Barbara Dixon, RDH, MEd
Those who deal in management, education and organizational work are often the unsung heroes,” wrote the woman who nominated Barbara Dixon, RDH, MEd. That ends now.
Barbara has been working in the dental industry for 35 years; 20 of those have been spent as a volunteer participant and officer for the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), working to develop the dental hygiene licensure examinations. Her work analyzing test performances and handling competency assessments, while pushing to expand and improve the dental hygiene exam, is the type of behind the scenes action that helps shape the high standard of care patients receive and often take for granted.
Her love for the profession, even as a child— “Growing up we played dentist, not doctor,” she jokes—translates into today’s unmistakable passion. Whether it is through writing a chapter for a dental hygiene textbook, mentoring or through her work with the American Dental Hygienists Association, she is out there, making things happen.
“My daughter says my spirit animal is a hummingbird, which probably says a lot about my personality,” she says, explaining that beyond the boundless energy and spirit, it has been said that the hummingbird brings love as no other medicine can, and its presence brings joy to the observer. Her characteristics have helped shape her into the happy, successful woman she is today.
“I’ve been fortunate; I have a great family and a wonderful career. I think the biggest thing I’ve had to deal with is finding the right kind of balance in my life; juggling work, service and family. I think that is something everyone has to work on.”
