Joann, RDH Dental Hygienist & Chronic Illness Advocate

Joann’s lived experience with chronic kidney disease brings a rare kind of insight to the operatory. One that reminds us every patient has a story, and every provider does, too.

quip: As a clinician living with chronic kidney disease, what perspective do you bring to the op that others might not see? How has it shaped the way you connect with patients?

Joann: As a clinician living with chronic kidney disease, I feel like I bring a unique depth of understanding and compassion into the operatory that others might not naturally see. I know what it’s like to sit in the patient’s chair feeling overwhelmed, as most of my time is spent in that position as well. It has taught me to slow down and really think about what my patients are going through, not just clinically, but emotionally and mentally. Living with a chronic illness has deepened my empathy. I don’t just treat the teeth in front of me, I see the whole person. Whether it’s a patient who’s anxious about their health, someone struggling to keep up with appointments due to fatigue or finances, or a caregiver trying to juggle everything, I truly get it. I meet them where they are without judgment, because I know that some days, just showing up is an act of courage. Chronic illness teaches you that health isn't linear and that every person has their own capacity on any given day. That perspective helps me adjust treatment plans and communication styles so that patients feel seen, supported, and empowered instead of overwhelmed.

quip: What’s a common dental myth you find yourself busting often? How do you get your message across in a way that patients remember?

Joann: A common dental myth I hear a lot upon discussing areas of concern, patients will tell me, "that tooth or area doesn't hurt, so I think it will be fine." And I get it, pain is usually what grabs our attention. But the truth is, cavities or gum disease don’t cause any pain until it's pretty far along. When I talk with patients about this, I try to keep it simple and kind. I might say something like, "Our mouths can be kind of sneaky, things can be going on underneath the surface without us feeling it." I'll explain that's why check up and cleanings are important so that we can monitor and catch little things before they turn into bigger problems. Connecting it back to their personal lives really puts it into perspective, too. Whether it’s helping them stay healthy for their kids, keeping their smile strong for longevity, or just making sure they feel okay every day. I really do spend a good amount of my time getting to know my patients and vice versa. Living with a chronic condition myself, I really understand how easy it is to put things off when you feel okay in the moment. So I just try to use myself as an example and have these conversations with a lot of understanding and no judgment. People really remember how you make them feel and I want them to feel supported, not scared.

quip: You juggle patient care, content creation, and your own health journey. How do you stay energized and avoid burnout? What advice would you give to other pros trying to manage it all?

Joann: That’s such a thoughtful question! Honestly though, it's one that I’m still learning to navigate every day. Juggling patient care, content creation, and my own health journey is a constant balancing act. Some days I feel like I'm on a roll, and other days, it’s just survival mode. The important part is knowing that it is okay to just show up however I can. What helps me most is listening to my body, knowing that it has its limits, and just giving myself grace on the days I can’t do it all. It has taken a long time for me to realize that rest isn’t a reward, it's required to prevent burnout and stress that will only put my health more at risk. I have significantly cut back on how many days I work a week and remember to take breaks often. I've also set boundaries with my time and try not to measure my worth by my productivity. Even on the harder days, I know that showing up in any capacity still makes an impact. For other professionals juggling it all, my advice is to give yourself grace. You don’t always have to show up with 100% every day, lean into what brings you joy, and let go of the pressure to do it all perfectly. Don't fall into comparing yourself to others, you’re allowed to go at your own pace. At the end of the day, I try to stay connected to why I do all of it and when I remember that I’m helping people feel seen, cared for, and understood, it keeps me going.

quip: When it comes to educating patients with systemic conditions, what do you wish more dental professionals understood? How can we better advocate for medically complex patients?

Joann: I wish more dental professionals understood that most patients with systemic conditions are already carrying so much; physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many already feel like they’re not doing enough, so when we’re educating them about their oral health, it’s important to lead with empathy.

Before diving into recommendations, take a moment to genuinely commend them for showing up and for any efforts they’ve already made with their oral care. That acknowledgment goes a long way, especially for someone who may be exhausted from managing their symptoms, doctor’s appointments, and medications every day. There’s definitely such a thing as information overload. Not every patient needs the full “spiel.” What helps most is meeting them where they are, understanding that their condition might mean oral health isn’t always their top priority, and that’s okay. We can still make meaningful progress by starting small and supporting them at a pace that feels more manageable.

Advocating for medically complex patients means individualizing care and treating them with the kind of compassion we’d want for ourselves or a loved one in their shoes. To better advocate for medically complex patients, I think it starts with listening to their experiences and concerns. Working with their medical providers is key, too, so that we’re all working as a team. I believe dental professionals can be powerful advocates by staying curious and open to ongoing education about systemic health. When we see the whole person, we can offer care that truly supports their wellbeing, not just their teeth. That kind of advocacy changes lives.

quip: If you could change one thing about how dentistry approaches whole-body health, what would it be? What role do you believe RDHs can play in making that shift happen?

Joann: If I could change one thing about how dentistry approaches whole-body health, it would be the idea that the mouth is separate from the rest of the body. Oral health and systemic health are closely connected, and it’s time we treated them that way. As hygienists, we’re in a unique position to lead this shift. We spend meaningful time with patients, build trust, and can help them understand that what’s happening in their mouth may relate to their overall health. We can also play a key role in collaborating with medical providers and tailoring care to the bigger picture. Our work goes beyond teeth cleanings. We are advocates, educators, and often the first to notice signs of deeper health issues. When we start seeing the whole person, not just the teeth, we help move dentistry in a much more thoughtful and connected direction.

quip: What’s your favorite quip product, and how has it made its way into your routine?

Joann: My favorite quip product is definitely the quip Ultra, it’s become a key part of my daily routine, especially with my chronic health challenges. As a hygienist my wrists and hands are always sore, the Ultra helps reduce strain while still leaving my teeth and gums feeling really clean. I actually forgot mine at a friend’s house recently and had to use a manual brush and I felt the difference right away. My wrist was sore, and my teeth didn’t feel as fresh. For me, the Ultra isn’t just about a cleaner smile, it makes oral care easier and more comfortable, which is so important when managing a chronic illness. It really is a game changer, and once you try it, it’s hard to go back.