Dental Hygienists as Unstoppable Forces of Change
A Higher Learning, LLC
Transforming and advancing the delivery of dental care through higher education.
Pioneering a future where dental hygienists are recognized as leaders in public health.
For over 20 years, I have dedicated my career to dentistry—starting as a dental assistant in high school and evolving into a public health advocate. Throughout this journey, I have witnessed the important role of dental hygienists in our communities. We are educators, healthcare professionals, and often the first point of contact in navigating oral health. Our impact extends beyond the operatory—we are essential to building a healthier society.
Despite our expertise and value, dental hygienists continue to face barriers that limit our ability to practice at the top of our license. Restrictive policies and ineffective care models limit our ability to fully leverage our expertise, impacting both patient outcomes and the long-term sustainability of our profession. It’s time to change the narrative!
The traditional perception of dental hygienists as "teeth cleaners" is outdated. We are highly skilled providers, trained in preventive and nonsurgical care, yet many practice settings still undervalue our expertise. Productivity-driven models prioritize efficiency over quality care, limiting our time with patients and reducing opportunities for comprehensive education and prevention.
The consequences are significant. Hygienist burnout is at an all-time high—not due to a lack of passion but because of unsustainable working conditions. Many are leaving clinical practice. If we fail to address these issues, we risk losing an essential workforce that is the backbone of preventive oral healthcare.
If we are committed to addressing public health disparities, we must rethink how oral healthcare is delivered. The current system often prioritizes high patient volume over quality interactions, making it nearly impossible for hygienists to provide thorough, patient-centered care. By restructuring care models to empower hygienists—through expanded roles, better workplace conditions, and increased autonomy—we can improve patient outcomes and professional longevity.
Some dental practices have embraced a shift in care models, allowing hygienists to spend more time with patients, integrate dental hygiene assistants, and focus on prevention. These changes lead to better patient outcomes, increased provider satisfaction, and more sustainable practices.
Public health initiatives must prioritize prevention, oral health literacy, and increasing access to care—especially for children. Dental caries remains the most common chronic childhood disease globally, despite being largely preventable. If we want to build a healthier future, we must let dental hygienists take a more active role in preventive care and education, particularly for neglected populations.
My passion for advancing the dental hygiene profession inspired the creation of A Higher Learning LLC—a platform committed to enhancing oral healthcare by advancing clinical practice, education, and advocacy. Our mission is to empower dental hygienists with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to champion greater autonomy and leadership within the healthcare system.
Legislative reform is critical in this movement. Hygienists should have a seat at the table where decisions about the future of oral healthcare are made. We must advocate for policies that support our ability to provide direct access care, expand our scope of practice, and ensure fair compensation for our expertise. We have the power to build a better oral healthcare system—one that prioritizes prevention, values patient-centered care, and fully recognizes dental hygienists' expertise.
The Path Forward
The future of dental hygiene depends on our ability to break barriers and demand systemic change. We must continue advocating for the right to practice at the top of our license, push for policies that allow us to maximize our impact, and champion a shift toward value-based care that prioritizes patient outcomes over profit margins.
I am committed to breaking boundaries in dental hygiene and ensuring that we, as hygienists, receive the recognition, autonomy, and opportunities we deserve. Here’s to a brighter future for dental hygiene and public health!
Until I Write Again,
In gratitude,
Shavonne R. Healy, MSDH, RDH