Dr. McGlennen: What inspired you to pursue a career in dental hygiene, and what do you find most rewarding about it?
Heidy: Growing up, I had the most amazing relationship with my dental office, and it started with my dental hygienist. She was kind, knowledgeable, and made each visit feel comfortable, which sparked my interest in dental care. I loved the idea of being able to help people feel confident about their smiles and promote overall health, so I decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene.
Dr. McGlennen: What advice would you give to other RDHs who are hesitant to adopt salivary diagnostics in their practice?
Heidy: Salivary diagnostics are a powerful tool, and while it can be intimidating to adopt new methods, I would encourage my fellow dental hygienists to take the leap and give it a try! Here’s why:
- Enhanced Patient Care: Salivary testing provides a deeper understanding of a patient’s oral and systemic health. It can help identify risk factors for periodontal disease and systemic conditions. By embracing this, we can offer a more personalized and proactive treatment plan for our patients.
- Periodontal Disease Risk: Salivary diagnostics can detect elevated levels of bacteria linked to periodontal disease, which helps in identifying patients who may be at higher risk, even before clinical signs appear. This allows for earlier intervention and personalized prevention strategies.
Dr. McGlennen: What excites you most about the future of dental hygiene and how salivary diagnostics can contribute to it?
Heidy: I’m truly excited about how this could change the way we approach dental care. Salivary diagnostics is just one example of how the profession is evolving, and I believe it has the potential to make a huge difference in how we diagnose, treat, and educate our patients. It’s a chance for dental hygienists to become even more integrated into the overall healthcare landscape and take on a broader role in health and wellness.
- RDH Spotlight: Heidy Esperansa Garcia, RDH - February 27, 2026