Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Crystal Springs

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, host Misty Mattingly welcomes back hygienist and nonprofit leader Crystal Springs for a candid conversation about expanding the role of dental professionals far beyond the operatory. Fresh off hosting a large-scale community clinic in Montana, Crystal shares how her team delivers essential care to underserved populations through mobile dentistry, public health outreach, and innovative medical-dental integration. Together, they explore the critical role hygienists can play in mental health awareness, including screening patients and having meaningful conversations that could make a real differenc, especially when they may be the only healthcare providers a patient sees. The discussion also dives into burnout, leadership, and the future of the hygiene profession, as well as how to create lasting change within practices and communities. With personal stories, honest insights, and a few lighthearted moments, this episode is a powerful reminder that dentistry is about more than teeth, it’s about caring for the whole person.