By Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer
📧 katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
WOODRUFF, S.C. — During Women’s History Month, communities across the country celebrate women who are making meaningful contributions in their professions and shaping a healthier future for generations to come. In Woodruff and the surrounding area, Gena Hughes Varner stands out as a woman whose dedication, faith, and passion for patient care have made a lasting impact in the field of dentistry.
With more than two decades of experience as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), Varner has devoted her career to helping patients maintain healthy smiles while educating families about the important connection between oral health and overall wellness.
A Calling That Began in Childhood
Varner’s journey into dentistry began long before her professional training. As a child, she recalls her mother emphasizing the importance of caring for her teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene.
“As a child, my Mama always instilled in me to take great care of my teeth, and I always enjoyed going to the dentist,” Varner said. “I believe God put dental hygiene in my heart as a child. I feel like He led me here, and I love it.”
That early inspiration turned into a lifelong calling. Today, Varner has served 22 years as a dental assistant and 20 years as a dental hygienist, building strong relationships with patients and watching many families grow over the years.
“I love taking care of my patients. They are like family to me,” she said. “I am able to watch my patients grow up and start families of their own. Every day is a new challenge, and it keeps things interesting.”
Witnessing the Evolution of Dentistry
Over the past two decades, Varner has witnessed significant advancements in dental technology. When she first began working in the field, dental offices relied on paper charts and traditional film x-rays.
“In college we still used paper charts and took x-rays with film,” she explained. “You had to process the film and hope you got what you needed to see.”
Today, digital technology has transformed dental care. Patient charts are stored electronically, and digital x-rays allow dental teams to instantly view images while exposing patients to far less radiation.
“Now everything is internet-based and x-rays are digital,” Varner said. “If something doesn’t look right, you can quickly take another image. The technology allows us to provide better care for our patients.”
Growing with ProGrin Dental
For nearly 13 years, Varner has been part of the team at ProGrin Dental, where she has continued to grow professionally while serving patients in her community.
Her journey there began shortly after the birth of her first daughter. At the time, she was commuting to Greenville for work and realized she needed to be closer to home.
“When ProGrin opened its doors in 2012, I interviewed with them, and the rest is history,” Varner said. “They welcomed me with open arms.”
She credits the leadership at the practice for encouraging professional development and supporting continuing education opportunities.
“Dr. Ayers and Brent, our CEO, have always supported me with continuing education and given me the tools I need to be the best that I can be,” she said.
Most recently, Varner completed certification in dental laser therapy, an advanced treatment used to help disinfect gum tissue and support patients dealing with gum disease.
Commitment to Innovation and Education
In dentistry, continuing education is essential, and Varner takes that responsibility seriously. Dental professionals must complete ongoing training each year to stay current with new technologies and treatment techniques.
“Technology in the dental field is ever-changing,” she said. “Staying up to date ensures we can take the best care of our patients.”
Laser therapy is one example of how innovation is improving patient outcomes. The treatment helps eliminate harmful bacteria in the gums while preserving healthy bacteria that supports oral balance.
“For patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease, laser therapy can help reduce bacteria and prevent further bone loss,” Varner explained. “Although there’s no cure for periodontal disease, treatments like scaling and root planning combined with laser therapy can help maintain healthier gum tissue and surrounding structures.”
These advancements also play an important role in promoting overall health. Research has shown links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
“The bacteria found in periodontal disease has also been found in heart disease and Alzheimer’s,” Varner said. “The heart and brain are the closest organs to the teeth, so properly caring for your teeth is extremely important.”
Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Prevention
This year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” resonates strongly with Varner’s approach to patient care. For her, sustainability begins with education.
“My contribution to long-term sustainability starts with educating my patients,” she said. “Teaching proper oral hygiene techniques reduces the risk of gum disease, which can help prevent other health issues.”
She spends time working one-on-one with patients, demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques and explaining how preventative care can protect long-term health.
“Preventative dental care now can reduce systemic health problems later,” she said.
Leadership Through Mentorship
Although her leadership role may not always be visible outside the dental office, Varner plays an important role mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.
After nearly 13 years at ProGrin, she frequently helps guide new hygienists joining the practice.
“Leadership as a dental hygienist means mentorship and setting the standard for others to follow,” she said. “I love being able to pour into new hygienists and help them reach their professional goals.”
Her encouragement has also inspired others to pursue careers in the field.
“I recently encouraged a friend of mine to become a dental hygienist,” Varner said. “She will be graduating this year.”
Guided by Faith and Compassion
Beyond her clinical skills, Varner says her faith shapes the way she approaches patient care.
“My personal relationship with Jesus helps guide how I care for my patients,” she said. “He teaches us to love Him first and then love our neighbors as ourselves.”
That compassion is evident in the way she connects with patients each day, taking time to understand their needs and build genuine relationships.
Balancing Career and Family
Like many working women, Varner balances the demands of her career with family life. She and her husband, Nick Varner, are the proud parents of two daughters, Ellie and Emmie.
While workdays are filled with patient care and professional responsibilities, evenings are often spent supporting their daughters’ activities and sports.
“Late evenings and nights are pretty common around my house,” she said with a smile. “But getting to work doing what I love and coming home to my husband and children is a huge blessing.”
Varner says she often reflects on how far she has come.
“I remember the days when I prayed for what I have now.”
A Story of Determination
Her journey to becoming a dental hygienist was not without challenges. After her parents divorced when she was around 11 or 12 years old, Varner worked three jobs while pursuing her education.
A family friend encouraged her to stay in college, and with the support of her mother and stepfather, she eventually completed her degree.
“I’m very thankful and proud to be the first college graduate in my immediate family,” she said.
A Legacy of Health and Trust
Looking ahead, Varner hopes her impact will extend beyond dental procedures and cleanings.
“The legacy I hope to leave goes beyond clinical care,” she said. “By empowering oral literacy, I can help patients understand the connection between oral and systemic health while building trust and friendships that last a lifetime.”
For Varner, shaping a sustainable future is about sharing knowledge that can be passed down through generations.
“Education leads to a healthier future,” she said. “When patients understand their oral health, they can pass that knowledge on to their children.”
Through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to lifelong learning, Gena Hughes Varner continues to make a difference—one patient, one family, and one healthy smile at a time.
