Barbara Shanholtzer, RDH

Barbara Shanholtzer, RDH is a Dental Hygiene professional dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Dental Hygiene care. As a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, she practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at her clinic in Tampa, FL. She is a key partner in preventive health, recognizing that general dental hygienists are your primary partners in preventive oral care, empowering you with cleanings, screenings, patient education, and long-term health plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, ultimately contributing to your overall wellness. She serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 827-9422.

Dr. Barbara RDH, a dental hygienist in Tampa, FL, understands the crucial role of preventive care in maintaining optimal oral health and overall wellness. Her practice emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention to address potential oral health issues before they become more serious. She recognizes that a healthy mouth is an integral part of a healthy body, and her approach prioritizes patient education and collaboration to ensure that patients understand their oral health needs and how to manage them effectively. Dr. Barbara RDH provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Barbara RDH is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Barbara RDH can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Barbara RDH provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Cleft Palate: Managing cleft palate through comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary team helps prevent problems with eating, speaking, and hearing.
• Papilloma: Catching a papilloma early during a dental cleaning and exam can prevent more serious issues and ensure its proper management.
• Cherubism: Cherubism, a genetic disorder affecting the jawbones, necessitates consistent monitoring by dental professionals to minimize facial asymmetry and ensure proper tooth development and alignment.
• Jaw Tumor: While rare, jaw tumors can be serious; proactive dental visits and open communication with your dentist are crucial for early detection and better outcomes.
• Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can wear down enamel and increase your risk of cavities and gum disease, so early detection through regular dental checkups is key.
• Impacted Teeth: Don't let impacted teeth put your smile at risk! Preventive care, including professional checkups, allows for early detection and intervention, minimizing potential complications down the line.
• Tartar Buildup: Tartar is a major contributor to gum disease and cavities. Scheduling regular dental cleanings is a simple yet powerful way to manage tartar and maintain a healthy smile.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Barbara RDH offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dental Examination: Take charge of your oral health with a dental examination; it's a vital step in preventing cavities and gum disease by identifying problems before they become serious.
• Panorex X-Ray: Protecting your smile starts with a Panorex X-ray which provides a complete picture of your teeth and surrounding structures, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like impacted teeth or tumors.
• Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatments act as a shield, making your teeth more resistant to acids that cause cavities, protecting your investment in a healthy smile.
• Preseason Dental Exam: A preseason dental exam helps identify and address minor issues before they develop into bigger, more complex dental problems, saving you time and money.
• Sulcular Debridement: Protecting your gum health starts with sulcular debridement, a procedure that carefully cleans the gum pockets to detect and remove harmful bacteria before they cause problems.
• Panorex FMX: Taking a Panorex FMX allows your dentist to create a comprehensive picture of your oral health, enabling proactive prevention of cavities and gum disease by identifying potential problem areas.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Protect your smile and overall well-being: regular dental hygiene appointments help detect early signs of oral health issues, enabling prompt treatment.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Dental Hygiene Services in Florida.

Dr. Barbara RDH is dedicated to partnering with Dental Hygienists to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By working closely with a multidisciplinary team, a family proactively managed their child's cleft palate, ensuring optimal development and reducing potential future challenges associated with eating, speaking, and hearing. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and confidence in their child's future.
• A patient, recognizing the importance of early detection, benefited from a proactive dental hygiene plan, reducing the risk of potential papilloma complications and gaining peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Dental Hygiene care with Dr. Barbara RDH:

What is a Dental Hygienist, and what is their primary role in my oral health?

A Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) is a licensed oral healthcare professional specializing in preventive care. Their primary role is to prevent oral disease through professional cleanings, screenings, and patient education on home care.

Why do I need a professional cleaning if I brush and floss every day?

While daily brushing and flossing are essential, professional cleanings are crucial. Plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a hygienist. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease by removing this buildup.

What happens during a routine dental cleaning appointment?

During your routine dental cleaning, Dr. Barbara RDH will review your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening, and meticulously remove plaque and tartar buildup. Teeth polishing will follow, and you'll receive personalized oral hygiene instructions to maintain and improve your oral health.

How can you help me manage bad breath (halitosis)?

Most bad breath comes from bacteria in the mouth. A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar is the first step. We can also provide personalized instructions on tongue cleaning and home care to prevent future issues.

Do you offer teeth whitening services?

Yes, we offer professional teeth whitening services. We provide both in-office whitening and custom take-home trays for optimal results. Our professional guidance ensures a safe and effective procedure to brighten your smile while minimizing sensitivity.

How can you help prevent gum disease (gingivitis)?

Dr. Barbara, our dental hygienist, plays a key role in preventing gingivitis. She meticulously removes plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause inflammation, both above and below the gumline. She also provides vital education on proper home care to maintain gum health between appointments.

How can I prevent my teeth from getting stained?

Preventing teeth stains involves good daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular professional cleanings to remove plaque. Limiting staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, and rinsing your mouth with water afterward, can also help.

What is the hygienist's role during a child's dental visit?

Our hygienist, Dr. Barbara RDH, plays a vital role in creating a positive and preventive experience for your child. She gently cleans their teeth, applies fluoride treatments, and teaches both the child and parent proper brushing techniques in a fun, encouraging way. This helps build a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

8415 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa FL 33621
Phone: (813) 827-9422

Barbara Shanholtzer, RDH is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1205826823

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Dental Hygiene Services like Dr. Barbara RDH are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your dental hygiene about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.