Daily Inspiration: Meet Leah Hargrove, Rdh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Hargrove, Rdh

Hi Leah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always felt a deep desire to help others, which has been the driving force throughout my life and career. Growing up in Middle Tennessee, I spent a lot of time playing softball, where I learned the importance of leadership, teamwork, and communication—skills I still carry with me today.

After high school, I earned my Associate of Science degree from Cleveland State Community College on a softball scholarship, then went on to complete my Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at Remington College. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked as a dental hygienist in both DSO and private practice settings. During that time, I’ve been fortunate to mentor others, develop protocols, and even get a glimpse of the business side of dentistry. I was also honored to be nominated as one of the top five favorite dental hygienists in the Ruthies Awards for the past five years, which really meant a lot to me.

In 2004, I lost my dad to suicide, and that experience changed everything for me. It sparked my desire to help others who are struggling with their mental health. Over time, I realized the dental field was a perfect place to make an impact, especially in helping reduce the stigma around dental anxiety and mental health. That’s when I decided to get certified in Mental Health First Aid and started writing articles for dental magazines, hoping to create more awareness and open up conversations.

Now, as a Preventative Care Consultant at Elevate Oral Care for the state of Tennessee, I get to combine my love for patient care with my passion for mental health and preventative dentistry. I work with dental offices to help them move from a reactive approach to one that’s more preventative, focusing on products like Silver Diamine Fluoride and advocating for solutions that benefit both patients and practices.

At the core of everything I do are my values—empathy, kindness, and building genuine connections. My family, especially my husband Josh and our daughter Briella, are my biggest support system, and we’re creating a life filled with purpose, joy, and meaningful experiences.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, but the bumps along the way have shaped me into who I am today. Losing my dad to suicide at such a young age was a profound struggle that impacted every part of my life. It left me with a deep need to help others, especially when it comes to mental health. However, this also meant that for a long time, I carried a heavy emotional weight that I had to learn how to navigate.

In my career, there have been challenges as well. The field of dentistry is often slow to adopt change, and advocating for mental health screenings within dental practices was no small feat. Convincing others to see the connection between oral health and overall well-being was tough at times. There were also moments where I doubted myself or wondered if my efforts to drive change would be successful.

But every challenge taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of empathy in everything I do. Over time, I’ve learned that growth rarely happens without adversity. It’s the struggles that push us to reimagine what’s possible, and it’s through perseverance and belief in a bigger vision that we can create meaningful change.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my current role as a Preventative Care Consultant with Elevate Oral Care, I help dental professionals in the state of Tennessee shift to a proactive, preventative approach. I specialize in products like Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and guide practices in using these treatments to improve patient outcomes, especially in terms of preventing further dental issues and reducing overall costs.

What sets me apart is my focus on empathy and building authentic connections. After 10 years as a dental hygienist, I understand how a compassionate approach can make a real difference—especially for patients who face challenges like anxiety, medication side effects, or those who are unable to complete traditional treatments. Preventive treatments not only help these patients, but also benefit groups like the elderly, children, and others who might face barriers to care.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with both colleagues and clients, helping them embrace new practices that positively impact patient care. My approach, which combines dental care with a deep understanding of mental health, medication side effects, and patient challenges, is what fuels my passion to create lasting change in dentistry.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, both personally and professionally. In my work, I’m passionate about using empathy to connect with people—whether it’s helping dental patients feel more at ease, guiding professionals to embrace preventative care, or supporting others in overcoming obstacles. I truly believe that when we approach people with understanding and compassion, we can create real, lasting change.

On a personal level, my family is the heart of everything I do. My husband, daughter, and I share a close bond, and making sure we build a life together that’s filled with love, laughter, and purpose is my greatest priority.

At the end of the day, it’s about finding balance—making a difference in the world while nurturing the relationships that mean the most to me. That’s what drives me every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldhtherdh