Celebrating 20 Years: Candice Sherlock's Journey from Burnout to Public Health Impact

Twenty years as a dental hygienist is no small feat -- and for Candice Sherlock, that milestone comes with quite a story.

Candice spent most of her clinical career in private practice, but the COVID years took a toll. Like many in healthcare, she found herself burned out and ready for a new challenge. Her answer? Public health.

She joined a mobile dental organization, stepping into a management role overseeing a school-based dental program serving Chicago Public School communities. The work was anything but ordinary. On any given day, you might find Candice set up in a library, an art room — or yes, even a hallway or a closet. The logistics were creative, to say the least.

But the real challenge wasn't the portable equipment or unconventional spaces. It was ensuring kids actually received follow-up care after screenings. With corporate policy handling follow-up calls and no school nurse to serve as a liaison in many buildings, children were slipping through the cracks. Candice wasn't having it. She worked every angle — teachers, counselors, even principals — because at the end of the day, a child's health comes first.

As a Public Health Dental Hygienist (PHDH), Candice also felt her clinical skills were being underutilized. It was through her relentless advocacy for her young patients that she connected with Dr. Ryan Tuscher at PCC Community Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Chicago. It turned out to be the perfect fit.

At PCC, Candice works under the supervision of two dentists and has full use of her PHDH certification. What she loves most is the integrated model — medical and dental care all under one roof. That collaboration leads to better outcomes, and she's seen it firsthand.

One patient's story stands out. He was battling periodontal disease while navigating treatment for Type II Diabetes and awaiting a kidney transplant. Candice walked alongside him through every step — dental and medical clearances, managing his gingival health, and helping him understand the oral-systemic connection. There were setbacks. But eventually, he received his transplant. Today, he's a different person — physically healthier, emotionally renewed, and with a whole new outlook on life. "It's humbling," Candice says, "to realize the difference you can make."

Her role at PCC keeps her on her toes. In a typical week, she's in the dental clinic three days, the medical clinic one day, and handling administrative work the fifth — plus whatever else needs attention. Candice says that her absolute favorite days are the ones that she spends in the Medical Clinic, where she screens infants up to three years old, and provides education for the parents.  She performs the exams knee to knee and will apply fluoride as necessary during these early dental encounters. 

Candice is also involved in grant writing and community outreach. The clinic recently received an oral health and nutrition grant, and she is helping to organize cooking classes using the on-site farm. Candice recently hosted a CE event for local hygienists and Public Health Dental Hygienists: THAW: Transforming Hygiene Through Access and Wellness.   No two weeks of her schedule look the same, and she wouldn't have it any other way!

Candice still keeps in touch with her classmates from College of DuPage and encourages new grads to do the same. "Your classmates are a resource — don't lose them," she says. Her advice to those just starting out: get involved in your hygiene community, explore what's out there, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The opportunities are there. You just have to be willing to go after them.

This blog post was authored by IDHA Membership Committee Member Karen Webster