Dental Professional Highlight Series: Lindsey Hesse MSDH, RDH

Commercials are always talking about what leading dental professionals do or do not recommend. Well, we've taken the time to ask them! Lindsey is passionate about connecting with and educating her patients so that they can achieve the best results. Her commitment to her profession shines through in her everyday work as she explains the science behind dental care. So what's her #1 dental hygiene tip?

Flossing isn't restricted to bedtime. Work it into your day-to-day life whenever & wherever you can!  🦷

 Picture of Lindsey Hesse smiling in her hygienist scrubs

What is your favorite part about the Slate Electric Flosser?

It is so easy to use! It is an amazing tool for everyone, but especially those with limited dexterity like children or elderly adults.
 
What made you want to become a Dental professional?
 
Growing up, I always loved getting my teeth cleaned and going through the ortho process. All of the hygienists, assistants, and dentists that I saw were always so nice and created such a fun environment. I figured the dentist must be a fun place to work, so I decided that I wanted to be a hygienist when I was in elementary school! I’m glad I chose this career path and love what I do!
 
What is the hardest part about being a Dental Professional?
 
I think that hardest part is that we tend to be very caring and empathetic towards our patients. This can sometimes be a heavy burden to carry.
 

What do you wish that your patients knew? 

The science behind why we give you the advice that we give you (brushing, flossing, etc.) I try to explain in laypersons terms the science behind the mouth and the evidence behind our recommendations! If you don’t understand why you should/shouldn’t do something, you’re unlikely to create change. 

If you could give one dental hygiene tip, what would it be?
 
Flossing doesn’t necessarily have to happen RIGHT before you go to bed! You can floss wherever/whenever! Stick your flosser/floss on your end table and floss when you’re watching TV, put it by your bedside, put it in the shower, put it by your desk. Think outside of the box. You know your routine and you can figure out some way to sneak that flossing into your day!
 
What motivates you?
 
I have a passion for education! I always tell my patients, "if no one ever told you, then how would you know!" Education is the most important tool that we can give to our patients.
 
What is your favorite part about being a Dental Professional?
 
I love building a rapport with patients who are my “regulars.” It’s a special relationship when you can move alongside your patients through many types of life journeys, both good and bad! I also love a good success story. It's the best when a patient comes in with their mouth in poor shape, but with time and dedication, they have a beautiful and happy smile at the end!
 
What is your favorite toothbrush?
 
I don’t necessarily have a favorite brand, but an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer is a must!
 
What is your favorite toothpaste?
 
Anything as long as it has fluoride (look for “anti-cavity”)
 

What do you think is the most important thing about what you do? 

Having a healthy and beautiful smile creates a healthy and confident person! Your smile is the first thing that people tend to notice. I love being a part of that!
 
Anything else you want people to know?
 
I am married and we have 4 little boys (chaos is my middle name.) I completed my masters degree in dental hygiene and am currently working on getting some of my research published. I am also a part-time dental hygiene instructor and love being part of the future generation of hygiene!
 
Instagram handle 
 
@linakeke