We’d like to start putting a face on our blog so you can get to know us a little better. Let’s start by introducing you to Maureen Howes, RDH, MS.

Maureen has been director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. since 2006 and is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Maureen has more than 25 years of experience in the dental industry and is an expert on all aspects of dental hygiene. Not only does she serve as a dental hygiene examiner with the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Maureen also provides continuing education to dental professionals. She is passionate about educating individuals about the benefits of consistent, daily routine of oral health care.

We sat down with Maureen to ask her some questions about how she got her start in dentistry.

Q: What is your earliest dentist memory?

A: Like most patients of “my generation,” as a kid I recall my dental office smelling like a mixture of “clove gum and Listerine”. Fortunately dentistry has progressed a lot since those days.

Q: How did you pick dental hygiene as your career?

A: I had braces as a teenager, and I found myself fascinated by my surroundings at each orthodontic appointment. I was intrigued by the science of dentistry and attracted to a profession where I could help people every day.

Q: What’s the one thing you wish all dental patients would know?

A: I wish patients would know how important it is to be proactive with their dental health and not wait until “something hurts” to seek care.

Q: What’s the one thing you wish you had known as a dental student?

A: I wish I had known how difficult economic times would create such an enormous barrier to care for so many patients.

Q: There are so many toothpastes on the market today, each claiming to do something different. What kind of toothpaste should people look for?

A: The most important ingredient is fluoride. Foods, beverages and plaque create an acidic environment in our mouths and we need fluoride to protect against the decay that this acid causes. Beyond that, it is most important that the patient likes the taste- so they will brush for a full two minutes in the morning and especially before bed at night.

Q: Are there special dental hygiene rules for denture wearers?

A: It is very important for denture wearers to remove their dentures every night and clean all underlying the tissues in their mouth. They should clean their dentures with a denture brush and keep their dentures moist with a fresh supply of water in a covered denture bath each night.

Q: How do you interact with hygienists in Aspen Dental practices across the country?

A: At Aspen we have an intranet page designed specifically for dental hygienists. I post announcements and provide links to keep my team abreast of current dental research, products, continuing education opportunities, etc. They also have a blog site where they can share ideas with more than 300 colleagues across the United States.

Check out more of Maureen’ blog posts here!

© 2011, Mark F.. All rights reserved.