Staff Feature: 10 Minutes with Dani
Today we get to spend some time with Dani, one of our dental assistants.
Q: Dani, we’ve known you for a long time, haven’t we?
Dani: Yes, I’ve been a patient since I was 2 years old!
Q: We must be really inspiring, since you decided to become a dental assistant, right? But really — what made you want to become a dental assistant?
Dani: I was driving down a highway and I saw a billboard for a college that was accepting applications for their dental assistant program and I thought, you know, “I love going to my dentist! Every time I go to my dentist, it’s a great experience. That sounds like a great idea!” I looked more into it and it just really clicked for me. I took a couple of pre-requisite courses and I got in!
The Dentist Off Main: I remember you actually came in with a family member while you were in school and Dr. Salathe was really impressed with your drive and excitement. We were so glad when you approached us about completing your internship for school with us last year before you graduated.
Q: What do you love most about being a dental assistant at The Dentist Off Main?
Dani: I love interacting with patients, the relationships that we’re able to experience, and connecting with people in our community. And we have such a great team. I love all you girls! Spending time with great people every day and delivering exceptional care to our patients with Dr. Salathe. It’s a wonderful place to work!
Q: Now, a little more personal. Tell us about your family.
Dani: I have a son Troy who is 4, and a great boyfriend Mike. We live in Molalla. My parents live in Molalla as well! I love to spend time with my family, take Troy to the zoo and the park, and riding horses. Troy has a horse he rides named Ace!
Q: Tell me about the funniest thing that’s happened to you lately? I’m sure it involves Troy — he’s so funny!
Dani: Oh man. When Troy prays at night he prays for Papa and Grammy, Mike and mom, and Dot (she’s our dog). He also prays for his windows, both doors in his room, the bathroom, his pillows, his bed, his sheets, the kitchen, and everything!
The Dentist Off Main: So as many things as he can list so he can stay up a little longer?
Dani: Yes. And then he needs a drink of water. Then he goes to bed after hugging and kissing me. Twice.
Q: What’s your favorite Disney princess?
Dani: Oh Pocahontas! That’s easy.
Q: If you were a salad what kind of dressing would you have?
Dani: Thousand Island.
Q: If you could trade places with any person, famous or not, living or dead, for one week who would it be?
Dani: Jennifer Aniston!
The Dentist Off Main: Oh, I think she just broke up with her guy!
Dani: WHAT?! Justin? They just got married two years ago!
The Dentist Off Main: Yeah, they split, moved out. They’re done. Ok ok, we’re getting distracted!
Q: If you were an animal, what would you be?
Dani: A horse! I love to ride. I was a member of Silverton High School’s Equestrian Team and I did 4-H.
Q: That’s so cool! We have a lot of horse riders in this office it seems! What else do you love to do? I know you are big on fitness.
Dani: Yes, I love working out! I go almost every day to NW Fitness and Strength. I also like to go hiking: Table Rock is fun!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Dani: Cindy’s Café. Shout out to them! They have the best wraps. I go there all the time.
The Dentist Off Main: Oh man, yes. We eat a lot of Cindy’s Café cookies at this office. So good!
Dani, thanks so much for spending some time with us today! Meet more of our dental team here.