Speakers: Harry Bruell and Sherri M Lukes, RDH, MS, FAADH

Program Track: Professional Development

Course Description: Mental health, like oral health, is integral to overall health and is also siloed in its own system. Join us for a poignant session exploring personal journeys with mental health and suicide, the significance of early diagnosis and treatment, and the critical importance of health equity. Harry will share his story of the challenges he encountered to find treatment for his daughter—who was ultimately lost to suicide at the age of 14, his path forward to help others, and where collective efforts can save lives. This talk will unravel systemic barriers to mental healthcare and the impact that stigmatizing regulations have on these critical issues. Emphasizing evidence-based practices, we’ll discuss ways to support those with mental illness or suicidal ideation, integrate mental health into overall healthcare, and advocate for policy changes to expand healthcare coverage and combat stigma. Our call to action will suggest what you can do on a personal, institutional, and policy level to make a difference, including a comprehensive look at important screening tools used by oral health professionals. Prepare to be motivated to drive change in your communities and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key statistics and facts about youth mental health and its connection to oral health.
• Explain how untreated mental illness can impact both physical and oral health.
• Compare the barriers to mental health treatment across policy, institutional, professional, and personal levels.
• Demonstrate how mental health screening can be integrated into dental practices to support early intervention.

CE Credit Hours: 1.5

Original Date of Session: October 29, 2025

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2025–Dec. 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.