With more than 30 years of experience and a steadfast commitment to patient care, Nicola A. Pinnock, RDH, MS, has established a distinguished career in dental hygiene. Since 2004, she has served as a registered dental hygienist at Siegel, Dolt, and Plaisance Comprehensive Dental Care. In this role, Ms. Pinnock provides comprehensive dental hygiene services tailored to individual patient needs, including periodontal maintenance, prophylaxis, root planning and scaling. She is proficient in conducting 3D intraoral scans and digital imaging to create detailed models of patient dentitions, reviewing medical histories and medications to assess oral and systemic health implications, and delivering patient education and nutrition counseling to support overall wellness.
A hallmark of Ms. Pinnock’s professional journey is her ability to form deep personal connections with her patients. Over the past two decades, she has cultivated relationships that extend beyond the office environment, with her traveling with patients for various experiences.
In 2025, Ms. Pinnock celebrated her 50th birthday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with several patients, and in 2026, she traveled to South Africa with two other patients who are facing personal hardships. Her patients respect her opinions on both dental work and overall health; she has identified critical health issues, such as dangerously low oxygen saturation or signs of cardiovascular distress, during appointments and has taken immediate action to ensure the safety of her patients. This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of considering the whole body in dental care, advocating for long-term health outcomes and supporting patients as both a clinician and a friend.
Outside of her primary duties, Ms. Pinnock has contributed as an instructor and examiner for the Georgia Dental Association since 2022. In this capacity, she contributes to the professional development of fellow dental hygienists by sharing her knowledge of best practices and advanced techniques.
Ms. Pinnock’s career began in the United States Army, where she served as a dental assistant and hygienist beginning in 1995. She was deployed to Kuwait for Operation Intrinsic Action in 1995, demonstrating dedication under challenging circumstances. In 2001, while still serving in the military, Ms. Pinnock received a scholarship to attend civilian dental hygiene school, enabling her to obtain registration and qualify for board examination. She transitioned into civilian practice in 2004.
The trajectory of Ms. Pinnock’s professional journey has been shaped by her academic achievements. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in managerial sciences from Georgia State University in 2012. Subsequently, Ms. Pinnock earned a Master of Science in health care informatics from Grand Canyon University in 2014. She also completed a project management certification program through Syracuse University’s Veterans Career Transition Program in 2015.
To commemorate her exemplary service, Ms. Pinnock has been recognized through numerous honors. For her military service, she received multiple military awards, including a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Ms. Pinnock was inducted into the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society in 2013, reflecting her focus on education. In 2016, she was presented with the Georgia Quilts of Valor. Ms. Pinnock attributes her success to maintaining a positive attitude and an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and support to patients. These qualities have defined her reputation within the field.
Shouldering both professional and civic responsibilities, Ms. Pinnock dedicates time to community outreach. She supports new member ministry at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral and the Wounded Warrior Project, a demonstration of her ongoing commitment to advocacy for veterans. Ms. Pinnock also volunteers to provide oral health education and nutrition counseling to preschool and elementary students during Dental Health Month. She maintains active membership in the Georgia Dental Hygienists’ Association.
Looking ahead, Ms. Pinnock is primarily focused on maintaining her health rather than traditional career advancement, with the overall goal of continuing to be a reliable presence for her patients. She strives for each interaction to be meaningful — offering friendship as well as clinical expertise — and remains committed to supporting those facing serious health challenges or personal difficulties outside the office. Ms. Pinnock’s enduring dedication to holistic patient care, professional development and community involvement underscores her lasting impact on both dentistry and those whose lives she touches every day.