Meet Christine Sanaphay | Dental Hygienist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Sanaphay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
We are responsible for our own happiness so it’s important to have a job that you love. Know your why and do your job with passion. I also believe that making connections should be a priority.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been a dental hygienist for the past 16 years. I love dentistry and I love building long-lasting relationships with patients. I like to help patients overcome dental anxiety so they feel comfortable during their dental visits. It makes me happy when patients want to come back so I can help them maintain their oral health with personalized compassionate care. I am grateful to be part of Modern Dentistry of Peoria that shares the same values as me.

I like to contribute to the betterment of the community through volunteer activities. I recently participated in the TeamSmile and Arizona Coyotes Program by providing life-changing dental care to 280 underserved children in Tempe, Arizona while making it a fun experience for the children. I was also part of the Arizona Dental Missions team and helped underprivileged kids overseas. In 2016 and 2018, I provided dental cleanings for the kids in Cambodia. Our Arizona Dental Missions team partnered with Agape International Missions (AIM) and provided dental care to those who have been affected by human trafficking and child sexual slavery. In 2011, I helped the kids in the Philippines by administering local anesthesia for dental extractions of teeth that were non-restorable.

One of the lessons that I learned along the way is that it’s important to have a good work-life balance. I was always a workaholic working 5+ days a week for many years. Since wellness is very important to me, this year I transitioned to a four-day workweek with a 3-day weekend. In order for me to continue to do what I love, I also try to make it a priority to stay fit.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a foodie so of course we would go to all the good food spots. I love to hike in Sedona so we would probably spend time there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family! I am so grateful for them for always supporting me in everything I do!

Website: www.moderndentistryofpeoria.com

Instagram: christine_smiles_rdh