Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Rock River Community Clinic.
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) has recently announced the hiring of Dawn Kiernan
as the new Dental Operations Manager for their Dental Clinic in Fort Atkinson.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dawn into this important leadership position at RRCC,” states Olivia
Nichols, CEO/Executive Director of Rock River Community Clinic. “Our dental clinic has a strong
reputation of providing high quality dental services to families in need and expanding access to
dental care in our region. Dawn’s expertise and passion for dental care will assist our entire
organization as we continue to grow and serve our communities.”
Kiernan brings over two decades of healthcare experience to her position leading the RRCC
dental clinic team, having gained crucial skills and invaluable knowledge as a dental
assistant, health unit coordinator, AEMT, and most recently, as the Deputy Medical Examiner for
Walworth County.
“I started Dental Assisting in 1987 and have learned a lot over the years through my work with
some amazing dentists. Knowing so many aspects of the field, from working chairside with
patients, to answering phones, to working in the back office, my extensive experience has given
me the confidence to take on this new role.”
Kiernan’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, managing all day-to-day operations
of clinic activities including hiring and supervising staff, scheduling and facility management,
working closely with the full dental team to ensure a positive patient experience, managing
patient customer service, evaluating existing clinic operations and identifying opportunities for
growth, consulting with the administrative team to address concerns and/or strategic changes,
and much more.
“This next year will be filled with growth and opportunity as we lean into our new designation as
a Federally Qualified Health Center” adds Nichols. “Having experienced, energetic, passionate
people leading our clinic teams is crucial to the overall success of RRCC and to meeting our
goal of reducing barriers to needed health services. Dawn is a vital part of that team and that
work.”
“I am excited to help keep the momentum going for the RRCC dental team, allowing us to
continue with our mission to help serve our communities,” Kiernan states. “We have such an
amazing group of dentists, assistants, hygienists and office staff all working towards the same
goal – to help others. Everyone in our clinic shows compassion towards our patients’ needs, as
well as their oral and overall health. We work very hard to do our best for everyone who sits in
our chairs.”
Rock River Community Clinic is actively hiring for a dental assistant and dental hygienist to join
Kiernan and the entire dental clinic team. Both part-time and full-time options are available.
Interested applicants can visit https://rockrivercommunityclinic.com/careers/ for full details.
The RRCC dental clinic is located at 520 Handeyside Lane in Fort Atkinson and open from
8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Rock River Community Clinic is one of the only locations
in Jefferson County that serves patients enrolled in Medicaid (BadgerCare) or with incomes
below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Any dental questions or inquiries can be
directed to 920.563.4372.
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to
ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge,
and parts of Walworth County, RRCC includes three medical clinics located in Whitewater, Watertown,
and Jefferson, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson. Referrals for behavioral health care services
will be available in Whitewater and Watertown locations soon.
At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with
discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also
provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g.,
transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to
support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at
affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more
equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
