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Show Notes

A single Facebook post changed everything for Crystal Spring, setting her on a journey to bring quality dental care to underserved communities in Montana.

In this eye-opening episode, Anne Duffy welcomes Crystal, a trailblazing dental hygienist and founder of Smiles Across Montana, who shares how her passion was ignited by firsthand experiences of health disparities near the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Their conversation opens with Crystal’s emotional star quilt ceremony and the national recognition she’s received for her leadership, highlighting the powerful intersection of personal heritage and professional purpose.

Crystal pulls back the curtain on the realities of mobile dentistry, revealing the logistical challenges and tireless innovation required to bring state-of-the-art dental care to children, elders, and rural families who might otherwise go years without a visit. From assembling high-quality portable clinics with a shoestring grant to embracing cutting-edge minimal intervention techniques and teledentistry, Crystal explains how her work isn’t just closing gaps in care; it’s changing lives. The episode wraps with actionable ways to get involved, from volunteering with Smiles Across Montana to supporting the upcoming documentary “Invasive” and a special community clinic linked to Montana State University’s intertribal powwow.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The powerful story behind Crystal’s commitment to improving rural dental access
• How Smiles Across Montana delivers modern dental care using mobile, portable setups
• Essential innovations in minimally invasive dentistry and why they matter for kids
• The role of teledentistry and remote diagnostics in bridging care gaps
• Strategies for launching and sustaining grassroots health initiatives without a business background
• The importance of partnerships and community for scalable impact
• Volunteer options, including special licensing for out-of-state dental professionals
• Upcoming opportunities to participate in mission clinics and community events

Click play for a heartfelt look at real change in rural health!

Learn More About Crystal Spring Here!

• Email: cr*****@*****************na.org
• Website: https://www.smilesacrossmontana.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystallovesdental/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilesacrossmontana

Ready to Join the DeW Movement? 

Join Other Amazing Women in Dentistry and Grow Together at: https://dew.life/membership/

Mentions & Links:

Events:

• The DeW Life Retreat
• Mission Clinic Event

Publications:

• “Invasive” documentary by Charthouse Films

Organizations:

• America’s ToothFairy