Jessica shares how dental providers can make patient education and the oral-systemic health link clear, relatable, and easy to understand.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month- a time to spotlight dental hygienists and promote oral health. RDH Jessica shares how providers can simplify dental education and illuminate the vital link between oral and systemic health.

quip: October is National Dental Hygiene month,  what first sparked your interest in pursuing  dental hygiene as a profession? 

I’ve always been interested in healthcare and helping people and when I got to college, I got the opportunity to work at a dentist office, and the passion began there! I truly love the combination of patient care, education, and the ability to build relationships with people. I love that as a dental hygienist I’m not just cleaning people’s teeth, I'm educating them and helping them understand their health better, all while hopefully making dental care less scary and intimidating. There’s something so rewarding about helping patients receive an “aha” moment when they realize that their oral health is so important and related to their overall health.

quip: What originally inspired you to start your "What Your Mouth Is Telling Me" content series, and what specific impact do you hope it has on your audience?

I started my “what your mouth is telling me” series because I wanted to talk about things that I see everyday and questions that I get asked frequently.  I hope that my videos reach someone who may be dealing with any of the topics and help them realize that oral health is overall health. 

quip: How do you select topics for "What Your Mouth Is Telling Me" while keeping the tone accessible for non-dental audiences?

I usually start with things I see frequently in the dental chair or questions that patients commonly ask me. I also pay attention to things people are curious about online and topics that connect oral health to everyday life. Lately, I have been making my episodes about that specific month's health awareness topic! A lot of people deal with illnesses or issues that are often overlooked when it comes to the dental field, but they should remember that sometimes there can be oral manifestations that we can control better if we are aware of medical history and medications.

I try to approach every topic from the perspective of, "If I wasn't a dental hygienist and had no healthcare knowledge, how would I want someone to explain this to me?" I leave the complicated terminology at the door and focus on what someone actually needs to know and what they can do with the information.

quip: You’re passionate about helping patients decode the subtle signals their mouths provide about their overall health. What is your go-to approach for explaining that systemic link in a way that truly resonates?

I always try to make the connection feel relevant to the person sitting in front of me.

Instead of just saying, "Your oral health is connected to your systemic health," I explain what that actually means and why it matters.

l'Il use simple examples they can relate to and emphasize that the mouth isn't separate from the rest of the body. It's part of the same system. I think those connections become much more meaningful when patients understand the "why" behind what we're recommending.

quip: What is your philosophy on translating complex dental jargon into everyday language that patients can easily act on?

If a patient leaves the appointment knowing a bunch of dental terminology but doesn't know what to actually do differently, I haven't really done my job.

My philosophy is: keep it simple, explain the why, and give them something actionable. I want patients to feel empowered rather than talked down to.

Dental professionals may use these terms every day, but patients shouldn't have to speak "dental" to understand their own health.

quip: Could you share a "lightbulb moment" where a patient finally connected their oral health to their overall well-being?

l've had patients have that "Ohhh, that makes sense!" moment when we talk about things like dry mouth, inflammation, medications, or other changes they've noticed. Those moments are why I love patient education so much. Sometimes all someone needs is for a healthcare professional to connect the dots for them.

quip: What advice would you give to other dental professionals who want to improve their patient education skills and build a more relatable connection with their patients?

Talk to your patients like people, not like patients. Meet them where they are, ask questions, and really listen to what they're telling you. Not everyone learns the same way, and not everyone has the same level of dental knowledge or comfort in the dental chair.

And don't underestimate the power of explaining why. When patients understand why something matters, they're much more likely to take ownership of their oral health. Education doesn't have to be intimidating or overly clinical;  it can be conversational, relatable, and even fun.

quip: What is your favorite quip product, and why?

Oh, this is such a hard one because how am I supposed to pick just one?! 😂 I genuinely love so many of the quip products ! Both the Rapid and Refresh Whitening Strips, Floss, Rev Smart Toothbrush, and Toothpaste are all favorites for different reasons. I use and love them in different ways, so if I really have to choose just one… I’m going to have to plead the fifth!