Deborah L. Cartee, RDH, MS, is an assistant professor and junior clinical coordinator in the Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and PeriodonticsDental Hygiene Division of the UMSOD. She has been the coordinator for numerous courses, including general pathology, oral radiology, dental materials, and histology. Cartee is the current Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) advisor, the Maryland State Educators Network representative, and delegation chair to the ADHA.
While addressing issues like sexually transmitted infections, obesity, and tobacco use is not easy, oral health professionals are obligated to educate patients on key factors related to oral and systemic health.