Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? after 15 years as a dental hygienist

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. I have been trying to stay organised about it. A colleague offered to vouch for me. Who did you use?

Use a professional network to find a former manager. Many will still write a note.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 2 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.