Anahi Villarreal Promoted To Lead Dental Hygienist At Dr. Phillips Dentistry

Less than three years ago, Anahi Villarreal, RDH, began her career as a Registered Dental Hygienist at Dr. Phillips Dentistry, an Operation Dental practice. Today, she is stepping into a new chapter of that journey after being promoted to Lead Dental Hygienist.

Her journey at Dr. Phillips Dentistry actually started before her first day in the operatory.

“I initially heard of Operation Dental through a presentation that was given at my college campus,” Anahi said. “After I graduated, I reached out and have been a part of Dr. Phillips Dentistry for three years as a Registered Dental Hygienist.”

There wasn't a single promotion or title that suddenly made Anahi start thinking like a leader. Instead, her coworkers were coming to her. Sometimes they needed guidance, and other times they needed support solving a problem, or simply someone they trusted enough to ask. Anahi started to recognize qualities in herself that she hadn't necessarily identified as leadership before.

That realization began changing the way she approached her role, but while Anahi was beginning to recognize her own potential, someone within Operation Dental had already seen it.

Frankie Agosto, Operations Manager, was among the first leaders to encourage her to consider what she could become. During a one-on-one meeting, he made it clear that she had the support of her leadership team.

Then he gave her a piece of advice that she wouldn't forget: “If you want to be a lead, then lead.”

Frankie’s advice encouraged Anahi to step up, take initiative, and show leadership before she ever had the title of Lead Dental Hygienist.

Her promotion to Lead Dental Hygienist wasn't simply about becoming better at the clinical side of dentistry. She learned to speak up in difficult conversations, became more comfortable communicating with different personalities, and learned to advocate for herself, trust her instincts, adapt under pressure, and make decisions with confidence.

“I think the experiences that prepared me most for leadership were the ones that challenged me to find my voice and trust my judgment,” she said. “Those experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about always having the answer, but being willing to communicate, learn, and stand up for what you believe is right.”

As a hygienist, her attention naturally centered on the patients in her chair and the responsibilities on her schedule. Becoming a lead required her to think beyond her individual day and consider what the entire hygiene team needed to succeed.

Even as Anahi takes on greater leadership responsibilities, the relationships she has built with patients remain central to why she loves dental hygiene. One patient relationship in particular has stayed with her.

One of Anahi’s patients regularly accompanies her husband to appointments to help translate for him. As the couple continues to visit Dr. Phillips Dentistry, their relationship with Anahi has grown beyond routine hygiene appointments. The patient shares how much Anahi has taught them about their oral health and how they could both see and feel the improvements Anahi was making.

“She always asks how I’m doing, and we genuinely enjoy our time together,” Anahi said. “It reminds me that being a hygienist is about more than dental care. It’s about building trust, educating patients, and creating meaningful connections.”

Those relationships have helped shape the kind of Lead Dental Hygienist she wants to become: someone who never loses sight of the people behind the dentistry.

Anahi also knows firsthand how important support can become when life extends far beyond the walls of a dental practice. Anahi has felt supported as a hygienist and as a person.

Anahi unexpectedly needed time away from work with very little notice. Her office manager encouraged her to take the time she needed and reassured her that the office would handle coverage. He would even regularly check in to see how Anahi was doing. The experience left a lasting impression on Anahi about Operation Dental’s culture.

Now, as she steps into leadership, she wants to create the same supportive culture for others.

“I want every new hygienist on my team to receive the same motivation, support, and encouragement to grow that I was given,” she said. “I want them to know that there is always room to grow in our field.”

“I would tell any hygienist considering joining the organization that there are so many opportunities to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. I've always felt encouraged to reach my full potential.”

Her vision for the hygiene team is built around open communication, collaboration, accountability, and celebrating one another's successes. She also wants to create an environment where people feel comfortable admitting when they need help.

“I want my team to feel supported and heard, while also knowing I’ll always encourage them to grow and be their best,” she said. “To me, leadership is about setting an example and creating an environment where we can all succeed together.”