From Pregnancy to First Smiles: An Expanding Role for Hygienists

Miranda Kline, RDH, BS, PHDHP, CH-OSE, of York, Pennsylvania, is a Public Health Dental Hygienist Practitioner and clinical faculty member. As a member of the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists (NNHH) and an Oral Systemic Educator Certificate Holder, Miranda combines clinical practice and education to help patients see oral health as an essential part of whole-person care.

Working in public health at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) while serving part time as clinic faculty, Miranda holds a hybrid role that brings together direct patient care and education. Her work is especially meaningful because it allows her to support people whose oral-health needs may otherwise go unmet. She is particularly drawn to serving individuals with low socioeconomic status and pregnant women, groups for whom prevention, clear information, and access to care can have lasting effects.

Miranda’s capstone project focused on oral care during pregnancy and infant oral care. The project reflects her commitment to helping expectant and new mothers understand how their own oral health can support their well-being and establish a healthy start for their children. Looking ahead, Miranda hopes to build an educational program with obstetricians, gynecologists, and pediatricians that equips new and expectant mothers with practical guidance for caring for themselves and their children.

For Miranda, enrolling in an NNHH Certificate Program was about far more than earning continuing-education credit. As a lifelong learner, she wanted to deepen the knowledge she could share with every person she meets. The program reinforced a central belief in her work: dental hygienists are not just "teeth cleaners.” We are licensed healthcare professionals who can educate, advocate, and help both patients and providers connect oral health to overall wellness.

That perspective has strengthened Miranda’s patient conversations. She now asks more thorough follow-up questions while reviewing medical histories and can offer patients more informed guidance about oral-systemic health concerns and appropriate follow-up care. Patients are often surprised, she says, by “how much we know, how much we care” beyond their teeth.

The program also encouraged Miranda to move beyond her comfort zone and collaborate with other medical professionals. Networking has helped her see that hygienists have an important place alongside other providers, working toward the common goal of better patient care. With trusted references, expanded knowledge, and a growing professional network, she is continuing to develop the confidence to bring her maternal and infant oral-health education work to a wider audience.

When asked what she would say to hygienists considering an NNHH program, Miranda shared:

“Educate yourself as much as you can. Network, collaborate, be the advocate for your patients! There is so much valuable information in the Oral Systemic Educator Certificate Program and many people to add to your network. I highly recommend it!"

Miranda’s dedication to public health, education, and collaboration demonstrates the meaningful role hygienists can play in improving community health. By championing oral care for pregnant women, infants, and families with limited resources, she is helping create stronger foundations for lifelong wellness.

Connect with Miranda at [email protected].

Learn more about NNHH’s Certificate Programs and how advanced education can help hygienists expand their impact.