Dr. McGlennen: What inspired you to pursue a career in dental hygiene, and what do you find most rewarding about it?
Maiya: I became inspired by the dental hygiene profession when I realized hygienists are the link between oral and systemic health, fusing the line between the Mouth-Body Connection. Helping patients achieve the best overall health is the most rewarding part of my career.
Dr. McGlennen: How has incorporating salivary diagnostics into your practice changed the way you approach patient care?
Maiya: Salivary diagnostics provides a baseline for current systemic health levels and can change the trajectory of future treatment and/or preventive measures.
Dr. McGlennen: What advice would you give to other RDHs who are hesitant to adopt salivary diagnostics in their practice?
Maiya: I would advise any hygienist who may be hesitant to adopt salivary diagnostics into their practice to research the latest clinical studies pertaining to microorganisms and their prevalence in systemic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, etc. When you’re reviewing family and medical history with patients, are you really providing beneficence and autonomy by neglecting to mention prior mentioned connections – possibly having the ability to help improve/extend a patient’s quality of life?
Dr. McGlennen: When you’re not helping patients achieve better oral health, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
Maiya: I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, and trying new foods.
Dr. McGlennen: What excites you most about the future of dental hygiene and how salivary diagnostics can contribute to it?
Maiya: I am excited about hearing success stories about how salivary diagnostics have changed people’s lives for the better by creating happier and healthier patients.
- RDH Spotlight: Maiya White, RDH - May 22, 2026