Rhea Cooper
Rhea Cooper is a retired dental hygienist and healthcare professional with a background in nursing, based in Boca Raton, Florida. She runs KonnectMD Virtual Healthcare, a virtual healthcare membership service that she both markets and uses to provide accessible, high-quality care. In addition to leading her business, Rhea offers hands-on caregiving support, assisting residents in assisted-living settings with daily needs, companionship, and personalized attention. Her work is guided by a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of those she serves.
Rhea’s professional focus centers on education and whole-person health, including oral, physical, and emotional wellness. She is a vocal mental health advocate and empowers patients through practical hygiene and wellness education to prevent serious health outcomes, such as tooth loss. Over her years as a dental hygienist, she educated countless patients on gum and oral health, instilling preventative practices that have lasting benefits. Physical limitations in her hands led her to transition from clinical hygiene work to running KonnectMD and providing personalized caregiving, allowing her to continue making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Passionate about mentorship and community engagement, Rhea enjoys guiding young women entering healthcare and sharing her knowledge with her community. She has been featured in a national magazine representing Boca Raton, Florida, highlighting her dedication to healthcare and patient advocacy. Outside of work, Rhea loves caring for animals, cooking, and embracing outdoor adventures, always seeking new experiences that enrich both her personal and professional life.
• Phoenix College - AAS, Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of passion, dedication, and a commitment to educating and caring for others. As a retired dental hygienist, I spent years helping patients improve their oral health, from teaching proper gum brushing techniques to inspiring lasting habits that positively impacted their lives. My recent work with KonnectMD, a virtual healthcare membership service, allowed me to extend that care in new ways, supporting patients’ overall well-being. Beyond dentistry, I care deeply for both people and animals, providing companionship, cooking meals, and promoting health and mental wellness. Mentoring young women entering the field, advocating for self-care and resilience, and relying on faith have all been central to my journey, and I take great joy in sharing my knowledge and experiences to empower others in my community.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow my passions and use my skills to make a meaningful impact. My career in healthcare has been driven by a desire to educate people about their health, prevent gum disease, and promote overall dental wellness. I am deeply curious about life and what makes people thrive, and I aim to connect with other women across the nation, expand my horizons, and inspire both our readers and those around me. I approach my career with a focus on growth, education, and creating positive change for others while continuing to pursue my own professional development.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go full steam ahead. Find a mentor if you are having difficulties. Educate your patients education catapulted my career and can make dentistry a rewarding path.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life center around passion, care, and curiosity. I have a deep love for animals, having worked with farm animals in the past, and particularly enjoy working with goats. I also have a passion for cooking and spending time outdoors, whether it’s camping or exploring new places. I cherish the opportunity to experience all four seasons whenever I travel outside of Florida, and I am always seeking new adventures and experiences that allow me to grow personally and professionally.