Staff Spotlight: Gaylene Pitzler

By Clare Jensen

For Puyallup Tribal News
cjensen@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: November 27, 2008

Staff Member: Gaylene Pitzler

Position: Lead Dental Assistant

Like several other people at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA) dental clinic, Gaylene Pitzler got her start in the field as a sterilization technician through the CETA program’s on-the-job training. But unlike many staff at the clinic, Gaylene Pitzler began working with the PTHA back in 1977, in the days before the new Takopid building. When she returned to PTHA in September 1993 she became a certified dental assistant, which is a requirement for dental assistants to work at PTHA.

Today, Gaylene Pitzler works as the lead dental assistant for PTHA dental clinic. She works closely with staff to ensure the schedule flows for the many dental assistants, dentists and patients.

“I love working with the people and staff members…we all get along great. It’s like a big family here,” she said.

Gaylene Pitzler also works with orthodontist Dr. Isaac Fu as an orthodontic assistant two days a week and she really enjoys working with the dentists doing expanded functions three days a week.

She began working as an orthodontics assistant 15 years ago. She said she enjoys working in the orthodontic program because of patients’ reaction to the care they receive.

“The patients, they are so pleased with ortho especially,” she said.

Gaylene Pitzler works Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and commutes from her home in Gig Harbor with some other staff people who live west of the Narrows Bridge. She noted the commitment she sees in her co-workers who make long commutes back and forth each day, one coming from  as far as Poulsbo to work.

“We have a lot of dedicated workers,” she said.

Gaylene Pitzler lives in her home in Gig Harbor with her husband of 19 years and their two dogs. She and her husband enjoy outdoor activities, such as camping, and enjoy spending some of their free time at Lake Cushman.

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