At PDS Health, we know oral health is directly connected to overall health -- often in ways that go unnoticed. We're committed to helping people understand this connection, and we’ve seen the difference it can make. The story of our team member, Dashe'a Flukers, shows how integrated care can change lives.
A Fresh Start and a Big Discovery
In 2019, Dashe'a was ready for a change. She made the decision to relocate from Texas to Nevada for a fresh start and became a part of our Las Vegas regional team, where she works as a Regional Front Office Trainer. With support from her colleagues, she adjusted quickly to her new role. Little did she know that this move would lead to answers about a personal health mystery that had troubled her for years.
Dashe'a had experienced the premature birth of her son and had spent years trying to figure out why it happened. Despite visits to doctors and specialists, no one could explain it. Everything changed when she took a saliva diagnostic test, a clinical lab test that examines levels of bacteria in the mouth and how it might affect the rest of the body. This test, offered at PDS Health practices, revealed a correlation with her son’s early arrival: Harmful bacteria in her mouth had likely played a role.
Connecting Oral Health to Whole-Body Health
Learning about this link was life-changing for Dashe'a. For the first time, she had clarity about what may have happened. The test showed that she had large quantities of high-risk oral bacteria, those that are known to impact systemic conditions, and may have complicated her pregnancy. This was a powerful example of how oral health and systemic health are deeply connected.
Turning Experience into Advocacy
For Dashe'a, the discovery wasn’t just personal. It made her want to help others understand the importance of oral health. “Saliva testing gave me the answers I had been searching for," she said. "It wasn’t just a test, it was a key to understanding my own health and my son’s story.”
Now, Dashe'a shares her story to raise awareness about how oral health affects the whole body. She’s a passionate advocate for dental-medical integration, highlighting how combining dental and medical care can improve patient outcomes. At PDS Health, this approach is at the core of what we do.
Why It Matters
Dashe'a’s story illustrates how we’re equipping clinicians with advanced, proven technologies that help uncover hidden health issues and improve patient care. Saliva testing is one example of how we connect oral health to broader health concerns, supporting healthier lives.
We’re not only helping patients like Dashe'a better understand their overall health, we’re providing the tools they need to take preventive action. Technologies like saliva testing offer answers that lead to more informed decisions and better health outcomes.
Dashe'a Flukers' journey is a powerful reminder of why PDS Health’s mission matters. Her experience shows how oral health affects the rest of the body. Whether through saliva testing or other innovative solutions, we’re helping patients and team members take charge of their health and build a healthier future.
