Dawn Kasper, BA, RDH

08/15/2025

Too often, patients get caught in the cracks between specialties.
They bounce between doctors and dentists, chasing symptoms.
Meanwhile, their root cause—the mouth—is left out of the conversation.

I’ve seen it over and over again in my practice.
A patient comes in for cavities, and we end up uncovering undiagnosed sleep apnea, reflux, or even prediabetes.
No one had connected the dots before. Because no one was trained to.

But your mouth is your body.
It’s not some separate thing we should treat in isolation like hair or nails.

I share this not to criticize my medical and dental colleagues—we’re all doing the best we can with the systems we were trained in.
I share this because patients *deserve better*. They deserve care that sees the whole person.

So here’s my question:
Have you ever felt like your body was treated like a set of disconnected parts?
Like your symptoms weren’t being seen as part of a bigger picture?

If this resonates, you’ll love my newsletter.
It’s where I share the things I can’t stop thinking about—like how bleeding gums are linked to brain health, or why your kid’s overbite might actually be a breathing issue.

To sign up comment “NEWSLETTER” below. I’d be honored to land in your inbox. -Dr. B

08/15/2025

08/15/2025

I’ve watched this play out too many times: someone brushes off a little bleeding when they floss, only to find themselves decades later with a stent in their chest.

When gums get inflamed, that tight seal between the gum and tooth starts to loosen. This gives bacteria from your mouth a direct route into your blood.

Once they’re in, your immune system reacts. Inflammation goes up, your blood vessels take a hit, and over time, this can help plaque build up in your arteries.

That’s why people with gum disease are at a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Healthy gums aren’t just about keeping your teeth—they’re about protecting your heart.

Have you ever had a dentist connect those dots for you? Or perhaps you’re a healthcare practitioner interested in the mouth-body connection?

👉Comment CE to join the waitlist for my functional dentistry online CE course.

07/01/2025

07/01/2025

A rare peek at ADHA staff! 👀 Some of us are gathered at the Chicago office today keeping the House of Delegates running behind the scenes. (And celebrating the announcement of our new CEO!) Thanks to Tim Wynn, Parliamentarian and Valoree Althoff, Speaker of the House, for travelling in to join us in Chicago!

07/01/2025

Our people-mediated model enables you to obtain in-demand skills. Read about our approach to course selection, design and delivery

07/01/2025

The Future of Coaching Starts Here. Learn How to Turn Your Passion for Helping Others Into a Thriving, Coaching Business, that You Can Run from Anywhere.

07/01/2025

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07/01/2025

Closing out June and stepping into July with a full heart. 💛

Coming back from CE on the Beach, I feel refreshed and grateful. Spending time learning, growing, and simply being with the women who support me, and support each other, was exactly what I needed.

So many of these incredible women are part of the DeW community. They’re women I can call, lean on, and celebrate with. This is what DeW is all about. And even if DeW isn’t your circle, I hope you have a community that fills your cup too. You’re always welcome with us. 💛

Thank you, Minal, for creating such a special experience. I didn’t realize how much I needed it. My heart is full heading into July.

Take the time to rest, recharge, and connect, you deserve it.

07/01/2025

07/01/2025

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