Heather Hakes, RDH
Heather Hakes, RDH, was born in Upstate New York where she started her Dental Hygiene career in 2000. Heather practiced in Upstate New York for three years at a general dentist practice where she gained experience with high and low functioning special needs patients. Heather then went on to pediatrics before moving to Virginia in 2007. She currently practices in Virginia in a general dental practice, where she has worked for the last ten years. Heather also works one day per week in an office with periodontal focus.
Heather resides in rural Virginia with her husband, Robert, her son Ryan, and two dogs, Rex and Jake. Heather enjoys home improvement projects, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Noteworthy Women in Dentistry Part 2: 20th Century’s Progressives in America
The late 1800s and early 1900s brought about many changes in economics, social and environmental reforms in the United States. This was known as the "Progressive Era" and inspired women and women's organizations to strive for equality.1 In addition to women's participation in dentistry, women fought for economic and political parity as well as social reforms such as the...
Noteworthy Women in Dentistry Part 1: 19th Century’s Pioneers in America
Dentistry is an integral part of our overall health, and the profession has gained recognition for its contributions during the last three centuries. In the 20th century, women in dentistry had increasingly become the profession's primary caregivers. In a once male-dominated profession, women now make up roughly 48% of practicing dentists and 95% of practicing dental hygienists and assistants.1,2
The...
Six Famous Historical Men Who Were Also Dentists
As dental professionals, we seem to eat and sleep dentistry. When a friend or stranger approaches us, we first notice their smile. When we sleep, we have dreams of scaling patients. Lastly, most conversations result in small talk about teeth or an occurrence at work.
However, how often do we hear of famous people who have a dentistry career? Here...
A Breakdown of the Most Common Toothpaste Ingredients and their Benefits
Have you ever browsed the oral care section of a store and were completely overwhelmed with all the different types of available dentifrices? The variety includes an emphasis on whitening, sensitivity, charcoal, organic, and non-fluoride ‒ to name a few.
As a result, it is completely understandable when a patient inquires with a deer-in-the-headlight look, “What is the best toothpaste...
How Cold Weather Negatively Affects Oral Health
Winter months bring not only holidays and celebrations but also the cold weather that can precipitate sinus issues, flu, colds, depression, and fatigue. Cold weather can also inadvertently cause complications of the mouth, such as xerostomia, hypersensitivity, and other abnormalities. Importantly, knowing the signs and symptoms will allow for the clinician to implement the proper patient education to combat...
Analogies: How Hygienists Can Increase Patients’ Understanding of Dental Treatment
Communication between the patient and the clinician is a key component in a successful dental appointment. In order to have successful communication, understanding is essential to bridge the gap of knowledge between clinician and patient. The use of visual aids and reading materials can be useful in providing the patient with the information needed for better understanding. Another form...
Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: Should Dental Hygienists Recommend this Fluoride Alternative?
A common concern among patients during a dental hygiene appointment is the use of fluoride. Whether it is an applied topical fluoride application at the appointment or the use of fluoride toothpaste at home, some patients don’t prefer it. However, fluoride is recommended by the dental professional to reduce caries production and to promote remineralization of a compromised tooth...
How the Dental Hygiene Profession has Changed During My 22 Year Career
As a 22-year seasoned clinician in the dental hygiene community, I have witnessed profound changes in dental practice and job opportunities and developed a strong rapport with dental patients and dental staff. My role as a dental hygienist has given me both dental knowledge and a personal understanding of patients' needs.
Timeline
2000 ─ My career started at a general dental...
Halloween Candy: The Dental Implications of Different Kinds
It is that time of year when children dress up and go door-to-door to collect bags full of candy. It is also that time of year where diet and nutrition are discarded, and parents face the unthinkable: their children will be consuming large quantities of Halloween candy. Sweets play one of the key roles in dental caries. However, the...
5 Amazing Dental Facts You May Not Know
Let's break up the monotony of dental hygienists' timed appointments, scientific data, patient education, and continuing education by exploring the world of amazing dental facts. This article will embark on a world outside the dental office while keeping the oral cavity in focus.
1) Most Teeth
The average human has 32 teeth by adulthood. However, on September 20, 2014, Guinness World...