We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anne Rice. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anne below.

Anne, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I had been a dental hygienist for 30 years or so, educating myself about oral health and systemic health. Simultaneously dementia had hit our family and I was deep diving into the research clearly understanding that there wasn’t a whole lot to do for my family members but realized quickly there was a lot to be done in prevention. So, I’m digging in everywhere and fell on a paper that spoke about oral health status and cognitive decline. It was a little like “you had me at hello” from Jerry Maguire. I went face first and knew I was on to something and dental providers were in a good position to help. There was so much to learn but I was jazzed. I had done some speaking at that point, writing for trade magazines, but I had an introduction to Dr. Martha Somerman who was the Director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the first woman in that position by the way and she invited me to write something for a Journal she was putting together for Frontiers. She had over 190 peer reviewed publications and for me this was not going to be a small feat. I had doubts about my ability to succeed, but with encouragement and a deep passion for bridging the gap between dentistry and medicine, I remained determined. My goal to demonstrate how the work we do in dental practices can make a meaningful difference kept me moving forward. That paper changed my life. The then Director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Richard Isaacson, reached out and the rest is history.

Anne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

This was answered a bit in the previous question. — I began my journey in dentistry in high school, starting with filing charts, which might have sparked an interest. I pursued a career in dental hygiene, where I practiced for over 30 years and over time, I became increasingly passionate about the science linking oral health to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Motivated to share this knowledge, I founded Oral Systemic Seminars about eight years ago, focusing on developing and delivering continuing education for dental and medical professionals as well as public audiences. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of publishing articles in trade magazines that delve into these critical connections, and I now write a dedicated column on oral systemic health. Following the publication in Frontiers, I expanded my work to include consulting with a preventive neurologist at several leading institutions. Today, I provide consulting services to healthcare professionals and individuals, either in-office or online, to integrate oral health into overall health strategies. What I’m most proud of is contributing to a broader understanding of oral health’s vital role in systemic health, especially in neurology. Ensuring that oral health is part of the overall health conversation is something I’ve dedicated my career to achieving.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

An unwavering commitment to education that is deeply rooted in science. I’ve always prioritized delivering accurate, evidence-based information rather than being distracted by fleeting trends or the allure of influencer culture. My focus has consistently been on empowering both providers and patients with knowledge that connects oral health to systemic well-being in a meaningful, actionable way. Instead of chasing the “bright, shiny objects” that often dominate the conversation, I’ve worked diligently to translate complex research into practical insights that resonate with professionals and the public alike. By staying grounded in science and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, I’ve been able to cultivate trust and credibility. This dedication has allowed me to stand out in a field where substance truly matters over style, helping to advance the understanding of oral-systemic health on a broader scale

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Not sure I have all those answers, but I believe success comes from having the resilience and determination to pave your own way. It’s about staying focused on your goals, even when the path isn’t straightforward or when others may not immediately recognize your vision. I’ve learned that not everyone will be open to new ideas or collaborations, and sometimes, the “honey” or “sweetie” platitudes are just polite dismissals. You have to discern when to move on and direct your energy toward those who are genuinely interested in advancing meaningful change. Building success also requires an openness to meeting new people and developing opportunities, even if they seem unconventional at first. The willingness to create connections across disciplines and industries has been instrumental in my journey, helping me to open doors that might not have been visible otherwise. Above all, passion is the driving force. When you truly believe in the value of your work, it gives you the perseverance to keep going, even in the face of setbacks. Passion fuels creativity, innovation, and the persistence to make an impact, regardless of the obstacles you encounter along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anneorice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anneorice/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anneorice
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneorice/