The Story Behind the Hygiene Hive

For years, I loved my work as a dental hygienist, building relationships with patients and helping them maintain their oral health. But over time, I became increasingly frustrated by a reality I could no longer ignore—so many people simply could not access the care they desperately needed.

 

I saw patients discouraged because they couldn’t afford treatment. I watched parents struggle to find providers for their children. I met seniors who had gone years without a dental visit. And I realized that the system was failing them—not because there weren’t solutions, but because outdated policies and systemic barriers stood in the way.

 

That’s when I knew I had to do more.

 

I took a leap beyond the clinical setting and became a Community Health Navigator, where I saw firsthand how difficult it was—not just for patients, but for case managers, social workers, and healthcare professionals—to connect people with the care they needed. The barriers were everywhere: long waitlists, transportation issues, lack of provider participation, and restrictive policies that limited the role of dental hygienists.

 

The Hive: A Symbol of Strength & Community

 

The inspiration for The Hygiene Hive comes not only from my passion for oral health advocacy but also from a deeply personal place. A group of my closest friends and I call ourselves “The Hive.” We chose this name when one of our dear friends was diagnosed with breast cancer, and we needed a way to define the unwavering support, hard work, and loyalty that bonded us together. Bees—and the hive—symbolize community, resilience, and collective strength.

 

That same spirit fuels The Hygiene Hive. Just as a hive thrives when every bee has a role, a healthcare system thrives when all providers are empowered to work to the full extent of their training to serve the community. I built The Hygiene Hive to bring together like-minded professionals, advocates, and policymakers—people committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring oral health is treated as an essential part of overall health.

 

At the core of The Hygiene Hive is a simple but powerful belief: when we work together, lift each other up, and advocate for change, we can build a future where oral healthcare is truly accessible for all.

 

This isn’t just my passion—it’s my purpose. And I invite others to join the Hive in creating a healthier future for everyone.