Amy Navarrette graduated from the Rio Salado College Dental Hygiene Program in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004. She worked as a clinical hygienist in both general and periodontal dental offices for eight years before relocating to North Carolina in 2012. After obtaining her North Carolina dental hygiene license, Amy served as a fill-in hygienist for several offices in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. 

A highlight in her career was the opportunity to serve those who protect our country by working as a clinical hygienist at the French Creek Dental Clinic on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Following the birth of her son, Amy chose to step back from full-time clinical hygiene to further her education. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene through Northern Arizona University’s dental hygiene completion program in 2019 and earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the same institution in 2021. 

With a dedication to the dental hygiene profession and its future, Amy joined the Coastal Carolina Community College Dental Hygiene Program as an adjunct faculty member in Fall 2021. She has had the privilege of instructing students in both clinical and classroom settings. 

Amy is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the North Carolina Dental Hygienists’ Association (NCDHA). Within NCDHA, she serves as a Fifth Component Trustee and on the Student Engagement Committee. In 2025, Amy proudly achieved the distinction of Fellow of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, a recognition of her commitment to advancing the dental hygiene profession. 

Outside of her professional life, Amy enjoys time spent with her family and loved ones, going on camping trips, volunteering, long walks with her dog, visiting the beach, watching her son play soccer, and enjoying the outdoors.