Heather C. – Dental Hygienist
Hello! My name is Heather, and I'm a Registered Dental Hygienist with Dr. Bruggeman. I'm a native of Aurora, Colorado, and graduated from Gateway High School. I was always interested in dentistry, and a close family friend was my childhood dentist. After inviting me to spend a day at his office observing, and helping out, I knew a dental career was in my future! In 1995 I became an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant after completing coursework at Front Range Community College. I enjoyed a 10 year career assisting in general dentistry, a high level cosmetic practice, and even an oral surgeon that was a Colonel in the Army. In 2005 I was accepted to the Dental Hygiene program at Community College of Denver, graduating in 2007 with honors. I passed the CRDTS (clinical dental board exam) with a near perfect score and have loved my career as a dental hygienist ever since!
The best part of being a dental hygienist is forming lasting bonds with my patients, and teaching them to care about their oral health as much as I do. I have been told I have a gentle, but thorough hand when cleaning teeth, and I believe teaching oral hygiene habits with a little wit and humor is more effective than harassing my patients about flossing. I am a strong advocate for continuing education in order to stay relevant and knowledgeable with current treatment standards and to give my patients the latest techniques and information in regards to their healthcare. I regularly attend C. E. courses and read monthly Dental Hygiene journals. I also hold a license to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, as well as certification to use a diode laser for the treatment of gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.
On a personal note, my hobbies include spending a lot of time outside planting anything I can get to grow, camping, fishing, and watching my little fellas participate in various sports. I am an avid scrapbooker and an active member in my church. I have two amazingly cute and ornery boys ages 9 and 5, which you will often hear all about their latest antics during your appointment.
Welcome to our practice!
Hong M. -- Dental Hygienist
Kayla M. – Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
I am Kayla and I have been assisting Dr. Bruggeman chairside for some time now. I grew up in Aurora, Colorado and graduated from Rangeview High School. In 2001, I began working as a part-time Dental Assistant and decided to pursue a career in the dental field by attending Pickens Technical College. During my time at Pickens Tech, I also obtained advanced training to become a certified Expanded Duty Dental Assistant, along with training in dental radiology, OSHA, and CPR. I love that dentistry gives me the unique ability to work with my hands in a very artistic way to help patients achieve their esthetic goals. After 13 years in the dental field, my favorite part about my work is still the interaction with patients and building relationships with them on a personal level.
I am extremely passionate about my family and friends and I enjoy spending my time off surrounded by loved ones. I have an active 7 year old boy, Kaylan, and I love coaching his many sports teams including baseball, basketball, and soccer. I also enjoy going to the movies, bowling, camping, volleyball and participating in other sports.
Mandi B. – Patient Care Coordinator
I am Mandi-- a Colorado native and the first person to welcome you when you come into our office! I have been in the dental field since 2005, focusing my work on coordinating patient care. I find great joy in assisting patients with all of their dental needs as well as providing a reassuring hand to make their visit as comfortable as possible. I hope to help answer all of your questions and take the stress out of dealing with insurance. If I don’t know the answer, you can be sure I will work hard to find out! Family is very important to me and I love spending time with my two boys, Jordan and J.C. We are loyal Broncos fans and you can usually find us