Alumni, Class of 2016 & 2021
Hometown
Klamath Falls
From a challenging childhood experience with dental trauma to becoming one of Oregon's first licensed dental therapists, Kimberly Perlot's story is simply inspiring! When Kimberly first arrived at Oregon Tech’s Chemeketa campus, she was a 35-year-old mom with one mission: build a career that would give her family flexibility — and help others avoid the dental challenges she’d faced growing up. Today, she is one of Oregon's first licensed dental therapists and Expanded-Practice Dental Hygienist.
Kimberly Perlot, a dental hygienist for nine years and a dental therapist for nearly three years, faced significant dental challenges from a young age. In fifth grade, she suffered a severe bicycle accident that left her with a chipped front tooth. Due to financial constraints, her tooth was only temporarily fixed, leading to further complications in high school when the tooth broke off completely.
“Missing my front tooth made me painfully aware of how important a smile can be”
Despite these challenges, Kimberly's positive experiences with dental care during her early adulthood ignited her passion for the field. After moving to the valley and working for the state, a conversation with her dental hygienist encouraged her to pursue a career in dental hygiene. She chose Oregon Tech for its top-ranked dental hygiene program and began her journey towards a fulfilling career.
Entering the rigorous three-and-a-half-year program at Chemeketa, Kimberly found her mentors in Paula Hendricks (“like a mama bear—protective and loving”) and Charisse, whose laughter could “light up the darkest room.” Their hands-on guidance inspired Kimberly’s own commitment to patient education, especially during her senior “perio project,” where she learned that true care extends far beyond a single cleaning.
Since graduating in 2016 (B.S. in Dental Hygiene) and earning her M.S. in Allied Health in 2021, Kimberly has dedicated her career to rural and underserved communities across Central Oregon. She runs a mobile dental van serving Warm Springs through La Pine, embeds dental teams in medical clinics, and treats patients at shelters, recovery centers, and outreach events. “I literally bridge from no care to care,” she says.
“I see people who haven’t been to a dentist in 10–20 years—or ever—and I help them take that first step back.”
An early graduate of Oregon’s pilot Dental Therapy program at Pacific University, Kimberly holds the state’s 10th dental-therapy license. She currently serves as President of the Oregon Dental Hygienists’ Association and sits on the Chemeketa Dental Hygiene Advisory Board.
At home on acreage outside Bend, she recharges by paddle boarding, bow-hunting, and caring for her pigs and chickens.
"Embrace the challenges," Kimberly advises current students. "The hard work prepares you for the realities of the profession. It's through overcoming obstacles that we grow stronger."
With a profound commitment to her patients and a passion for lifelong learning, Kimberly Perlot exemplifies the spirit of Oregon Tech—transforming personal adversity into a career dedicated to constant learning and uplifting others.