Skip to main content

A Leader in Dental Hygiene

re-produced/copied from https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/a-leader-in-dental-hygiene/

A Leader in Dental Hygiene

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Brand Ambassador Lisa Hardill, RDH, BHADM, talks about her efforts to further the profession across Canada.
Lisa Hardill, RDH, BHADM
Lisa Hardill, RDH, BHADM
As a teen growing up in Canada, Lisa Hardill, RDH, BHADM, kick-started her career in dental hygiene while in high school by joining a co-op program that let her spend one day a week in a dental office. This hands-on experience sparked Hardill’s passion to learn more about the field. Now, her diverse background in dentistry and dental hygiene includes experience in public health, independent and private practice, education, and sales.
Over the past 15 years, Hardill has held numerous positions in dental hygiene—from a quality assurance peer assessor for the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO), to a noncouncil member of CDHO’s Registration Committee, to a member of the Board of Directors for Gift from the Heart (an organization that provides no-cost dental hygiene care to underserved communities and emphasizes the role of the dental hygienist as a primary oral health care provider).
Adept at consulting and educating dental practices on products and techniques to enhance the patient experience, Hardill currently works for Oral Science, a Quebec-based company that provides solutions for patients with high-caries risk, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, oral cancer, oral lesions, and xerostomia, and shares her perspective on current dental hygiene topics in a personal blog: strictlydentalpro.com. She chatted with Dimensions of Dental Hygiene about her extensive dental hygiene career.
As a dental hygienist practicing in Canada, what are some key issues that dental hygienists will need to advocate for over the next few years?
At the top of the list is access to care. We have Canadian initiatives and organizations working toward improving access to care and looking at removing barriers, such as Gift from the Heart and public health programs. I hope this continues to grow. We also need to continue efforts to ensure dental hygiene education expands to a standard baccalaureate degree across the country. This is a critical step to further future dental hygiene-related research and credibility in our role on the oral health care team. Finally, we need to advocate for national standards of practice. At this time, the scope of practice varies depending on the province. Continued efforts are needed to streamline standards, as legislation across the country should support dental hygienists in their ability to prescribe radiographs, provide local anesthesia, and practice independently.
How have you made an impact on the dental profession?
I believe I have made the greatest impact thus far during the 10 years I spent providing peer assessing with CDHO. I was able to be part of annual workshops to advance the quality assurance (QA) process, assess hundreds of QA records to ensure standards of practice and guidelines were being met, provide on-site assessments to discuss practice activities, and review records and chart entries. This was such a powerful learning process. Supporting fellow dental hygienists and bringing awareness to areas that needed improvement had a ripple effect throughout our profession.
How can clinicians and medical professionals work together to improve patients’ overall health? 
There needs to be improved communication strategies and collaboration that are welcomed by both health and oral health professionals. Dental hygienists are providing so much more than prophylaxis or tooth-saving; we are aiding in inflammation reduction and are at the forefront of recognizing critical signs and symptoms that need to be shared with medical providers. A team approach is needed to contribute to overall health and wellness. When the medical and dental profession come to a common understanding, that’s when we will see things start to change.
How has your diverse background shown you the role oral health plays in overall health?
I  have been blessed to see the importance of how oral health impacts general health through many lenses. I’ve seen the repercussions people can experience as a result of dental pain and poor oral hygiene, and I understand how these experiences affect mental and physical well-being. It all comes down to improving early assessment and intervention strategies, and each type of practice environment plays a huge part in this. This is really what led me to Oral Science, specifically to be part of educating dental professionals on how silver diamine fluoride can be used to meet the needs of those who have limited options in the treatment of active dental caries, with the ultimate goals of improving quality of life and lightening the load on the Canadian health care system.
How can clinicians and medical professionals work together to improve patients’ overall health?
There needs to be improved communication strategies and collaboration that are welcomed by both health and dental care professionals. Dental hygienists are providing so much more than prophylaxis or tooth-saving, we are aiding in inflammation reduction and are at the forefront of noting critical signs and symptoms that need to be shared with medical providers. A team approach is needed to contribute to overall health and wellness. When the medical and dental profession come to a common understanding, that’s when we will see things start to change.
How do you hope to impact the profession in 2020?
I am excited to work toward inspiring registered dental hygienists to want more, not only through my role with Oral Science, but also with my blog and Instagram platform. One of my top goals is to continue to help support dental professionals to move toward providing comprehensive assessments, services, and recommendations that are focused on inflammation reduction that will not only improve oral health but their general health as well. I also want to continue to help motivate dental professionals to get out of the routine of just scaling and ask themselves and their patients the hard questions. I am passionate about sharing the message that individualized oral hygiene instruction and education are just as important as dental treatment, and this needs to be at the forefront of everything we do.
Is there a topic you feel strongly about?
The young, middle-aged, and elderly need care, and too often people are going without. Every person deserves the right to access dental treatment. I feel that those in financial hardship, as well as those living in remote areas, should be at the top of the list for future policy decisions.
If there were more hours in the day I would…
As a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, registered dental hygienist, and Oral Science consultant, each day brings a variety of priorities. However, if I had more hours, I would sit down with my boys and find out all the little details of their days. Being a mom is one of the most precious responsibilities I am blessed to have.
What keeps you awake at night?
How the dental industry needs to change and we have so much opportunity to impact someone’s life.
What motivates you?
A challenge and a need to find out the “why.” I thrive off learning and knowing as much as I can about our industry. When someone asks a question and I don’t know the answer, this actually excites me and motivates me to dig deep and find out as much as possible.
What’s ahead for dental hygienists?
I believe the future will include increased scope of practice, growing awareness of our role, and co-collaboration with medical professionals. I see cardiologists, for example, employing register dental hygienists as part of their teams.
How do you balance work and life?
Carve out times that work cannot interfere with family. Understand that saying no is OK.

Connect with Lisa Hardill, RDH, BHADM

Comments

  1. For the proper treatment of the teeth you need to contact dentist who provides the proper
    dental braces services for false teeth.

    ReplyDelete
  2. while a periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A dental bridge is a false tooth called a pontic that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. while a periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. https://www.medhannibal.com/implant-dentaire-tunisie/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your contents are completely awesome and share worthy. I really appreciate your efforts that you put on this. Keep sharing. For more Dentist Near Me related information visit Cezanne Dental Clinic


    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is really a helpful blog to find some different source to add my knowledge.
    Dental Implants Gold Coast

    ReplyDelete
  10. After going through your contents I realize that this is the best of my knowledge as it provides the best information and suggestions. This is very helpful and share worthy. If you are looking for the best Dental Health Article then visit World of Article. Keep sharing more.

    ReplyDelete
  11. pleasant post, stay aware of this fascinating work. It truly regards realize that this subject is being secured likewise on this article. we provide
    Dental Cleaning Services

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bardzo polecam zapoznanie się ze stroną http://rytualymilosne24.wordpress.com gdzie możecie znaleźć sporo artykułów i recenzji na temat magii miłosnej i nie tylko. Są tam informacje o skuteczności danych rytuałów.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dental implant Dubai I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a useful post you've shared here. I got some helpful knowledge from this post. Thanks for posting it. Keep it up. Family Dentist Toledo Ohio

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am truly impressed by the details which you have provided regarding bad breath. It is an interesting article for me as well as for others. Thanks for sharing such articles here.

    ReplyDelete
  16. You have done great work by publishing this article here. It is useful and convenient info for us. Keep upgrading our knowledge by share these types of articles.conroe dentist

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your article contains very much information . Your article is very informative and useful to know . Thank you so much for sharing this article here. Emergency dental clinic charlotte NC

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your article contains very much information . Your article is very informative and useful to know . Thank you so much for sharing this article here.
    dentures in columbia sc

    ReplyDelete
  19. The information which you have shared here . It is a really useful and informative article. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work. Thank you. Clear Dental Aligners

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi there to everybody, it’s my first go to see of this web site; this weblog consists of awesome and in fact good stuff for visitors. Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what stuff! Existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this web site. You can also visit diabetes screening near me for more The Pines Family Practic related information and knowledge.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for publishing such great information. You are doing such a great job. This information is very helpful for everyone. Keep it up. Thanks. Read more info about Hanford Root Canal Dental Care

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Very good, This information is essential and informative which you have shared here. It is beneficial for beginners to develop their knowledge. It is very gainful information. Thanks for share it. Read more info about cheap dental equipment Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am truly impressed by the details which you have provided. It is an interesting article for me as well as for others. Thanks for sharing such articles here. Tooth Extraction Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
  25. I generally check this kind of article and I found your article which is related to my interest. Genuinely, it is good and instructive information about.dentist yarravilleThanks for sharing an amazing article here.

    ReplyDelete
  26. You've provided quite good information here about Root canal Treatment cost in bhopal. This is fantastic since it expands our knowledge and is also beneficial to us. Thank you for sharing this piece of writing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your blog is awfully appealing. I am contented with your post. I regularly read your blog and its very helpful. If you are looking for the best Australia's Leading Allied Health Practice Management Software, then visit PPMP. Thanks! I enjoyed this blog post.

    ReplyDelete
  28. info about veneers I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I just wanted to say this is an elegantly composed article as we have seen here. I got some knowledge from your article and also it is a significant article for us. Thanks for sharing an article like this.denture specialists brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  30. Gynecomastia surgery Tampa is a very successful treatment for men with a condition called gynecomastia. This condition can cause men to have enlarged breasts and can be very embarrassing. Gynecomastia surgery Tampa

    ReplyDelete

  31. I read this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article. I like your work.
    tree care professional

    ReplyDelete
  32. I went over this article. I believe you worked very hard to create this content. I enjoy what you do. custom erp software

    ReplyDelete
  33. Life success counseling plays a crucial role in guiding students towards achieving their full potential. In today's fast-paced and competitive world, students face numerous challenges and pressures that can impact their overall well-being and future prospects.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How does the "Client Experience" impact the success of dental hygiene appointments ?

We know that for some clients dental hygiene appointments can be a daunting experience and something they easily delay or avoid. One of main reasons I have found is related to discomfort they may have experienced in the past. Clients make their feelings well known inside and outside the dental operatoy, while discussing their experiences with friends and family. Since working chair-side for well over a decade, as well as being privileged with my current role to hear from hundreds of hygienists, about what makes a positive impact on their appointments. I have learned ideal strategies hygienists can utilize to make a true difference. Recognizing our client's comfort is a top priority is one thing, but implementing strategies to meet their on-going needs is another. One of the best skills we can have as dental hygienists is the ability to put ourselves in our clients shoes. This empathy will allow you to meet the needs of your clients. If you let your clients truly express ho

Change is Needed to Save Lives; the role of dentistry and medicine

I was privileged to attend a recent course with Dr. Bale and Dr. Doneen focused on Heart Attack, Stroke and Oral Health. Bringing to the fore-front once again, the work dental professionals provide matters when it comes to cardiac health. The collaboration between medical and dental professionals is continuing to strengthen as science recognizes what is happening in the mouth directly impacts the rest of the body, and vice versa. Current research is demonstrating more than a casual association between oral health and cardiovascular health, with a direct cause and effect relationship. This means it's time to make a change! Screening for both diseases more aggressively and more frequently in both the medical and dental field is required. How does one impact the other? We know inflammation in the oral cavity will lead to ulcerations in the epithelium tissues, allowing bacteria to travel a distance systemically. The bacteria present in the oral cavity triggers the inflammator