Donna Marie Grzegorek

Name:	Donna Marie Grzegorek RDH, EC
Graduated From:	William Rainey Harper College and Augustana College
Years in Practice:	29 years
Specialty:	Non-surgical laser assisted periodontal therapy (NSLAPT)
Practice Location:	Barrington, IL
Favorite New Product:	Caesy DVD 2009, Lexicomp 4th Edition of Oral Soft Tissue Diseases

I feel very passionately about early oral cancer detection. Both products, Caesy DVD 2009 and Lexicomp 4th Edition, assist me in educating myself and the patient about the devastation of this insidious disease. As a profession, dentistry must take a greater responsibility for oral cancer. Each of these products provides great educational value. Dental hygiene has been an amazing career for me. During the past 29 years, I have observed the profession mature from that of mechanical “tooth debridement” to one of veritable “healthcare provider.”

My journey is probably no different than many other hygienists who are unsung heroes and have devoted many hours championing community and pro-bono events. My favorites have been: ‘Toothprinting” children’s DNA for early identification and recovery; grade school screenings to identify oral growth aberrations leading to airway restriction, ADD, ADHD, bedwetting, snoring, and sleep apnea; collaborating with teenagers to set a Guinness Worldbook Record for “The Most Number of People Flossing on One Single Strand of Dental Floss”; and visiting senior resident facilities to perform oral cancer screenings.

In addition to practicing full time clinical hygiene, I enjoy lecturing and publishing. I sure have a lot to be thankful for!