Historically, dental and medical care were viewed as separate disciplines. However, increasing evidence underscores the connection between oral health and overall well-being.
While dentists are often recognized for maintaining oral health, dental hygienists play an equally vital, though often overlooked, role. Lindsey Lee, director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of New Mexico (UNM) School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of hygienists in preventing oral health issues and fostering a healthy oral environment.
“Our role is to ensure that the oral environment stays healthy so our patients can achieve overall body health,” Lee explained.
For years, UNM’s program has offered clinical training to students while providing affordable dental care to the community.
Through the school’s teaching clinic, local residents can access comprehensive cleanings at reduced costs.
Lee explained that this model benefits both students and patients. Students gain hands-on experience under expert supervision, while patients receive high-quality care at lower prices.
The program also runs a special care dental clinic designed for patients with disabilities. The facility is equipped with adaptive chairs, stabilizing equipment for individuals with involuntary movements, and lifts to assist patients in transferring from wheelchairs.
Lee, describing dental hygienists as “the nurses of dentistry,” emphasized their critical preventive role. She pointed out the connection between oral health and various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
“Everything happening in your mouth affects the rest of your body,” Lee said.
The program offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, with its graduate program being one of the few of its kind in the U.S. Faculty members are highly experienced, with many actively contributing to research and academic publications, further boosting the program’s national reputation.
Lee noted that UNM’s influence on dental education extends beyond New Mexico, with former faculty contributing to widely used textbooks and shaping curricula nationwide.
“It’s not just about clean teeth or a nice smile,” Lee said. “Your mouth reflects what’s happening in the rest of your body, and it can influence your health as well.”