Transforming Smiles and Lives with Dr. Benjamin Ham and Crystal Petty

Join us as we dive into the world of dentistry with Dr. Benjamin Ham, a dedicated dentist with over 40 years of experience, and Crystal Petty, a dental hygienist. Discover the importance of oral health, and how dentistry can positively impact lives. This episode is part of our Health & Wellness series. Dr. Benjamin Ham graduated with his D.D.S. from the University of Missouri in Kansas City in 1983. His undergraduate studies were at the University of New Mexico. He was doing his graduate work at the University of New Mexico when he decided to go to dental school. Having a general dentistry practice he has worked in many areas of dentistry, including helping evaluate transplant patients for various hospitals in the area. It is his pleasure to meet and work with patients of all ages. Crystal Petty has been a practicing dental hygienist for 20 years now. She received her bachelor's degree in dental science from the University of New Mexico. She can honestly say she went to school for something is passionate about and loves. She has been with her current dental practice and doctor for 17 years. Dental hygiene is hard work on the body but very rewarding. She has been able to be a single mom for 13 years and take good care of her son, as this career has flexible hours and great pay. She loves a healthy happy smile. We discussed: 4:26 - Dr. Ham’s journey from undergraduate studies at the University of New Mexico to becoming a dentist. What motivated him to pursue a career in dentistry. 5:58 - How graduate work at the University of New Mexico contributed to his decision to attend dental school. 6:52 - The various areas of dentistry and different roles and responsibilities and a general dentist. 10:26 - Evaluating transplant patients is a unique aspect of Dr. Ham’s practice. How dentistry plays a role in the overall healthcare of these patients. 15:41 - Some notable changes or advancements in the field of dentistry and patient care over the past 40 years. 20:01 - Crystal’s journey from initially planning to go to nursing school to becoming a dental hygienist. 23:09 - Key factors that contributed to her long-term commitment to this practice. 25:48 - Working as a dental hygienist can be physically demanding. How the staff manages the physically demanding challenges, and how they take care of their bodies while providing quality care to their patients. 28:49 - Some rewarding experiences or moments she’s had as a dental hygienist. 30:18 - Advice for aspiring dental hygienists who are considering this career path. 32:36 - Why oral hygiene is so important for overall health and well-being. 36:52 - The connection between oral health and systemic health. How neglecting oral hygiene impacts other parts of the body. 38:02 - Some common oral health issues that can arise from poor oral hygiene practices. How do these issues affect a person's quality of life. Cardiovascular health and heart disease. 41:24 - Tooth decay is a prevalent oral health problem. The risks associated with untreated cavities and the potential complications that can arise. 40:24 - Risks and complications during pregnancy from neglecting oral hygiene. 43:22 - What type of payment plans do they offer their patients. 47:32 - Advice and tips for maintaining good oral hygiene habits and preventing oral health problems. Episode Resources: Website: http://www.drhamdds.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrHamDDS/ Phone: 505-312-7888 Email: [email protected] Subscribe to my YouTube Channel – Finding Resilience with Leann https://www.youtube.com/@findingresiliencewithleann For more information from me, check out my website: website: https://findingresiliencewithleann.com/ ⁠