Sarah Hoerler, RDH, MS
Assistant Professor of Dentistry at Mayo Clinic
Dental Hygiene Adjunct Instructor at Rochester Community and Technical College
Dental Hygiene Faculty at Metropolitan State University
What makes you love dental hygiene?
My love for dental hygiene stems from the transformative impact oral health has on patients' overall systemic health. As a clinical dental hygienist in a medical institution, my love for dental hygiene continues to grow as emerging interdisciplinary collaborations between medical and dental professionals evolve. As a clinician, educator and researcher, I find fulfillment in shaping the future of the dental hygiene profession and driving innovative interdisciplinary collaborations.
Highlight the moments that inspire you:
My inspiration for dental hygiene is fueled by the meaningful moments of impact with hospitalized patients and the gratitude expressed by medical colleagues that highlight the importance of a dental hygienist as a vital role in the overall healthcare team. Messages from nursing staff, expressing heartfelt thanks for collaborative efforts that improve patient care, affirm the value of interdisciplinary partnerships. Knowing that the role of a dental hygienist in a hospital setting allows patients to receive the quality oral hygiene in the hospital they deserve is profoundly rewarding. Additionally, the positive feedback from dental hygiene students, inspired and motivated by emerging dental hygiene student interdisciplinary hospital rotations, brings immense joy and underscores the significance of my role in shaping the future of the dental hygiene profession. These moments of connection and collaboration are what make my journey in dental hygiene so fulfilling and inspiring.
Share a memorable patient interaction:
One particularly memorable patient interaction involved a hospitalized patient who initially declined our services, stating he didn’t need them because he had no teeth. This opened an opportunity to educate him about the importance of reducing bacteria in the oral cavity to prevent hospital acquired pneumonia, even without teeth, through the use of antibacterial oral hygiene products. As we spoke, he shared a deep personal story about his dentures, which he kept tucked away in a drawer at home. He explained that he had quickly had his hopeless teeth extracted and dentures made before his wife, who had terminal cancer, passed away. His motivation was profoundly touching—he wanted to give her one last beautiful smile before she left this world. This moment not only reinforced the emotional depth of my career but also underscored the privilege of sharing such meaningful journeys with patients.
Share what keeps you inspired and excited in your career:
What keeps me inspired and excited in my career is the opportunity to engage in emerging interdisciplinary collaborations with our medical colleagues. Partnering with healthcare professionals across disciplines allows us to bridge the gap between oral health and overall health, creating optimal patient health outcomes. These collaborations, such as integrating dental hygiene into medical settings or working alongside nursing staff on patient education initiatives, demonstrate the growing recognition of the vital role dental hygiene plays in systemic health. Knowing that our collective efforts can transform patient outcomes and expand patient access to quality oral hygiene while hospitalized fuels my passion and reinforces the meaningfulness of my work.