Jeannette Diaz

DHSc, MPH, MSDH, RDH, RDHAP, FADHA

Jeannette is a highly respected leader in the dental hygiene profession, known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach. As an empath, she is deeply committed to humanizing healthcare to enhance the patient-provider experience. Jeannette holds dual master’s degrees in dental hygiene and public health, as well as a doctorate in health sciences from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University.

Her extensive experience spans both clinical and non-clinical settings, including roles in the private and government sectors. Jeannette's expertise includes providing in-home dental hygiene care for older adults and individuals with developmental disabilities. She has also conducted and published original research on the experiences of men in the dental hygiene profession, with additional research interests in qualitative studies and grief.

Described as approachable, collaborative, and reliable, Jeannette is a dedicated professional who has earned several accolades, including the 2020 President’s Commitment to Diversity Award and the 2021 Sunstar/RDH Award of Distinction. In her spare time, Jeannette enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her German Shepherd.

Currently, Jeannette serves as a full-time dental hygiene educator at Cerritos College and as adjunct faculty at MCPHS University’s dental hygiene graduate studies program.

The Hazards of Empathy: Building Resilience Against Compassion Fatigue

Compassionate care requires empathy which is fundamental to a dental provider’s ability to connect with their patients. Empathy has been found to have a positive influence on patient and provider satisfaction. Unfortunately, empathetic care can also increase the risk of exposure to indirect trauma for the dental provider which can result in compassion fatigue. Emotional and physical exhaustion can affect a provider’s well-being and negatively impact patient care. It is essential for dental healthcare providers to understand the factors influencing this occupational threat. This course is aimed to increase awareness of compassionate fatigue and equip the dental provider with strategies to build resilience against the risks associated with compassion fatigue.

Educational Objectives:

  1. Recognize risk factors influencing compassion fatigue

  2. Identify signs of compassion fatigue

  3. Explore strategies to reduce the risks associated with compassion fatigue