Working

by Kate Zimmermann

For Mary Gilson Layher, oral health care seems to run in the family. Her father was a periodontist. And growing up, she assisted in his office at a time, Layher says, when "women were not programmed to have any other goals in life except becoming a wife and mom."

Layher found that she liked working in a dental office and decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene because she felt it would be a great job for a future wife and mother. Layher says her career has evolved into something she had never dreamed of. She now works full time and has four grown children and a husband--and it seems there are not enough hours in the day for all of her commitments.

Layher attended the University of Michigan (UM) where she completed her bachelor's degree and went on to work in a private practice for a couple of years until she was offered a position as a dental hygienist at UM in the new faculty practice they were developing.

Layher's job at UM has grown in three directions since she first began working there. She is now a research associate in clinical trials, she works in the periodontal clinic with dental graduate students studying to become periodontists; and she teaches dental and dental hygiene students, clinically.

Layher spends the majority of her time as a clinical research associate in the periodontal department. In this capacity, she is an examiner/coordinator for clinical trials. This involves screening patients to find out if they meet the criteria to participate in upcoming studies. Dental hygienists are well prepared to participate in periodontal research; and Layher, who feels it is an amazing learning experience for everyone involved, finds it very rewarding that "the clinics' studies have resulted in favorable data that a company can use to promote their product."

Working in the clinic, Layher has an opportunity to spend time with graduate DDS students from all over the world. This program introduces students to the periodontal maintenance appointment, proper patient care, and management in a clinical setting. Layher says it is a learning experience for students and staff on anything from language barriers to teaching students from other countries what the standard of care is in the United States. "Teaching brings all the experience I have together," she says.

Layher's exposure to the latest clinical trials and her work in the periodontal clinic allow her to refine her own clinical skills as she teaches her students what she knows. Layher, along with the rest of the staff, is very enthusiastic about her approach to teaching, and regularly discusses innovative ways to educate students.

In addition to a busy work schedule, Layher is heavily involved with the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) as the current Immediate Past President of the Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association. She has traveled all over the United States for ADHA meetings and projects and says the "dedicated volunteers and friends I have met through the association still amaze me." Layher urges those who seek a career like hers to get involved with a university or dental hygiene program and become a part of the ADHA. "It is so inspiring and helps push you to be challenged and continue your education to seek ever-growing knowledge.