Carolina Guillermo

For hygienist Carolina Guillermo, dentistry runs in the family: "I grew up visiting my aunt in the Dominican Republic for dental work," she says. "She is so sweet and patient—and even helped me learn dentistry in Spanish."

Here in New York, Carolina is taking a page from her aunt's book. "I was so comfortable sitting in her chair, and I want to give that feeling to my own patients. I explain everything I'm doing, and I keep communicating the entire time so there are no surprises. It's a lot easier to feel comfortable when you know what to expect."

When she's not performing cleanings or showing patients the best flossing techniques, she's making art at home as a hobby. "I really like to paint," she says. "Multiple times people have told me I treat their teeth like a piece of artwork."