Working

Yvonne Graf, RDH, was first inspired to pursue a career in the dental field as a young girl.

Yvonne Graf, RDH, was first inspired to pursue a career in the dental field as a young girl.

"I had such a positive experience as an orthodontic patient seeing my buck-toothed grin, of which I was so embarrassed, transform into a terrific, self-confident smile," said Graf. "I enjoyed each visit; not only the fascination with what they were doing and how each wire would accomplish the desired tooth movement, but also the caring and friendship I felt from the staff members in the office."

Combining her desire to be in a field where she helped others Ð at the time she was a candy striper Ð with her newfound interest in dental work, Graf soon began her education at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park, Kan., earning an associate's degree in dental hygiene. She later went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan. At JCCC, Graf's instructors encouraged her to present at ADHA's annual session; she and her partner took home a first-place trophy!

After graduation, wanting to maintain the personal and professional bonds she made in school, Graf served on the original committee that helped create the first alumni association on the JCCC campus Ð the Johnson County Dental Hygiene Alumni Association. Encouraged by her peers to take leadership roles, she eventually became the third president of the association.

Currently, Graf is the general manager for Fry Orthodontic Specialists in Overland Park, Kan. Fry Orthodontics has won the Kansas Award for Excellence, the state-level equivalent of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, three years in a row. She considers Bob Fry, DDS, MS, a mentor and inspiration to her work.

"Because he is passionate about teaching and has a philanthropist's heart, he's always looking for ways he can help others," said Graf. "Our team is involved in community service, which enhances our grateful attitude for the tremendous practice we have. We're known as a 'teaching practice'; we've had doctors and staffs from around the United States and the world come to visit us in order to learn about our exceptional systems."

For Graf, there are few things more rewarding than helping to instruct and mentor someone with little or no dental experience, and watching them blossom.

"One of our treatment coordinators will be moving out of state due to her husband's job transfer," she said. "When giving her notice, she tearfully shared her gratefulness for believing in her when she didn't believe in herself, and for giving her a career that she dearly loves. She plans to stay in the dental profession in her new home. I'm pleased to say that this story is not the first; I have former teammates (now I consider them friends) nationwide who got a 'start' when I hired them."

When not working at her dream job, Graf enjoys tennis and gardening. She uses gardening as a metaphor for her work environment.

"Leading my office staff is a little like planting Ð searching out the best perennials (people who will be long-term co-workers) who bear beautiful blooms and fruit (exhibit passion and love for our patients) watch them grow under tender loving care (and sometimes pruning!), enjoying the variety--like different trees--for summer shade and fall color, and of course the steady evergreen that provides a home for winter birds and green winter backdrop (these represent the diversity of personalities that make us who we are--each balances and enhances the other) and finally enjoying the fruits of success!"

This edition of Working was prepared by Meghan Washington