MARTINS FERRY — For Olivia Eckels, helping others show off their bright smile is not just a job, but her passion.

Eckels is a dental hygienist at Drs. Kramer and Associates in Martins Ferry, where she works with Dr. John Kramer and Dr. Paige Durkin. She is one of a growing group of young professionals choosing to live in the Ohio Valley and make it a better place for all.

The days of fretting over a trip to the dentist are long gone. Dental care today is all about prevention and early detection. Eckels said in her role as a hygienist, she not only cleans teeth and removes all that plaque build-up, but she also screens for oral cancer, takes X-rays, provides non-surgical periodontal scaling/root planning, and educates her patients on better oral health.

She has been in her industry for more than two years, starting fresh out of West Liberty University’s Dental Hygienist program.

“I accepted this job three days before college graduation. Dr. John was patient with me starting off as a young college graduate. He has taught me a substantial amount of knowledge in providing the best care for our patients,” Eckels, a Parkersburg native who has made the Upper Ohio Valley her home, said.

A typical workday for Eckels includes seeing about a dozen patients of all ages. “My job is exciting because each patient has a unique story to tell. I enjoy hearing about what is going on in my patient’s lives. My goal … is to make each patient as comfortable as possible. I want them to learn about the importance of oral hygiene, but to also have a positive experience in the dental chair.”

Attending West Liberty allowed Eckels to fall in love with our region and hold a true appreciation for all the Upper Ohio Valley has to offer. “I was drawn to the history of Wheeling and experienced a sense of friendly community. I … believe growing up in the Parkersburg area taught me that a small town holds colossal meaning. I have met several people since coming to this area and can tell the people here truly understand what community is all about.”

Along with her work, she is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. She also is an active member of the Junior League of Wheeling.

“We focus on helping a community of women and children in the Ohio Valley,” she said of the Junior League. “My favorite community-based event was held at Madison Elementary, serving the children a Thanksgiving meal this past November. It is integral to this community that women and children receive the help that they need. There is always work to be done and I encourage any young woman in the valley to consider looking into ways to help this beautiful community through reaching out to the Junior League of Wheeling.”

She plans to continue advocating for oral health throughout her career. “West Liberty University has a excellent hygiene program and it would be wonderful to see more graduates that come out of the program stay in this area. The goal is that people become even more aware of how important oral health is, and to take is seriously. This area provides opportunity for people in this field to grow and be a part of something special.”