dental hygienists can question persuade refer for suicide prevention

RDH Magazine Podcast

Suicide prevention: Question, persuade, refer

July 17, 2025

It's something no one wants to deal with, but it's good to be prepared for. Hear about QPR, what it is, and how to become trained in it.

Tracee S. Dahm, MS, BSDH

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH

, Chief Editor, RDH magazine

Dental hygienists deal with a variety of different issues, some of them unthinkable.

If you’ve noticed behavioral changes in one of your patients that have become worrisome, it may be time to question, persuade, and refer (QPR). QPR is a suicide prevention tool that's handy to have in your toolbox. No one wants to have to use it, of course. Tracee Dahm explains why it’s a good idea to prepare for rather than ignore a potential mental health situation, as well as what steps to take to receive training.

You just might save someone's life.

Listen to Tracee’s and my discussion about this very tough topic in today’s podcast.

About the Author

Tracee S. Dahm, MS, BSDH

Tracee S. Dahm, MS, BSDH, is an adjunct clinical instructor for the North Idaho College School of Dental Hygiene in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Tracee also works in private practice. She has published in dental journals, magazines, webinars, and textbooks. Tracee was recently interviewed in a podcast about her publications. Her research interests include trends in dental hygiene and improving access to dental care for the underserved. She can be reached at [email protected].

About the Author

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH | Chief Editor, RDH magazine

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, has over four decades of continual career development and experience in dentistry. As the chief editor of RDH magazine, she strives to remain a proactive personality in the continual advancement of the profession. She has been defined as a motivated trendsetter and dependable colleague and is inspired by her true passion of helping others to achieve their personal goals.