#6 – Misty Mattingly, SVP & Chief Dental Hygiene Officer at Sage Dental

Journey to Leadership at Sage Dental

Misty Mattingly, the SVP and Chief Dental Officer at Sage Dental, shares her 25-year journey in the dental field. With experience in various roles, from hygienist to operations manager, Misty has shaped the hygiene team at Sage Dental over the past six years, demonstrating her dedication and expertise in the industry.

A Day in the Life of a Chief Dental Officer

Misty’s role as Chief Dental Officer involves a dynamic range of responsibilities. From planning quarterly initiatives and learning about new dental products to educating clinical teams, her focus is on ensuring that patients receive the best care possible. Misty emphasizes the importance of being hands-on and maintaining a presence in the field, working chairside with her team to ensure the effectiveness of their tools and treatments.

Oral Health’s Impact on Overall Wellbeing

A key topic of discussion is the significant connection between oral health and overall health. Misty highlights the systemic links between oral infections and serious health conditions such as heart disease, low birth weight, erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. She stresses the importance of viewing the mouth as an integral part of the body, capable of indicating broader health issues.

Addressing Oral Health Misconceptions

Misty tackles common misconceptions about oral health, such as the normalization of bleeding gums. She explains how oral infections can lead to systemic inflammation, which is a major contributor to various health problems. Educating patients about the seriousness of oral health issues and their broader implications is crucial for promoting overall wellbeing.

Challenges in Dental Care Access and Solutions

The discussion also delves into the challenges posed by dental care shortages and high costs. Misty advocates for utilizing technology, such as teledentistry, to improve access to dental care, especially in underserved areas. She also emphasizes the need for legislative changes to allow providers to perform more procedures and for better integration of oral health into overall healthcare practices.

The Role of Social Determinants in Oral Health

Misty shares her personal experience growing up in a single-parent household and foster care, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic factors on dental care access. She calls for better education and use of preventive services to make dental care more affordable and accessible. Programs that integrate oral health assessments in community health centers and pediatric practices can help address these disparities.

Conclusion

Misty Mattingly’s insights underscore the critical role of oral health in overall wellbeing. By educating the public and advocating for policy changes, the dental industry can improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for many individuals. As Misty continues her work at Sage Dental, her commitment to patient care and education remains unwavering, paving the way for a healthier future.