05/03/2026
Thirty-six years. That’s how long Deb has been a dental hygienist. And for the past eight years, she’s spent her Fridays on the Mobile Dental Unit, showing up for kids across Rockford.
Not because she had to. Because she wanted to.
Fridays were her day off from private practice. She chose to spend them giving back to the community, doing what she loves in a place where it’s needed most. “I love being a hygienist, so this was an easy choice.”
That “easy choice” turned into years of impact. Thousands of kids seen. Countless moments of care, encouragement, and early intervention. Quiet work that most people never see, but that changes everything for a child sitting in that chair.
But when you ask Deb what she’s seeing now, her answer is honest. And it’s hard to ignore. “It is just absolutely sad. I’ve been a hygienist for 36 years, and I’m actually seeing more and more decay every year.”
Think about that for a second. We have more information than ever. More access. More options. And yet, things are getting worse. A big part of it comes down to what kids are drinking every single day. Soda. Juice. Sports drinks. Energy drinks. Things that feel normal, routine, even harmless.
But they’re not. “They’re dissolving kids’ teeth. We see so many large areas of decay. It’s really disheartening.”
COVID played a role, yes. But Deb points to something even bigger. The pace of life. The convenience. The “fast everything” culture we’re all living in. Coffee shops on every corner. Constant access to sugary drinks. Habits that slowly add up and show up in ways we can’t ignore. And we’re seeing it in our kids.
As Deb wrapped up her final day on the mobile unit, after eight years of service, her message to the community wasn’t complicated. It was simple. Direct. And important. “Drink water. Brush your teeth. Keep smiling.”
It sounds small. But it’s not. Because what’s happening inside these dental chairs is about more than teeth. It’s about confidence. Health. The ability for a kid to show up to school, to smile, to not feel pain, to not feel embarrassed.
Deb, thank you. For showing up. For caring. For choosing to give your time when you didn’t have to. This work matters because of people like you.
