This employee spotlight shines on Carolyn, one of our many wonderful hygienists.  Carolyn has a growing number of loyal patients who love her sweet personality and gentle touch.  After working with her since 2003, we feel fortunate to have found such a caring, knowledgeable, and compassionate hygienist to be part of our team.  Carolyn has been kind enough to give us insight on the path that led her to our office.

I am a native Oregonian, raised in the Eugene area. As a child my family often vacationed in the Central Oregon , so I have loved this area for a long time. I graduated from Sheldon High School (where my own children also graduated from) in 1967. In high school I began working as a professional seamstress/tailor. This job skill afforded me the opportunity to go to college. I attended Oregon State University for a year and then was accepted into the first Dental Hygiene class at Lane Community College . I graduated in 1970 with honors and an Associate degree in Dental Hygiene. In 1992, I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and focuses in Geriatrics and Education.

In 1970, I began working for the first periodontist in Lane County . In 1981, I had the opportunity to teach in the dental program at Lane Community College until 2000. During this time, I had the summers off which allowed me to substitute for other hygienists in private practice and spend more time with my girls. When my husband retired from the Eugene Fire Department in 2002 we moved to our favorite vacation spot - Central Oregon . We spent a few years building our home and then I returned to substituting as a hygienist.

I have been married to my best friend and high school sweetheart, Dennis, for 37 years. We have two children that bring us our greatest joy. Our oldest daughter Kellee and her boyfriend Robb live in San Francisco, while our other daughter Jodee, her husband Ronnie live in Issaquah, Washington with our grandchildren, Madison, age 5 and Beckham, 18 months.

I love this area and try to enjoy all it has to offer. Dennis and I enjoy hiking, snow shoeing, camping, and traveling, while I also love to sew and work endlessly in our garden.  However, my favorite time is spent with my family and friends.

I began working for Dr Coombe as a substitute hygienist in 2003. He later offered me a permanent position working part time, which still allowed me time to travel. Having substituted in many offices, I can honestly say I am honored to work in the most state-of-the-art practice, with the most skilled and incredibly caring staff and doctors. I have been blessed with a wonderful rewarding career and now have the opportunity to continue it with a great office and wonderful patients.