Kerry – Hygienist

Kerry has worked as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) since 1979, starting in South Dakota where she was born and raised and where she went to school at the University of South Dakota. She moved to Alaska in 1974 and now she’s home.

What does she like about living in Alaska? “The scenery – it’s still breathtaking after all these years – even at minus 20 degrees!”

Kerry worked for Dr. George Murphy for many years when he was a solo practitioner, and now enjoys working with his sons as well. Many patients from the “old days” still ask for her for their cleanings, and she’s developed many enduring friendships as a result.

Kerry sees her profession as a way to help people learn to care about their teeth and contribute to their overall health. She doesn’t hesitate to insist that a patient see the doctor right away if she finds something that doesn’t seem quite right, and as a result she’s been responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of several cases of oral cancer in the practice. She’s a valuable member of the Murphy Family Dental team.

She has two grown children living in Alaska, as well as a dog and a chinchilla, and in her free time she enjoys family activities, crafts and movies.