so important to ensure your dental health. It’s crazy, a Dentist can notice an issue with one quick look at your mouth.
“Tell us your favourite story or memory from Kaizen Dental.”
So many already! My favourite would have to be some of the group meetings. It’s been really great learning from other employees in the practice. I honestly leave work happy at the end of every day. I am sure there are many more great memories to come!
“Who has influenced you the most? Why?”
Coming into this office has greatly influenced me. The dentists are so detail-oriented and cater to the patient to customize the care to every patient. It’s incredible to see how the dentists treat their patients. I have never been part of an office that has these amazing core values. The entire office is incredibly inspirational. There are a few people who have been here for 20 or more years and I can definitely see why!
“What 3 adjectives would you use to describe yourself?”
It’s always so hard to describe yourself! I would have to say, friendly, kind and detail-oriented.
“What question do you hate to answer?”
All questions are good questions!
“What’s your favourite place or thing to do on weekends/in your spare time?”
Lots of movies! And who doesn’t like a good Netflix and chill afternoon. I also look forward to traveling every few months and spending time with family.
“If you could give your young adult self a piece of advice, what would it be?”
To trust yourself more, to not doubt yourself and to be confident in what you know and how you feel. To make your judgment based on how you feel instead of overthinking it.