Elisa Brittain, RDH, BS
Elisa Brittain, RDH, BS, attended NYU College of Dentistry, where she received her degree in dental hygiene, and graduated with honors and received the NYUCD Dean's Scholarship for Continuing Education. While working as a dental hygienist, she completed her Bachelor’s of Science at NYU, studying business, health policy, and healthcare administration. While studying, she was elected to the Council of Ethics and Professionalism at NYU. She received a scholarship to travel to Guatemala for three weeks to work at a healthcare clinic, providing preventative care to the underserved population. After working as a clinical dental hygienist for over three years, Elisa worked with an oral care startup as their dental brand manager in New York and now works for Cocofloss as their dental marketing manager. Elisa enjoys spending time with her family and dog Teddy in Phoenix, Arizona.
How to Discuss Periodontal Disease & Lung/Colon Cancer with Patients
When patients usually think of cancer in a dental setting, the initial thought is oral cancer. As a hygienist, I incorporate an intraoral cancer screening on every patient, examining the tissues of the oral cavity and looking for anything abnormal. Occasionally, a patient will comment, “Doesn’t oral cancer only happen when you use tobacco?” This is an opportunity to...
Career Advice: Making the Jump Out of Clinical Dental Hygiene
Many dental hygienists are going through a crisis as our profession is filled with uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and sadness in the midst of a global pandemic. We are at a standstill with many of us out of work and unsure of when we will be able to start working again. During all of this, I have noticed a trend...
I was skeptical of quip until my patient used one. Now I work there full-time.
As a hygienist, I’m usually skeptical of new products that come on the market until I can actually research and try them out myself. Like most hygienists, I’ve had patients who ask me about a new toothbrush or toothpaste and want to get a hygienist’s opinion. Although I try to stay up to date on all things oral care,...
Oral Implications of Frequent Marijuana Use
In the United States, the use of marijuana has almost doubled since 2013, going from 7% to 13% of adult Americans using marijuana regularly, either recreationally or medically.1 Although the use of the drug is still federally banned, many states have limited legal restrictions to the drug, allowing people to gain easier access to various forms of marijuana for...
The Dental Professional’s Role in Establishing Oral Health Habits Early
Article sponsored by quip.
Studies show that children who start developing habits at an early age are more likely to keep these habits through adulthood. This can be beneficial if the habits they are forming are healthy, like brushing for two minutes twice a day and getting comfortable visiting the dentist and hygienist regularly. On the other hand, unhealthy habits can...
New Study Suggests Possibility of Strengthening Periodontal Immune System
We all know that a healthy immune system is essential for overall health. With a strong immune system, your body can fight off sickness and illnesses before symptoms arise, keeping you healthy and strong. While it’s important to have a healthy immune system, have you ever thought about what it would mean to have a healthy periodontal immune system?...
How Dental Outreach Changes Others, Including You!
It is no secret there is a need for quality dental care worldwide. Many areas, both nationally and internationally, are in dire need for preventative and restorative dental care and do not have the professional workforce to provide care. For some of us, it’s easy to lose sight of how impactful our skill set can be. By sharing my...
America’s Opioid Epidemic and the Responsibility of Dental Professionals
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, every day more than 115 people in the United States die from overdosing on opioids.1 Although opioid addiction does not discriminate against age, many people who suffer from these addictions started using prescription opioid painkillers in their teenage years. Surprisingly, the group of health care providers responsible for...
Oil Pulling My Leg? Separating Fact from Fiction in Regards to Oil Pulling
“I brush once a day and am not the best flosser, but let me tell you, I started to oil pull for twenty minutes every day, and my teeth have never felt better!”
My patient looked at me, waiting for some kind of confirmation that this was a good home care routine, while I examined her teeth and gingiva. I...