Educating patients about the oral-systemic link
Each week the RDH PIRA (Patient Impact & Rise Above) recognition program, sponsored by Water Pik, Inc., features a dental hygiene clinician who excels in their role and goes the extra mile in their job. The past two years have been a challenge for many clinicians and as we return to the operatory, we want to acknowledge those providing patient care—clinicians who are changing their patients’ lives, influencing their patients’ health, and making a daily difference. This week we honor Angela Grover, RDH.
When she recently returned to private practice, Angela Grover, MA, BASDH, RDH, sought to learn more about the oral-systemic link, especially related to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to share that knowledge with patients.
From Angela's submission
"[I have] immersed myself in this topic because it is not a common discussion in many dental interactions. Patients need hygienists to be their advocate in health, and hygienists have the capabilities and opportunities to walk alongside their patients’ care with a variety of updated treatment options. A recent interaction with a pregnant patient allowed [me] the opportunity to educate about orofacial myology concepts that can be integrated into infants’ growth. The patient was grateful for [my] education about the benefits of breastfeeding and infant-led weaning in accompanying appropriate growth factors to avoid SDB/OSA issues."
Read about more PIRA nominees:
Breaking the cycle of dental trauma
Inspiring future dental pros through kindness
Much of Angela’s learning on this topic came from the 2022 Rocky Mountain Dental Convention and Vivos continuing education platforms. She will continue her education about SDB/OSA this fall when she attends MyoMentor’s myofunctional training in collaboration with Dr. Zaghi and The Breathe Institute.
Angela currently lives in Greenwood Village, Colorado, where she is a private practice hygienist. She likes spending time in nature, kayaking, hiking, and walking her dogs, Lola and Lucy. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and networking. Angela is the mother to three grown children, Kendyl, Kamyn, and Kaelyb.
