Hey there - welcome! (:

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.

Academic & Professional Journey

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.

Giving Back: Guatemala

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).

Capstone Work:
Bariatric Health & Hygiene 

My recently completed capstone project focuses on the oral-systemic impacts of bariatric surgery, such as nutritional deficiencies, GERD, and periodontal outcomes. I developed a patient education intervention designed to bridge gaps in knowledge and improve post-op care behaviors. Results showed increased awareness and motivation for oral care, empowering patients to manage both their oral and systemic health.
Studies confirm that bariatric patients face significantly higher risks for dental erosion and caries post-surgery (Tomas-Aragones et al., 2021). That’s why educational tools and empathy are so essential.

​What's Next? 

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.

My Mission

To create a safe, hands-on, uplifting spaces for patients and students alike.
To teach with heart, guide with purpose, and support others through their growth.
To blend science and art, education and empathy, with dentistry and joy.

Thank you for visiting my site. I hope it gives you a glimpse of the passion I bring to every room, every smile, and every opportunity to give back!

Let’s change the world - one tooth, one student, one community at a time!

References
​Hunter, S. V., Pearson, M., & Whitford, H. (2021). Service-learning in health and social care education: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Social Work Education, 57(1), 107–122. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.2019.1671257
PORDATA. (2023). População residente: Total e por grandes grupos etários (%). Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos. https://www.pordata.pt/Municipios/
Tomas-Aragones, L., Berrocal, J. A., & Gil-Montoya, J. A. (2021). Oral health implications in bariatric patients: A systematic review. Obesity Surgery, 31(6), 2493–2503. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-021-05362-z