Welcome back!
Let's talk about collaboration - we need it! Recently, I graduated with my  Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene, now it is time to put it to work!  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.
Goals to come:
My heart is on fire with future goals!

• I will be pursuing certification in myofunctional therapy to help patients struggling with oral habits, sleep disorders, and airway issues.
• I will be diving into Botox certification for both cosmetic and therapeutic applications (think TMJ relief and muscular dystrophy!).
• My passion for dental forensics continues to grow - I’m excited to support criminal investigations and humanitarian cases in the future. Currently, I am still in the contact phase - but fingers crossed!

Every step I take brings me closer to teaching, inspiring, and making healthcare more human.

The Power of Interprofessional Relationships in Dental Hygiene Education and Practice 
When I first began my dental hygiene journey, I knew collaboration mattered but I did not yet realize just how transformative interprofessional relationships could be in clinical education and practice. This course not only reinforced that belief but also helped me develop a deeper understanding of how integrating dental hygiene with other healthcare disciplines can create a ripple effect that improves patient outcomes, elevates educational experiences, and nurtures professional growth. 
In clinical learning environments, we are trained to be precise, advocate, and skilled but it does not happen alone. This takes teamwork, consultation, and open lines of communication with colleagues in nursing, medicine, nutrition, behavioral health, pharmacy, and beyond. 
Interprofessional collaboration does not just mean working next to another provider, it means working with them. Whether I was creating a clinical skills rubric or leading a peer through a radiographic technique lesson, I was actively building the communication skills that would be used with medical colleagues in real-world scenarios. Teaching my students in a step-by-step format and providing constructive feedback allowed me to mirror the collaborative spirit where shared expertise and respectful dialogue can turn a good patient outcome into a great one. 
I was especially impacted during our student education assignments, where it became clear how many behind-the-scenes elements go into preparing clinicians. From rubric development to feedback strategies and learning theory, these activities strengthened my appreciation for the depth of work instructors do to align clinical practice with educational excellence. It is easy to overlook how grading criteria, verbal cues, and even peer review sessions all tie into interprofessional competence. 
​
Why It Matters for Patient Care 
Multiple studies confirm that effective interprofessional collaboration improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces redundancy, and helps patients follow through with treatment (World Health Organization [WHO], 2010). One powerful example we discussed was the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. If a hygienist, physician, and dietitian work together, the patient receives more holistic, informed care - because each provider brings a unique lens. 
For example, a physician might treat the systemic inflammation, while the hygienist manages oral inflammation and provides hygiene counseling, and the dietitian supports nutritional change. Alone, we each have a piece. Together, we complete the puzzle. 

Interprofessional Learning Enhances Clinical Knowledge 
Through this course, I also gained a greater appreciation for the idea that learning itself is enhanced by interprofessional education. One study by Bridges et al. (2011) showed that students trained in interprofessional settings had higher levels of empathy and clinical reasoning. As someone training to be both a clinician and an educator, I see this as a win-win. We are not just preparing students for clinic – we are preparing them to be future collaborators who can communicate across disciplines. 
Implementing interprofessional rounds or case reviews - even in educational simulations - force you to think more critically. You are not just worried about probing depths; you’re thinking about HbA1c levels, medication interactions, and cardiac implications. This holistic mindset makes us more thorough, and ultimately, more effective providers. Assessments are required throughout programs to assure quality clinical care is being achieved, such as this one created below.​

​Looking Ahead 
I am excited to bring this mindset into my future roles whether that be practicing chairside, teaching in clinic, or developing outreach programs in rural communities. My passion lies in making care accessible and creating relationships that bridge gaps in the system. Interprofessional collaboration is at the heart of that mission. 
This course has helped me grow not only as a clinician, but as a communicator, educator, and advocate for integrated care. We do not need to do it all alone and we are not meant to. The best patient care happens when we listen, learn, and work together. 
 
References 
Bridges, D. R., Davidson, R. A., Odegard, P. S., Maki, I. V., & Tomkowiak, J. (2011). Interprofessional collaboration: three best practice models of interprofessional education. Medical Education Online, 16(1), 6035. https://doi.org/10.3402/meo.v16i0.6035 
World Health Organization. (2010). Framework for action on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/framework-for-action-on-interprofessional-education-collaborative-practice 
Institute of Medicine. (2015). Measuring the impact of interprofessional education on collaborative practice and patient outcomes. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/21726 ​

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.