🦷 Mondays with Mark: This one goes out to the hygienists 🥂

Starting something new, like Fygg, can be a leap of faith. You dive in because you’re passionate and believe there’s a need for what you’re doing. Recognition, when it comes, is the icing on the cake—it tells you that you’re on the right track.

Last week, I had the honor of attending the RDH Under One Roof conference, which was both invigorating and meaningful. I was there to accept an award on behalf of Fygg, my new oral microbiome nourishing line of toothpaste and varnish. This award wasn’t just a recognition of Fygg but a tribute to every dental hygienist out there—the unsung heroes of dentistry.

Dental hygienists remind me of the nurses in the medical world—compassionate, caring, and extremely hardworking. They educate patients, handle the grueling work of cleaning and removing plaque and calculus, sealing teeth (and more), all while maintaining perfect posture and using surgical precision with sharp instruments. That’s not an easy job! Dental hygienists are the backbone of dental care, often working in challenging conditions with limited time for each patient. Dentists could not do anything without them.

I’d like to give shout outs to two remarkable hygienists in this newsletter, who taught me so much at this conference and made me incredibly excited and proud for the future of our profession.

One standout moment was meeting Janet, a hygienist who runs her own mobile dental clinic out of a beautifully equipped van. She proudly showed me around her setup, which is more than just convenient; it’s a lifeline for patients in rural areas who otherwise wouldn’t have access to dental care. These mobile clinics are crucial, especially for communities where transportation is a significant barrier to accessing health services. Learn more about Janet Madrid’s van and her incredible work here: https://hopeforhealthco.com/ Below are me, Janet, and Brian, founder of my favorite oral microbiome testing company, Bristle.

The energy at RDH Under One Roof was palpable. It was invigorating to be among so many passionate professionals who are integrating innovative practices into their protocols, often without the knowledge or permission of their employers. This dedication to patient care over employer directives is a testament to their commitment.

One of the key topics of discussion was the challenges of fluoride use and patient resistance to it. Hygienists were excited about alternative treatments like hydroxyapatite varnish, which allows them to provide effective care while respecting patient preferences. This innovation helps practices maintain revenue without compromising on care quality.

I also learned about the struggles and successes of hygienists who work independently, especially in states like Colorado where they can practice on their own. Despite resistance from some dentists, these hygienists are forging ahead, often in collaborative groups, to provide essential services to underserved communities.

Additionally, it was enlightening to hear about the economic challenges these professionals face. The reimbursement rates for their services are often low, but through persistent advocacy, they’ve managed to secure better rates. For example, in some states, they now receive $97 per cleaning, a significant improvement that supports their vital work. Shout out to Dani Ford, who taught me all of this, and enlightened me as to the community challenges around prevention especially with regard to socioeconomic and transportation barriers. She is doing truly phenomenal work—learn more about her work here: https://www.denverhealth.org/for-professionals/clinical-specialties/dental-care

These conversations reaffirmed my deep respect and love for dental hygienists. They’re not just focused on dental care; they take comprehensive health histories and educate patients on the connections between oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you’re a dental hygienist, I’d like to hear from you. Hit reply and let me know how I can support you and your profession. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe to RDH Magazine and make plans to attend RDH Under One Roof at least once. It’s a game-changer.

Best,
Dr. Mark

P.S. Did you know you can get 15% off your first order of Fygg toothpaste and our award-winning nano-HAP varnish with code ATD15? Check it out here.