Heather Hakes, RDH
Heather Hakes, RDH, was born in Upstate New York where she started her Dental Hygiene career in 2000. Heather practiced in Upstate New York for three years at a general dentist practice where she gained experience with high and low functioning special needs patients. Heather then went on to pediatrics before moving to Virginia in 2007. She currently practices in Virginia in a general dental practice, where she has worked for the last ten years. Heather also works one day per week in an office with periodontal focus.
Heather resides in rural Virginia with her husband, Robert, her son Ryan, and two dogs, Rex and Jake. Heather enjoys home improvement projects, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Athletes and Dental Caries: The Power of Acid on Tooth Decay
A new school year always represents the start of students participating in school sports. The athletic activities typically precipitate an increase in the consumption...
Six Famous Historical Men Who Were Also Dentists
As dental professionals, we seem to eat and sleep dentistry. When a friend or stranger approaches us, we first notice their smile. When we...
Restorative: Additive Developed in Oregon Could Strengthen Treatment Options
The dental community is in a continual search for better dental materials and treatment options to provide an affordable, durable, and improved quality of...
Dental Implants: Smoking Effects on Dental Implants
Dental implant placement has gained popularity over the years as an effective, long-term tooth replacement option. Under the right conditions, dental implants have a...
5 Dental Urban Legends: The Tooth be Told
Urban legends are types of modern folklore or fictional stories presented as true and used for entertainment or to serve as cautionary tales. Urban...
Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: Should Dental Hygienists Recommend this Fluoride Alternative?
A common concern among patients during a dental hygiene appointment is the use of fluoride. Whether it is an applied topical fluoride application at...
Halloween Candy: The Dental Implications of Different Kinds
It is that time of year when children dress up and go door-to-door to collect bags full of candy. It is also that time...
The History of Dental Hygiene: Development through the Years
As I get older, I notice myself commonly making references to the past by using the phrase, “Back in the day…” Music and television...
5 Key Principles of Dental Ethics & How to Apply Them
Dental ethics is “a system of principles governing the dental practice, a moral obligation to render the best quality of dental services to the...
Periodontal Diagnosis: How to Maintain Positive Control of the Appointment
As dental hygienists we’ve all been there, treating a new patient with a periodontal diagnosis. How do we turn an appointment around after we...
How the Dental Hygiene Profession has Changed During My 22 Year Career
As a 22-year seasoned clinician in the dental hygiene community, I have witnessed profound changes in dental practice and job opportunities and developed a...
Noteworthy Women in Dentistry Part 3: 21st Century Continued Progress
The 1800s opened the gates to women in dentistry, and during the 1900s, women flooded those gates. The conclusion of the three-part series on...
Noteworthy Women in Dentistry Part 2: 20th Century’s Progressives in America
The late 1800s and early 1900s brought about many changes in economics, social and environmental reforms in the United States. This was known as...
Noteworthy Women in Dentistry Part 1: 19th Century’s Pioneers in America
Dentistry is an integral part of our overall health, and the profession has gained recognition for its contributions during the last three centuries. In...
A Breakdown of the Most Common Toothpaste Ingredients and their Benefits
Have you ever browsed the oral care section of a store and were completely overwhelmed with all the different types of available dentifrices? The...
How Cold Weather Negatively Affects Oral Health
Winter months bring not only holidays and celebrations but also the cold weather that can precipitate sinus issues, flu, colds, depression, and fatigue. Cold...
Analogies: How Hygienists Can Increase Patients’ Understanding of Dental Treatment
Communication between the patient and the clinician is a key component in a successful dental appointment. In order to have successful communication, understanding is...
5 Amazing Dental Facts You May Not Know
Let's break up the monotony of dental hygienists' timed appointments, scientific data, patient education, and continuing education by exploring the world of amazing dental...
How Increased Marijuana Legalization Impacts Oral Health of Dental Patients
The legalization and decriminalization of marijuana use medically and recreationally have increased over the years. Although seven states are still waiting on approval from...
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome: The Importance of a Dental Diagnosis
As dental clinicians, the medical history and clinical examination of our patients play important roles in differentiating vital signs which may be affecting the...