Leah Hargrove, RDH

Meet Leah Hargrove, a dental hygienist and mental health advocate from Tennessee dedicated to integrating mental health awareness into dental care. Leah combines a decade of dental expertise with a personal passion for mental health advocacy, aiming to transform how dental professionals approach the emotional well-being of their patients.

quip: Your journey as a mental health advocate in dentistry is inspiring. Can you share what initially drew you to focus on mental health within the dental community?

Leah: Thank you for the kind words. My focus on mental health in dentistry is deeply personal. I lost my father to suicide when I was a teenager, and I’ve always wanted to honor him by using his story to help others. Additionally, seeing my husband struggle with his own mental health challenges and come through the other side has been incredibly inspiring and has fueled my commitment to this cause.

My own journey with mental health has also made me realize how crucial it is to raise awareness and educate others. It’s clear that not everyone has been given the information or support they need regarding mental health. Recently, I’ve seen how the dental profession can play a significant role in addressing these issues. Since dental visits are often more frequent than visits to other healthcare providers, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference.

By incorporating simple mental health screenings into routine appointments, we can create a safe space for patients to discuss their mental health. It’s about offering extra support and addressing the whole person, not just their oral health. I believe that by leading with empathy and compassion, and gaining a deeper understanding of mental health, we can significantly enhance our patients' well-being and make a meaningful impact through our care.

quip: In your eyes, how has the conversation around mental health in dentistry evolved over the last 10 years?

Leah: I’ve seen a significant shift in the conversation about mental health in dentistry. When I started, mental health wasn’t really on the radar in dental care, and there was little connection made between mental well-being and oral health. However, recently there has been growing awareness of this link, especially since COVID-19, and more professionals are open to discussing mental health. 

Despite this progress, a major barrier remains: many providers still lack the confidence to start these conversations. This uncertainty about how to approach mental health topics with patients often leads to a gap in integrating mental health discussions into routine care. As a result, many practices still haven’t implemented mental health screenings or protocols. 

To bridge this gap, it’s crucial for us as providers to become more educated about mental health. By doing so, we can integrate mental health into our practices just like we do with other referrals. This would enable us to implement screenings and establish protocols, ultimately enhancing patient care and supporting overall well-being.

 quip: As an advocate for suicide prevention, what signs should dental professionals look out for in their colleagues and patients, and how can they seek help?

Leah: As a suicide prevention advocate, I believe dental professionals should look out for key signs such as changes in behavior, emotional distress, physical symptoms, and verbal cues of hopelessness. For colleagues, this might include noticeable shifts in work performance or social withdrawal, while for patients, look for changes in their engagement or comments about feeling overwhelmed.

If you notice these signs, start by having a compassionate conversation. Let them know you’re there to listen and offer support. Use mental health screenings, like the PHQ-2, to help identify those in need. Provide resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and encourage them to seek professional help. Following up and participating in mental health training can also be crucial in providing ongoing support.

quip: Mental health awareness is crucial, yet often stigmatized in the workplace. How can dental practices create a more supportive environment for team members facing mental health challenges?

Leah: To create a more supportive environment for mental health in a dental practice, start by encouraging open communication and normalizing discussions about mental health. Provide education and training to reduce stigma and equip staff with the tools to support each other. Implement clear policies for mental health support, such as access to counseling and flexible work options. Lead by example—when leaders show empathy and understanding, it sets a positive tone for everyone. Finally, be proactive in recognizing and addressing signs of burnout to ensure a healthy work environment for all.

quip: Can you discuss the importance of self-care for dental professionals and share any specific strategies or routines that have worked well for you?

Leah: Self-care is vital for dental professionals because it helps prevent burnout, supports mental well-being, and ensures we can provide the best care for our patients. When we take care of ourselves, we're more focused and effective in our work, which also enhances job satisfaction and maintains a healthy work-life balance. I personally like to use my creative side as an outlet. I love making funny reels for my Instagram account or designing graphics to post. I also enjoy drawing and creating t-shirt designs for dental professionals with a touch of humor. Beyond these activities, other effective self-care outlets can include exercise, mindfulness practices, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

quip: You’ve been active in creating mental health resources for the dental community. What are some of the most valuable resources or tools you recommend?

Leah: Some of my favorite resources for mental health in the dental community include the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, To Write Love on Her Arms, and the 988 National Mental Health Crisis Hotline. Additionally, classes and certifications like "Talk Saves Lives" by AFSP, QPR Gatekeeper Training, and Mental Health First Aid are incredibly valuable. I also share great resources on my Instagram account. While there isn’t a specific course for dental professionals yet, I’m developing one and would love for you to join me when it’s ready. Feel free to reach out at any time for more information or support.

quip: In your opinion, how can dental professionals better support each other in the high-stress environment of dentistry, especially when it comes to mental health?

Leah: Dental professionals can better support each other by fostering open communication and creating a culture of empathy. Encouraging regular check-ins, sharing resources, and offering a listening ear can make a big difference. Additionally, promoting mental health education and reducing stigma through training can help everyone feel more comfortable seeking and offering support. By actively supporting each other and being proactive about mental health, we can create a more resilient and caring work environment.

quip: Looking ahead, what initiatives or changes would you like to see in the dental industry to further support mental health and well-being for professionals?

Leah: Looking ahead, I’d like to see mental health screenings become as standard in dental visits as oral cancer screenings, blood pressure checks, and airway assessments. Integrating these screenings into routine care can help identify issues early and provide necessary support for mental well-being, making mental health a more integral part of dental practice.

quip: What’s one piece of advice you would give to those just starting in the profession?

Leah: My advice is to stay true and authentic to yourself. Not everyone will be your fan—whether it’s coworkers, patients, or even bosses—but it’s important to recognize your worth and remain genuine. Embrace your unique qualities and keep your focus on providing the best care and staying true to your values.

quip: When you’re not advocating for mental health or working in dentistry, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or passions that you’re particularly enthusiastic about?

Leah: I love spending time with my family—my daughter, who just started kindergarten, my husband, and our dog. I’m passionate about showing my daughter that she can truly make a difference in the world. I also enjoy a variety of hobbies, including hand embroidery and photography. Additionally, networking with other dental professionals has been incredibly rewarding, as many have become friends. I love learning new things and exploring different interests, and these connections enrich both my personal and professional life.

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Follow Leah Hargrove on Instagram: @ldhtherdh