With Thanksgiving around the corner, I decided to reflect this month on how thankful I am for the cultural diversity in Bowling Green. I love being able to help families from all over the world experience modern pediatric dental care for their children. But this would not be possible without the amazing communications team we have at SKY Pediatric Dentistry. Our Communication Coordinators facilitate treatment for families in their native language. They guide families through appointments, explaining everything at every step of the way. This article features five outstanding members of our SKY team, bridging the gap between dental disease and healthy smiles for so many families in our community!
James Reh, Communications Coordinator
Where are you from?
My family is from Burma, and I am from Mae Hong Son, Thailand.
How did you learn English?
I went to school here in America, so I learned English this way. I also learned the language by watching cartoons and movies in English.
What do you like about helping families?
I enjoy everything about helping families. Being able to assist patients and their families in understanding English is my favorite part about working at SKY.
What is something that we should know that is different about your culture than in America?
Many things are different in American culture. The main difference I have seen while working at SKY is that in Thailand there is no concept of time. If people need to go to the doctor, they just go without an appointment. In America, appointments are made, and patients are expected to make it to the appointment on time. This is not the same as in Thailand.
Naug Meh, Communication Coordinator
Where are you from?
My parents are from Kayah State which is in Burma/Myanmar. I was born in Thailand at a refugee camp. My family is Karenni, which is an ethnic minority there.
How did you learn English?
I came to the U.S. in 2009 and went to Sterling High School for four years. It was not easy to learn English, but I had a great ESL teacher that was always patient with me and welcoming.
What do you like about helping families?
The reason I like helping families is because I remember my experience when I first arrived in the United States. It was not easy going to appointments and not understanding what was going on with my own health. I dreamed of being an interpreter ever since coming to the U.S. because I wanted to help other families and communities. I enjoy making a difference in my culture and being a huge help to the families who come to SKY. I like explaining to parents their child’s health and clearing up any of their confusion. Helping others not only makes me happy, but the families I help leave our office satisfied and educated about their oral health. I believe I can make a difference, and I have learned so much while helping others. Doing something that really matters and makes me happy gives me a sense of purpose, and interpreting has done this for me.
What is something that we should know that is different about your culture than in America?
Here in the U.S., we have a lot of dental care options, and we are taught to get a cleaning at the dentist every six months. Also, we have to set up appointments for doctor visits in America. In my country, we didn’t have dental care, and this is why many people in my culture have poor oral hygiene. We also did not have to make an appointment to see the doctor. We could just walk right in whenever we were sick to get treated.
Sabina Avdic, Dental Assistant
Where are you from?
I am from Vlasenica, Bosnia, which is in Eastern Europe.
How did you learn English?
Learning English was very difficult because before coming to America, I knew no English. In 1996, I began taking English classes through the refugee center here in Bowling Green. My sister and I would walk to our classes every morning and afternoon until we were familiar with the language.
What is something that we should know that is different about your culture than in America?
When first coming to the U.S., the biggest difference I noticed between the cultures was transportation. In Bosnia, I was used to walking everywhere because places were close together. When I came here, I had to use public transportation instead of walking places. Things are a lot more spread out in the states, and most people drive to where they need to go.
Lourdes Lovos, Dental Assistant
Where are you from?
I am from a small town in El Salvador.
How did you learn English?
I started learning English at the age of 14. As soon as my family moved to the U.S., my parents signed me up for school. I was in high school for three years, and that is how I learned the language. I was in ESL classes after school to improve my communication skills.
What do you like about helping families?
I love that not a single day of helping families is the same. Helping families is the most rewarding job that I can think of. I am very pleased to put into practice all my knowledge by explaining to parents how we can help their kids. I know in the long run my assistance will benefit their children’s oral health.
What is something that we should know that is different about your culture than in America?
Something different between the two cultures that I have noticed is that in American culture, parents will start taking their kids to the dentist early for preventative care. In my culture, parents don’t start taking their kids to the dentist until they start having problems.
Marisela Quintanilla, Office Manager
Where are you from?
My mother is from Mexico, and my father is from El Salvador. I was born and raised in the U.S.
How did you learn English?
I learned English when I started elementary school. I was placed in ESL classes for a few years, and I learned English pretty quickly. I was young and I had two older siblings who spoke English well; therefore, the language came to me easily.
What do you like about helping families?
I love seeing the relieved faces of parents when they see a Spanish-speaking employee as soon as they walk into our office. I see this especially when translating for families who have treatment in the hospital. Parents are always so grateful to have someone face-to-face helping them instead of someone translating over the phone. I love knowing that I can make a family more comfortable by just being there for them.
What is something that we should know that is different about your culture than in America?
Regular check-ups, including dental visits, are not reinforced in the Mexican and Salvadorian cultures. Many people are not educated on the importance of preventative care. I think that being able to communicate the importance of preventative and restorative care (even for baby teeth) to all our Spanish-speaking families is so crucial!
-by Dr. Mandy Ashley DMD, MsEd, MS
About the Author: Dr. Mandy Ashley DMD, MsEd, MS is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with Fellowship Status and owner of SKY Pediatric Dentistry. SKY Pediatric Dentistry is located at 234 Natchez Trace in Bowling Green and at 280 Burley Ave in Hopkinsville. We are happy to announce our BRAND NEW FAMILY DENTAL PRACTICE, “SKY Family Dentistry” is now open at our 727 US 31W Bypass location. SKY Family Dentistry provides comfortable, modern dental care for adults and teenagers. Please visit our website or facebook page, email us at info@skyfamilydentistry.com or give us a call at 270-783-5280 for more information!