Leading & Coaching Behavior Change in Healthcare Teams – The Beta Class
The Beta Class
We are really excited with the way that our new course is developing and are really grateful for the input from the Beta Class and quite simply we couldn’t do this without them. The Beta Class is not only responsible for taking the first course as students but they also help develop and create the course with the faculty. It is a really exciting process to be involved in and we are lucky to have such a wonderfully talented group of hygienists. Not only have we handpicked OHU graduates who are leaders in their field but they also bring with them a wide variety of skills, experience and knowledge. With that in mind, we thought we would introduce to you Roma, Carla, Sabrina and Cathy.
Roma Czech BSc, RDH
I am a first generation Canadian, who has had an interest in Dentistry from a young age. You just couldn’t keep me away from bones, science, and anything to do with teeth-animal or human. I attended George Brown College in Toronto for dental assisting and shortly after that I graduated from Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario. from the hygiene diploma program. My career has led me from private practice to ortho and ending in owning a stand alone Independent Dental Hygiene Practice with a mobile component in central Ontario. It was at this time of my career that I spent 6 years as an elected professional member sitting on the council at the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. Continuing education is almost a daily part of my professional development…. who can resist the variety of webinars, workshops etc. available to us? It was a natural step to get my degree completion from O’Hehir University to fulfil my journey to get a Bachelor of Science degree. Doors started opening for me that were previously closed which made all the hard work worthwhile. I am a clinical Instructor at a local college as needed, an expert witness for a law firm in Toronto and a board member of a regional health organization. Presently, I also mentor hygienists who are hoping to go independent in hygiene and mentor for my regulatory college upon request. I sit as an independent advisor for our national association, CDHA, and sit on the National Service Codes Review Committee. (NSCRC)
After all that my partner and I dance a mean Argentine Tango and attend festivals in North America, Europe and the Caribbean.
Here is a link to: Roma’s Independent Dental Hygiene Practice
Carla Ofstie BSc, RDH
Carla Ofstie is known as a personable and energetic dental professional with a passion for education and connecting with dental professionals. With almost 20 years in the dental profession, Carla has worked in a variety of settings, which include Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Oral Health Consultant, Regional Manager and Clinical Development Manager.
While working as a dental hygienist in private practice, Carla saw the need to provide dental hygiene services to under-serviced populations and started Smile & Go Dental Hygiene Services. As one of the first independent dental hygienists in Saskatchewan, Carla provided dental hygiene services to residents of long- term care facilities. During this time, she became an advocate for oral health for her patients and her community.
Carla went on to sell her independent practice to allow her to focus on other aspects of her dental hygiene career but valued the lessons she learned as a business owner. It was from this experience that her entrepreneurial mindset was born.
In 2020, Carla co-founded the Sask RDH Connection, an online virtual study club that offers dental hygiene continuing education to over 100 members. Of all her roles, this is the one she is most passionate about, connecting with other dental hygienist to provide relevant dental hygiene education.
As an advocate for optimal oral and overall health, it is important for Carla to stay current and up to date within her profession and to continually evolve and grow. In 2021, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Oral Health Promotion Degree through O’Hehir University.
Carla is an active member of the Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists’ Association and recently joined the council as second Vice President.
In her current role as a Clinical Development Manager for dentalcorp, Carla provides education and support to dental professionals, to optimize clinical growth and enhance patient care.
Carla thrives on community and is excited to continually be apart of network of forward-thinking dental professionals through O’Hehir University.
Sabrina Cooper BSc, RDH
Sabrina Ponikvar Cooper is a certified holistic culinary nutritionist, coaching individuals on ways to take control of their health through mindful intuitive eating approaches. Through her business Nurish Well she provides hands on food initiatives for youth and adults with the prime focus on eating behaviours. Sparking a hunger for food that will nourish the body from the inside out. She also recently started her own organization The Nourish Well Community Project providing food initiatives for communities facing food scarcity.
Sabrina has been a registered dental hygienist for over twenty years, spending 4 of those years working abroad in Naples, Italy. It was there that she grew her skills and was also the hygiene co-ordinator for the office. Over the years working in a dental practice in Toronto she was passionate about her career and completed her Oral Health Promotions degree with OHU to better her serve her community.
Always wanting to give back Sabrina volunteered for numerous years with Global Dental Relief an organization that provides dental care for children in remote areas globally. She has an article written on this experience in Oh Canada dental magazine. She is also the Past President and President elect for a wonderful organization Brillo de Sol USA, giving children with special needs education for brighter futures.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs at the lake in nature.
Here’s a link to Sabrina’s business: Nurishwell
Cathy Delios BSc, RDH
Cathy Delios is an operations lead and dental hygienist at a leading edge dental practice. She is putting the skills she gained during the completion of her Bachelor of Science in Oral Health Promotion at OHU to good use by organizing and leading training and development to provide exceptional care to their entire patient base. As an infection control officer Cathy drives in-office compliance to public health standards and regulations, maintains an ongoing knowledge base of industry changes to ensure regulatory compliance and has authored articles in Oh Canada and Oral Health dental magazines.
