October brings more than pumpkin spice, ghouls, and candy—it’s also National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to raise awareness of the fast-paced and impactful profession of dental hygiene. This year, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has chosen the theme “RDH [Registered Dental Hygienist] Investigates,” which perfectly captures the essence of today’s dental hygienists. These professionals put their skills to use by digging deep not only in your gums, but through building patient relationships, utilizing critical thinking, and deploying their oral health expertise to benefit the overall health of their patients.
Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH, ADHA 2024-2025 President of ADHA, says, “It’s important to recognize the value of what hygienists can discover during time spent with a patient in the operatory and drawing on their own expertise which contributes to diagnoses that can be critical to patients’ oral and overall health.”
Today’s dental hygienists play a vital role in enhancing the overall health of our communities by focusing on the oral-systemic connection. Trained to assess a patient’s overall health status, they can recognize signs and symptoms that may suggest underlying medical conditions—facilitating early referrals and interprofessional collaboration. This makes dental hygienists essential in helping patients manage medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, chronic pulmonary disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dental hygienists don’t just work in clinical settings, these professionals often wear many hats. As educators, they take every opportunity to teach patients about the connections between oral health and systemic conditions, explaining how home care products and techniques can improve both. As patient advocates, hygienists go above and beyond to ensure patients receive the care they need. They often take the lead and manage community-based programs such as school-based fluoride and sealants programs. Within the IHS, dental hygienists are vital members of the healthcare team, using their investigative skills to improve the oral and overall health of tribal communities. This year many hygienists across IHS will be participating in an Oral Health Survey, which will reflect the current impact and need for the American Indian and Alaskan Native community. This National Dental Hygiene Month, we celebrate the dedication and critical role dental hygienists play in ensuring healthier futures for all.
