Lowery-Poole sets a ‘shining example’ in Pediatric Dentistry

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Mattie Lowery Poole streamMattie Lowery-Poole has been a Blazer for more than 27 years. She graduated from UAB’s dental assisting program and accepted a job as a pediatric dental assistant. Now, two decades later, she is a patient service coordinator II in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry — and the UAB Employee of the Month.

Lowery-Poole said her parents always told her to choose a profession she would enjoy, and she definitely hit the mark with her jobs in pediatric dentistry. Not only does she have an opportunity to show kindness to children and families, she said, but she also interacts with co-workers who make doing her job easier and more fun.

“I’ve always had a passion for working with children and helping others,” Lowery-Poole said. “I work with a dynamic group of people, and it brings me pleasure knowing that I’ve made a contribution to taking care of a child’s health care needs.”

Though Lowery-Poole’s job duties are varied — sometimes she supervises the clinic operations, and other times she works in the clinic itself — her colleagues said she always is hardworking and thorough.

“My day is always complete when I get a hug and a smile from a child and the parents leave our clinic happy and satisfied with the care that we’ve given them.”

“She works diligently, whether she is helping with the clinic, front desk or wherever she is needed,” said Lina Soler-Ballman, DDS, clinic director and assistant professor. “She always cheerfully gathers the children and their families, making them feel welcome.”

Lowery-Poole’s combination of passion and diligence has made her invaluable to the clinic, said Noel Childers, DDS, Ph.D., professor and department chair.

“I always find that she over-delivers when she is asked to do something for our department,” he said. “She is dedicated to the mission of the department in providing excellent care and communication for parents and children, and she is a shining example that provides the foundation for the spirit of our clinic.”

Working at UAB, in an innovative environment with good colleagues, has been a key factor in Lowery-Poole’s success, she said.

Each month, UAB recognizes an outstanding employee for their dedication, hard work and contributions to the university’s success. If you know of a great employee, you can learn how to nominate them for this recognition at uab.edu/humanresources.

“My biggest takeaway from UAB is I’ve had the opportunity to work with and meet a diverse number of people and watch the university expand and grow with tremendous technology into the future,” Lowery-Poole said. “I believe that team work plays a vital part in the success of any daily operation.”

Above all, Lowery-Poole said she strives to abide by the Golden Rule, which influences her interactions with everyone she meets during the workday.

“The talent and compassion that I have is a gift from God,” she said. “I believe in treating people the way that I would want to be treated. My day is always complete when I get a hug and a smile from a child and the parents leave our clinic happy and satisfied with the care that we’ve given them.”