Hello there everyone and welcome! I’m Arianna Chaves, we may have crossed paths in the past - welcome back if so! I consider myself a passionate, hands-on Registered Dental Hygienist based in beautiful Colorado Springs. I’m currently working at Dentists of Interquest and Orthodontics, where I’ve had the honor of helping establish a brand-new dental hygiene program. We focus on tailored, evidence-based care with a heart - especially for patients managing periodontal disease. This program is all about building brighter futures through prevention, personalized education, and a warm, welcoming experience without feeling pressured.

I’m proudly pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene and I’m expected to graduate in May 2025. Teaching has always been a huge part of my life - I used to teach classes in music, theater, and set design for middle and high school students, while contributing at a high education level as well both performing and design components. Hands on is the way to be for me! Now, I’m bringing that same creative, energetic approach into healthcare education! I love seeing students light up when they “get it,” especially when they’ve struggled. My personal challenges with ADHD and dyslexia have only deepened my commitment to meeting learners where they are - because everyone deserves to feel heard and supported. I believe in honesty, empathy, and being an open book. If experiences I have from the past may help the betterment of a patient or student with their personal life struggles, it is worth helping every time and having those conversations.

​Lets not forget: ​Mental health is health and directly contributes to systemic well-being.

My heart lives to serve, therefore I cannot even begin to express my excitement to share with you. I was recently awarded a scholarship through my dental group to provide clinical care in Guatemala for one week this summer, offering dental hygiene services to underserved communities. I’m so honored to have been chosen and I can’t wait to give back in such a meaningful way.
Being a dual citizen of the United States and Portugal, I’ve also seen firsthand the dental inequities that exist in places like the Azorean Islands, where residents struggle with access to care. In Agua de Pau, São Miguel, for example, over 21% of families are at risk of poverty (PORDATA, 2023). My family originated from Agua de Pau, São Miguel - so that’s a reality I’m determined to change all over.
Community service like this does more than heal teeth - it helps build empathy, clinical confidence, and interprofessional collaboration skills. Research supports this too: “Service-learning positively influences students’ civic responsibility, empathy, and academic engagement” (Hunter et al., 2021, p. 109).

Just this week I had to postpone SRP's due to needing medical clearance. This case was pertaining them having a platelet disorder and it not being followed up on for "well over 3 years to make it sound a little better, but it was definitely longer than that" my patient described. Is this worth the risk? Absolutely NOT - my mind stands firm on that. I did what I felt was right: appointment rebooked, we planned it for 2 weeks after his primary care/blood work appointment to assure results will be back in time. My patient will email their blood panels to me so I can review them prior to appointments, with a clearance if given. I feel some providers would do a quick "oh just follow-up with your doctor after, bleeding is definitely normal. But if you think it's too much call them since they specialize."

Ethic speaks volumes and patients will see your devotion to their care. That patient I mentioned previously told me "if I leave I won't be coming back for this" to "well I'd like to only see you when I come back, you were explained to me things, I see how that could be important so if it needs to happen it will before I see you again." I was really nervous at first, not going to lie! BUT by implementing standards within yourself and professional organizations requiring RDH to work a set number of hours before they can instruct, we gain so many experiences we never had in school - knowledge beyond the classroom. As providers and educators reflecting on our own ethical responsibilities will not only enhance our teaching, but also contribute to the development of a professional ethos in future practitioners (Darling-Hammond, 2006)."

Hello everyone! I hope the presentation on Dementia and it's oral crisis I previously uploaded was helpful! Here is a full video of the presentation that can be shared easily! It's time to combat this crisis head on, we can make the difference! 

Find this presentation on the importance and difference we can make regarding the Dementia and Oral Health Crisis!

Access to oral health care is a well-documented issue in the U.S., and when dementia enters the picture, those challenges multiply. Many elderly individuals with cognitive decline face difficulties maintaining oral hygiene, recognizing dental pain, and communicating their discomfort. This leads to serious health complications, including infections, malnutrition, and increased risk of systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease (López et al., 2017).
​
Why is this happening? Let’s break it down:
Cognitive Decline = Poor Oral Hygiene

• Dementia patients often forget to brush, floss, or even recognize the importance of oral care.
• Many lose the ability to follow multi-step tasks, making it difficult to properly clean their mouths (Chalmers & Pearson, 2005).

Caregivers and Lack of Training

• Many family caregivers and even long-term care staff do not receive adequate training in oral health.
• Signs of dental pain, such as facial grimacing or behavioral changes, are often misinterpreted as general dementia-related agitation (Nicol et al., 2020).

Physical Barriers and Accessibility Issues

• Many dementia patients rely on caregivers for transportation to dental visits, which may not always be available.
• In nursing homes, only 16% of residents receive routine dental care (Griffin et al., 2012).

When we zoom out and look at the larger picture, we realize that accessing care is more than just remembering appointments. Accessing care is a complex issue, intertwined with financial constraints, healthcare gaps, and lack of awareness.

​Here’s what’s standing in the way:
Financial Constraints:

• Medicare does not cover routine dental care, leaving many seniors without affordable options.
• Low-income seniors often prioritize medical needs over dental care, even though oral health is directly tied to systemic health (Griffin et al., 2012).

Lack of Specialized Dental Care

• Many dentists are not trained to treat patients with cognitive impairments.
• Specialized geriatric dental clinics are rare and usually not within easy reach.
• Lack of training in alternative communication methods for non-verbal patients. ​ .

The opioid epidemic is one of the most pressing health crises of our time, with more lives lost to opioid-related overdoses than to cancer, HIV, or heart disease. It’s a sobering reality and as dental professionals we must ask ourselves - are we part of the problem? More importantly, how can we be part of the solution? The time to take an in depth look at pain management and rethink our reliance on opioids is now.

Dentists in the United States write a surprising number of opioid prescriptions, far exceeding dentists in England. In 2016, dentists in the United Stated “prescribed approximately 11.4 million opioid prescriptions, accounting for 22.3% of all dental prescriptions. In contrast, English dentists issued about 28,082 opioid prescriptions, representing only 0.6% of their total dental prescriptions. This indicates that U.S. dentists prescribed opioids at a rate 37 times higher than their English counterparts” (Suda et al., 2019). Studies show that young patients who receive opioid prescriptions for dental procedures - especially wisdom tooth extractions – are at a higher risk of developing opioid use disorders (Schroeder et al., 2019). Even more concerning, approximately 6.9% of individuals who have not previously used opioids... patients continue using them long after their dental pain subsides (Reynolds & Schwarz, 2019).

The truth is - opioids are not always the best choice for dental pain. Research proves that NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) alone or in combination with acetaminophen provide equal or better pain relief with far fewer risks (Moore et al., 2018). The message is clear: the way we prescribe needs to change and we need to embrace alternative pain management methods.

NSAIDs are the gold standard for dental pain relief. They work by targeting inflammation at the source rather than affecting the brain like opioids do. Studies show that ibuprofen (400–600 mg) with acetaminophen (500 mg) is more effective than opioid-containing medications (Dionne et al., 2016). Beyond medications, there are other pain management strategies gaining traction. Local Anesthesia and nerve blocks can provide excellent relief, while cryotherapy, low-level laser therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) offer promising alternatives. With that being said, what are those? Let’s become informed together:

• Cryotherapy involves the application of cold therapy to reduce inflammation and numb pain. It is particularly useful in post-surgical recovery, reducing swelling and promoting faster healing (Tseng et al., 2015).
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses focused light energy to reduce pain and inflammation by stimulating cellular repair and improving circulation. Studies have found LLLT to be effective in managing temporomandibular disorders and post-extraction pain (Fjeld et al., 2020).
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) works by delivering mild electrical pulses to nerves, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. TENS has been shown to help with chronic dental pain and conditions such as TMJ disorders (Sharma et al., 2019).

By integrating these methods into standard care, we can drastically cut down on opioid prescriptions and keep patients safe. While some providers are extremely aware of the risk in prescribing opioids, statistics prove others are much more resistant to change, directly contributing to the opioid crisis.

​Legislation has helped tackle the crisis with many states now limiting opioid prescriptions for acute pain to just seven days. Some states also require dentists to complete opioid education when renewing their licenses. One of the most impactful changes has been expanding access to naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. Many states allow pharmacists to distribute Narcan without a prescription, and some even permit dental professionals to prescribe or administer it in emergencies (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Massachusetts General Hospital and other major health organizations even provide free Narcan to their employees. Having worked there myself and with my brother, a pediatric ICU Nurse, currently working there - we have seen this first hand. While these measures are making a real difference, there is still more work to do.

Depending on the state, dental hygienists may have the ability to administer emergency medications like Narcan. As frontline healthcare providers, hygienists are in a unique position to educate patients about opioid risks and alternative pain relief options. While time with our patients is limited during appointments, considering the addition of an opioid screening tool to dental visits could help identify at-risk individuals and get them the help they need before it may be too late.

Many service members joke that the only thing they’re prescribed, regardless of the injury, is ibuprofen. While it may seem humorous, the rule is a necessary precaution given the high risk of addiction among veterans. Studies show that veterans are twice as likely to die from accidental opioid overdoses compared to the general population, and nearly 15% of military service members report misusing prescription drugs, most commonly opioids (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019). Stammering statistics led the military to take a strict stance against opioid prescriptions, limiting their use to extreme cases. Given the intense physical and emotional trauma soldiers endure, limiting opioid prescriptions is a critical step in preventing substance abuse and long-term dependency.

​The 2015 Surgeon General’s Report, Facing Addiction in America, reframes addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing; An impactful statement and essential to comprehend as medical providers. One key takeaway? Adolescents who experiment with alcohol or marijuana are significantly more likely to misuse opioids later in life (Levy et al., 2018); This makes early intervention and education critical. Harvard, Tufts, and other leading institutions now prioritize non-opioid pain management, ensuring the next generation of dental professionals is equipped to combat this crisis in their practices.

​The opioid crisis demands action and the dental profession has an opportunity to lead by
example. By prioritizing non-opioid pain management, supporting legislative policy changes, and educating patients on safer alternatives, we can make a tangible impact. ​​

Change starts with us and the time to act is now.

 
References
Dionne, R. A., Gordon, S. M., & Moore, P. A. (2016). Prescribing opioid analgesics for acute dental pain: Time to change clinical practices in response to evidence and misperceptions. Journal of the American Dental Association, 147(7), 537–544.
Fjeld, M. G., Heyeraas, K. J., & Krogstad, B. S. (2020). Low-level laser therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Pain Research and Management, 2020, 1–9.
Levy, S., Breen, L., Lunstead, J., & Weitzman, E. R. (2018). Facing addiction: A laudable, but incomplete effort. American Journal of Public Health, 108(5), 598–599.
Moore, P. A., Hersh, E. V., & Gordon, S. M. (2018). Benefits and harms associated with analgesic medications used in the management of acute dental pain: An overview of systematic reviews. Journal of the American Dental Association, 149(4), 256–265.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Naloxone drug policy. https://www.drugabuse.gov/naloxone
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Substance use and military life. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life
Sharma, S., Gupta, D., & Patil, P. (2019). Role of TENS in managing chronic dental pain. Journal of Pain Research, 12, 1221–1232.
Suda, K. J., Durkin, M. J., Calip, G. S., Gellad, W. F., Kim, H., Lockhart, P. B., Rowan, S., Thornhill, M. H., & Hershow, R. C. (2019). Comparison of opioid prescribing by dentists in the United States and England. JAMA Network Open, 2(5), e194303. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.4303
Tseng, Y. C., Alessi, A., & Donoff, B. (2015). The role of cryotherapy in postoperative pain control. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Oral Radiology, 120(3), 326–330.
 

Where do I begin? I am honored to share with you the many projects Sharon is actively a part of.

• Grateful Beginnings Coloring Book Collection
• 2 Girls in a Pod: Life’s Journey and Everything in Between
• Path to Empowerment
• Noom Vibe

 
Grateful Beginnings Color Book Collection was created by Sharon Abeyta and her project partner Christy Banta “as a way of starting a dialogue with children to help them understand the benefits of gratitude and the impact it can have throughout their lives when practiced daily” (Abeyta, n.d.). Sharon expressed to me this coloring book was designed to aid children in gratitude statements and mindfulness, allowing their brains to slow down and create the ability to refocus. Sharon and Christy are both certified life coaches with a passion for creating education content which not only inspires children but empowers them.
 
Path To Empowerment As a certified life counselors, Mindset coaches Sharon and Christy ventured into another powerful project: Path To Empowerment. Together, they “help people identify thoughts that may get in their way of success in any capacity” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025). As Mindset coaches, Sharon and Christy are ”able to help people attain goals in order to be successful in business / entrepreneurships, relationships, physical health/sports. Helping others identify their strengths and build upon those in order to achieve their goals and live their best life; showing them the Path To Empowerment by discovering their authentic selves” (Abeyta, n.d.).
 
2 Girls in a Pod: Life’s Journey and Everything in Between Sharon and Christy team up again as podcast cohosts where they have been hosting and producing 2 Girls in a Pod: Life’s Journey and Everything in Between since 2021. "We started the podcast to encourage others, through conversations meant to elevate the mind, body, and spirit. Our goal is to help initiate the right mindset and cultivate forward motion in the pursuit of finding the true authentic self and manifesting one's dreams. Our philosophy is that by acquiring and practicing the right mindset you are limitless” (Abeyta, n.d.). Sharon expressed to me during our interview that during COVID many of her clients expressed one time a week was not enough, they needed more. Off and running Sharon went with Christy – “We do this as a service to help and give back to the community, there is no fee” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025).
 
Noom Vibe Okay – so the name is already fun, but what is it? “Noom Vibe is a free wellness app empowering everyone, everywhere to live better longer. The app makes it fun and rewarding to build healthy habits as part of a supportive community” (Noom, 2024). Noom Vibe allows anyone to pick a topic and speak on it. During live talks anyone can chime in and ask questions in real time. Sharon hosts a weekly talk Sunday at 10am on Noom Vibe, her topic of choice typically derives from mindfulness.
 
Every single project above is self-funded by Sharon and Christy – “I don’t care about the money, the purpose is to provide for our community” (S. Abeyta, personal communication, February 5, 2025).
 
The goal set by Healthy People 2030 “focuses on the prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders and behavioral conditions. The Mental Health and Mental Disorders objectives also aim to improve health and quality of life for people affected by these conditions (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, n.d.).
Sharon not only aligns with Healthy People 2030 in my opinion perfectly –
she epitomizes it.