Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH
Spring Hayes Hatfield, RDH, BSPH, is a graduate of Florida State College at Jacksonville and holds licensure in Florida and Louisiana. Spring is a member of the advisory board and the continuing education manager at Today's RDH. Her passion is elevating the dental hygiene profession through science, education, and clinical excellence. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, children, and animals on her small farm. She can be reached via email at Spring@TodaysRDH.com.
What the Research Shows Regarding the Efficacy of Dental Whitening Options
Almost every patient visiting a dental hygienist wants whiter teeth. I wish I had a dollar for every chief complaint that I described as...
Curiosity Killed the Plaque Ep. 12: The Rights of Dental Hygienists as Employees
In this episode of Curiosity Killed the Plaque, Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH, discusses the rights dental hygienists have as employees.
Give it a watch, and...
Curiosity Killed the Plaque Ep. 11: Traumatic Occlusion in Multiple Oral Conditions
In this episode of Curiosity Killed the Plaque, Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH, discusses the role of traumatic occlusion in multiple oral conditions.
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Unveiling the Oral Connection: High Blood Pressure, Foam Cells, and Periodontal Disease
Patients often inquire about why I take vital signs at their dental appointments. I respond that the mouth is connected to the rest of...
Can the APOE4 Gene Connect the Dots Between Cardiovascular and Periodontal Disease?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), no gene has been identified that has a large impact on periodontal disease.1 Nonetheless, we see this...
Articaine vs. Lidocaine: A Comparison of Local Anesthetics
Disclosure: This article is sponsored content from Septodont as part of our sponsored partner program.
Pain management is arguably one of the most important aspects of...
How to Make Effective Oral Health Recommendations to Dental Patients
Disclosure: This article is sponsored content from LISTERINE® as part of our sponsored partner program.
As dental hygienists, our primary role is as disease prevention...
Diabetes Mellitus: Oral Health Complications and Dental Treatment Considerations
In 2021, the International Diabetes Federation estimated that 537 million people are living with diabetes, and another 541 million people have impaired glucose tolerance.1...
5 Reasons Dental Patients May Suffer from Halitosis
Halitosis is a concern for many dental patients. As a matter of fact, about 50% of the U.S. population suffers from halitosis. Halitosis can...
Curiosity Killed the Plaque Ep. 10: What We Know About Black Line Stain
In this episode of Curiosity Killed the Plaque, Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH, discusses all things black line stain.
Give it a watch, and make sure...
Ludwig’s Angina: A Life-threatening Emergency Requiring Immediate Dental Treatment
Historical medicine and dentistry are fascinating. It gives a starting point that can be traced to current treatment modalities and prevention, as well as...
Don’t Let ALARA Discourage You from Obtaining Necessary Radiographic Images
ALARA is an acronym that stands for "as low as reasonably achievable." It is the concept health care professionals use to reduce radiation exposure...
Curiosity Killed the Plaque Ep. 9: Ethics of Using Live Patients for Clinical Dental Boards
In this episode of Curiosity Killed the Plaque, Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH, discusses the ethics of using live patients for clinical dental boards.
Give it...
An Open Letter to Patients about Your Dental Insurance
Dear patients with dental insurance,
There is no easy way to say this. So I'll just be straight with you. Your insurance company is not...
QUIZ: Test Your Historical Women in Dentistry Knowledge
Are you in need of CE credits? If so, check out our peer-reviewed, self-study CE courses here.
Now Check Out the Self-Study, Peer-Reviewed CE Courses...
We Don’t Need a Dental Hygiene Union: Know Your Rights as Employees
A statement I've heard from multiple hygienists across the country is that dental hygienists need a union. Unfortunately, that is unlikely to happen for...
Curiosity Killed the Plaque Ep. 8: Utilizing Critical Thinking Skills in Dentistry
In this episode of Curiosity Killed the Plaque, Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH, discusses the importance of utilizing critical thinking skills in dentistry.
Give it a...
QUIZ: Test Your Burning Mouth Syndrome Knowledge
Are you in need of CE credits? If so, check out our peer-reviewed, self-study CE courses here.
Now Check Out the Self-Study, Peer-Reviewed CE Courses...
Mission-Ready: Military Hygienist Serves Her Country and Those Who Serve
Many dental hygienists may overlook multiple aspects of the profession, such as those who serve in the military. During dental hygiene school, one of...
Open House: Alicia Morris Helps Children with Autism Feel Comfortable with Hygiene Appointments
So many dental hygienists are trailblazers who never get the recognition they deserve. It seems the same key opinion leaders receive the awards distributed...