Episode Details
On this episode of #NoFilterHealthcare, co-hosts Taylor Dunn & Tamara Dhanda sit down to discsuss the correlation between overall dental hygiene and mental health.
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- Understanding the future of work: Hybrid Work Models
- Importance of balancing remote & in-office teams
- Role of technology in enabling seamless collaboration
- Emotional intelligence as a key skill in the hybrid workspace
- Flexibility and adaptability as the new job requirements
- How company culture evolves in a hybrid environment
- Strategies for effective team management in a hybrid model
Watch
Listen
Read
Introduction
In a recent episode of the “#NoFilter Healthcare” podcast, co-hosts Taylor Dunn and Tamara Dhanda delved into a topic that’s not commonly discussed: the link between dental health and mental health. Both share personal experiences and perspectives, shedding light on how one’s mental state can significantly impact dental hygiene, and vice versa.
The Overlooked Stress Factor in Dental Health
According to Tamara, who started researching the subject due to personal issues, stress can lead to clenching of the jaw and other problems like TMJ disorders. These issues aren’t just dental in nature; they are strongly connected to mental well-being. A tense jaw could be a sign of underlying stress that could be harming your dental health. This revelation calls for dental practitioners to inquire about patients’ mental health when examining oral issues.
The Neglect of Dental Hygiene Due to Mental Health
Taylor points out that mental health issues like anxiety and depression often lead to neglect in various forms of self-care, including dental hygiene. For some people, the daily routine of brushing and flossing can seem like a monumental task when they are struggling mentally. This neglect can further exacerbate dental issues, creating a cycle that could be hard to break without professional intervention.
The Need for Holistic Conversations in Dental Offices
Dental offices should be a safe space for patients to discuss not just their oral health but also their mental health. While dentists are not mental health professionals, acknowledging the connection between the two could help in creating a more comprehensive healthcare plan for the patient.
Breaking Healthcare Silos: Collaboration is Key
The traditional approach to healthcare often involves professionals working in isolation. This disjointed method can result in missed opportunities for comprehensive treatment. As Tamara suggests, connecting with mental health providers could yield more effective, holistic treatment plans for patients.
Mobile Dentistry and Telehealth: Making Healthcare More Accessible
Accessibility is a big part of the conversation. Taylor introduces the concept of mobile dentistry, where dental services are delivered directly to the patient’s location, potentially mitigating stress and anxiety related to dental visits. Additionally, telehealth can serve as a preliminary step, allowing patients to establish rapport with their healthcare providers before an in-person consultation.
Slice of Healthcare Wrap Up
The conversation between Taylor and Tamara sheds light on a subject that deserves more attention. Dental health is not just about keeping your teeth clean; it’s intricately connected to your overall mental well-being. By understanding this link and taking proactive steps, both dental practitioners and patients can contribute to more comprehensive, holistic healthcare.
Thank you to our sponsor UptimeHealth!
At UptimeHealth, the mission is to simplify and predict medical equipment service, purchase, and compliance events for outpatient healthcare providers. UptimeHealth strives to provide exceptional service to our customers by utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
The vision is to become the trusted source for automating the care of the equipment that takes care of us. UptimeHealth is committed to delivering reliable and effective healthcare solutions that enhance patient outcomes and improve the overall healthcare experience.
Also, be sure to follow Slice of Healthcare on our social channels:
– Website – LinkedIn – Twitter – YouTube – Newsletter –
