TNDHA Presents: 2025 Fall Symposium

6 Hours of CE

Friday, November 7th

South College
616 Marriott Drive
Nashville, TN

$90 Members / $110 Potential Members

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  • 8:00 - 8:30 am

    Registration & Visit Exhibitors

  • 8:30 am - 10:30am

    “Bumps, Bruises and Body Language… What Could It Mean?” A Focus on Dental Professionals and Their Role in Detecting Human Trafficking and Abuse Whitney Howerton, MDH, RDH, CDIPC

  • 10:30 - 11:00 am

    “Advocacy and the RDH Part 1: What the Community Should Know” Oral Health Awareness Project with Lisandra Maisonet, RDH

  • 11:00-11:30am

    Break-Visit Exhibitors

  • 11:30 -12:00pm

    Lunch Provided

  • 12:00pm-12:30pm

    “Advocacy and the RDH Part 2: What the RDH Should Know about Progress” with Mike Bivens, TNDHA Lobbyist and Alicia Azimipour, RDH

  • 12:30-2:30pm

    “Died by Suicide” with Leah Hargrove, RDH A clinician’s personal story and the drive to increase dental professionals’ awareness of proper mental health education

  • 2:30pm-3:00pm

    Visit Exhibitors

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 Died by Suicide: Practical Strategies for Integrating Mental Health in Dentistry

Objectives: 

  1. Understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders.

  2. Learn how to use and seamlessly integrate screenings into your dental practice.

  3. Gain self-confidence in addressing and discussing mental health issues with patients to provide early intervention. 

  4. Discover appropriate mental health tools and resources along with how to collaborate with mental health providers. 

  5. Develop an effective office protocol for managing mental health issues.

  6. Dental treatment options and product recommendations for patients present with mental health conditions.

Summary:
This course empowers dental professionals with the knowledge and skills to confidently integrate mental health care into their daily practice. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of common mental health disorders and learn to recognize key signs, such as changes in oral hygiene and behavioral shifts, that may indicate distress. Practical guidance is provided on using tools like the PHQ-2, conducting empathetic conversations, and seamlessly incorporating screenings into patient visits.
Picture of Leah Hargrove

Leah Hargrove

Leah Hargrove is a Tennessee native and seasoned Registered Dental Hygienist with more than ten years of experience in both private practice and Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). She earned her Associate of Science degree from Cleveland State Community College in 2010, where she was a collegiate athlete on a full softball scholarship, and later completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Remington College in 2014. Leah is currently advancing her education with a Bachelor of Health Science at Missouri Southern State University.
Passionate about personalized preventive care, Leah believes in meeting patients exactly where they are. Throughout her career, she has mentored fellow hygienists and helped develop clinical protocols to improve patient outcomes and streamline workflows. These experiences built the foundation for her current role as a Preventive Care Consultant with Elevate Oral Care, where she collaborates with dental teams to put prevention strategies into action in practical and effective ways. Known for her collaborative spirit, Leah has a gift for turning complex ideas into clear, actionable steps.

Leah is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness within dentistry. Her personal journey, shaped by the profound impact of mental health issues including the loss of her father to suicide, fuels her dedication to integrating mental health considerations into dental care. She has shared her insights through articles in RDH Magazine and Oral Health Magazine in Canada, as well as guest appearances on several dental podcasts. Certified in Mental Health First Aid and as a QPR Gatekeeper, Leah actively supports individuals in crisis and is involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Leah is also an active member of the ADHA and AADH and enjoys building connections with other dental professionals on social media, where she blends education with humor to encourage meaningful conversations. At home, she finds her greatest joy in family life with her husband, Joshua, and their daughter, Briella, who inspires her to lead with kindness and compassion every day.