A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Episode Overview In this special, nostalgia-fueled episode, Andrew takes a look back at meaningful conversations from prior episodes, bringing in crucial advice for dental professionals and hygienists that's just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from Tom Viola and Renata Nehme on topics crucial to the dental hygiene field. Key Topics and Highlights 1. Dental Hygiene Training and Qualifications (with Tom Viola) Rigorous Training: Tom shares insights from his experience teaching pharmacology to hygienists, highlighting the level of stress, acumen, and stringent requirements of dental hygiene programs. Anesthesia Rights for Hygienists: Discussion on why dental hygienists should be qualified to administer local anesthesia in every state and the process Georgia undertook to make this a reality. Inter-Professional Trust: Tom argues that dentists often lack understanding of hygienists' training. If they witnessed the training firsthand, their confidence in hygienists' skills would grow. Education & Reciprocity: Andrew and Tom debate how state-to-state differences in training impact reciprocity of credentials and the importance of maintaining high standards. 2. Palatal Expansion in Adults (with Renata Nehme) Early Intervention Matters: Renata explains how early observation of jaw growth and dental spacing in children can predict future needs for orthodontic intervention. Adult Expansion Experience: She shares her personal journey with palatal expansion as an adult—including the use of MARPE (mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander), the procedure, and recovery. Relapse & Muscle Function: The conversation dives into the importance of myofunctional therapy for lasting results and the role of tongue and muscle habits in dental relapse. Facial Changes: Renata explores how palatal expansion affects not only occlusion but also facial structure, including cheekbones, lips, and nasal width. Must-Listen Moments Tom recalling the intense nature of hygiene school and advocating for robust education standards. Insights into how anesthesia training and workflow advances have elevated the hygiene profession. Renata's deeply personal account of her orthodontic journey, the challenges, and the transformative facial changes she experienced. Practical advice on early dental intervention and the significance of myofunctional therapy from a seasoned clinician. Connect with Today's Guests Tom Viola: Website: tomviola.com Social: @PharmacologyDeclassified Renata Nemi: Instagram: @myomoves Airway Circle: airwaycircle.com Courses for hygienists at Myo University How to Support the Show Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—hit that subscribe button! Newsletter: Sign up for our updates on our website. Engage: Follow us on social media and let us know what you'd like covered in future episodes. Produced by Endeavor Business Media. Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest? Drop Andrew a line through the website or on social media!

Tom Viola is BACK and he is talking about bath salts... and we are not talking about Dr Teal's epsom salts. Tom shares a little bit of the background of what they are, where they originated, and the difficulties of testing for them. Don't miss this 6 minute episode!

Are we on the brink of a mass retirement of dental hygienists? Are hygienists really all that unhappy and what are the drivers that factor into job satisfaction? Rather than guessing, we have Thalia Diedrick on the show who comes with the answers directly from the dental audience! Resources: https://gotu.com/state-of-work/ Thalia@joingotu.com cassidy@joingotu.com

We always talk to our patients about how to remove plaque, apply medicaments, and review systemic factors. What if its easier than all of that? What happens when we simply change our diet instead? Katrina Sanders explains how we can get healthier through diet alone in this short Ask The Experts segment!   Resources: Baumgartner, S., Imfeld, T., Schicht, O., Rath, C., Persson, R., Persson, G.: The Impact of Stone Age Diet on Gingival Conditions in the Absence of Oral Hygiene. J Perio 2009 May;80(5):759-68. More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com  Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/ 

Leadership is about failure and experience. In this part 2, we pick up where we left off with Dr. Pam Maragliano and Dr. David Rice as they give expert advice to those looking to succeed in this dental world in which we live. This episode is not to be missed!!

Drs Pam Maragliano and David Rice bring the heat in this crossover episode with the Dentistry Unmasked Podcast. Both of these doctors, having experienced low employee turnover and highly successful practices, have found the secret sauce. As they look around, it seems almost unreal how many other practices continue to struggle. Join us in this conversation and hopefully fix or sidestep some of these landmines!

What are the non-clinical AI tools that are out there and are they here to stay? Many practices are scared of change, many simply just do not want to change.... but will the practices of insurance companies force the issue? Are we overreacting about the usefulness of AI in dentistry? Teresa Duncan joins the show to give us some perspective! Resources: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/ Nobody Told Me That and Chew On This podcasts New journal alert!! The International Journal for Applied Health Behavior Change - www.OHUPublishing.com  

It's scary when life events mandate that you completely change your life and lifestyle. In this episode we hear from Brooke Crouch who spent time in the corporate world for several years, only to find herself headed back to the operatory... and she loves it! Be sure to reach out if you are finding yourself in similar situations! Resources brookecrouchdentalconsulting@gmail.com

Do our patients huff glue? If so, what should we expect? Let's find out on this short episode from Tom Viola! Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing TomViola@tomviola.com, visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified

In this episode we are talking about waterlines with emphasis on in-office testing. In the past, the testing has maybe taken more time than we have to give, or the process is confusing and we deserve to have clear (actually pink or purple!) results. Give this episode a listen as India Chance gives us an amazing solution from Air Techniques. **In partnership with Air Techniques** Resources: CleanStream Waterline Test Kit - https://www.airtechniques.com/product/cleanstream-waterline-test-kit/ Check the other products from Air Techniques here - https://www.airtechniques.com/product-category/ Connect with India - Learn2prevent on socialmedia Learn2prevent.com

The search for excellent dental assistants can be tough. Just like hygienists, many of them are searching to work to the top of their scope and be compensated accordingly. In this episode, Rachael Wintersteen joins the show to talk about what drives her to continue to search for excellence and promotion. 

In this episode with Jackie Sanders, we talk about the power of evolution and what steps we can take to get to the next level. There are opportunities while we are still chair side, opportunities for hybrid roles, and so many more but it all starts with mentors and connections. Give this episode a listen to see how Jackie can help you!

Katrina is on a role in this short episode as she discusses the broken model of the "one-hour prophy". Listen as she discusses the dangers of blindly following this model and gives 5 ways to improve the appointments.  Resources: More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com  Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/ 

Dana Paladino joins the show, she has a great podcast called Dental Hygiene Basics where she helps students and those thinking about working in the dental hygiene space find their footing for success. Join us as she walks us through what she does! Resources: Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast @dentalhygienebasics on socials dentalhygienebasics.com

What happens when culture and vision clash? In this episode, we take a page out of the Dallas Cowboy's playbook and examine what happens when leadership and the team are not aligned. We look at what job satisfaction can lead to and how Micah Parson's should already have been re-signed... well maybe not the last part so much. Resources: Andrew@ataleoftwohygienists.com https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4766

I think we all have made this mistake... a patient walks in and asks about whitening and we tell them about the most convenient paste or premade strips without really talking to them about the specifics of their stain. In this episode, Dr. Derek Gatta discusses how and when to use specific whitening products for the best results. **Brought to you in partnership with RiseWell! risewellpro.com IG @risewellco FB @risewellco Take Our Course on HA & Earn CE Credit!

Great episode with Sianna Trudell as we talk about the evolution of her career from dental assistant, to hygienist, and now to business owner! Sianna is opening a practice in Canada and we talk a little about the differences between the Canadian and US hygienists, developing social media channels supporting the younger and next generation of professionals, launching a speaking career, and round it out with how it goes to open up a practice. Shout out to StudentRDH - Claire Jeong and Sianna's social media partner Kendra!   Resources: SiannaT2000@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/dentaltoothy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dentaltoothy  

Join us for this episode to learn how to manage biofilm with HuFriedy Group's PWR Pair. "The power of all-in-one brings versatile air polishing to every clinician treating every patient. The PWR Pair brings you the power of sub- and supragingival calculus and stain removal, biofilm disruption, and implant cleaning." Resources: https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/pwr-pair https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/pwr-pair#demo https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/education/continuing-education-classes amberaugerrdh@gmail.com @amberaugerrdh on insta

Turbo CR from Essential Dental Systems is a tray system that softens the calculus in the patients mouth in just 30 seconds. This helps your instrumentation through a more gentle approach and saves your hands and wrists from fatigue.  Resources: https://edsdental.com/Turbo-CR/

Probably the best episode we have ever released. Will you learn something? maybe if you care about geographic tongue's relationship to Celiac Disease and giraffe milk vs cow milk ... but will it be a great listen? Absolutely! If you are a fan of quick-paced episodes with a frequent bouncing around of topics, this is for you! Special thanks to Jessica, Melissa, Megen, and surprise guest... MAJET!

Ketamine is not a new drug but it is absolutely on the rise! Give this episode a listen to see what our pal Tom Viola has to say about it! Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing TomViola@tomviola.com, visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified

In this episode with Jen Post, we talk about what factors are really needed to make Fluoride Varnish effective... and you might be surprised at the answers! Instead of doing the same thing in just a different way, Solventum (formerly 3M) have gone to the drawing board to reformulate the options we have for better patient protection with patient AND clinician compliance. Give this episode a listen! Resources 3m.com/solventum and Jen Post on linked in

If time wasn't an issue, if everything was free, if you had the autonomy to practice any way you want... would you practice differently? Amanda Hale and Heather Kenney from the Functional Roots podcast join me today to offer a different than mainstream point of view on the practice of holistic dental hygiene. If you want more of this kind of conversation, be sure to head over to their show! Resources: functionalroots.com @functionalrootspodcast on insta

Have you had this situation before? You begin your perio chart, can see there is boneloss and find the gingiva to be red, ulcerated, irritated with deep pocketing.... but no calculus. How do you treat this and what do you do?  Resources: More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com  Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/   

Sometimes, we just need to get out of our own way and embrace the new. With advances in technology, our ability to operate more efficiently has never been better. The foundation of what we do is education, and what better way to educate than when a patient can visually see where the problem areas are? Anjuli Avis rejoins the show to talk about a new way to detect biofilm and its application in dentistry! Resources: Follow Anjuli on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehustlehygienist/ Check out AIOBIO here - https://www.aiobio.com/about

Are 5000ppm prescription pastes still a thing or should we be rethinking the formula? In this episode Peter dives into what ingredients they found to be necessary for a Super Paste. Don't let your high risk patients out the door without the protection they need! **In partnership with Dr. Jen Oral Care DrJenOralcare.com for your free sample!

Misty is back with an amazing opportunity for the entrepreneurial dental hygienists. SmileSip is a new product here in the US and it has clinical benefits for our patients. Give this episode a listen to learn about its benefits and also how you can get involved! Resources: SmileSipUSA.com

This episode, recorded from RDH Under One Roof, is the epitome of commitment. These hygienists have undertaken the almost impossible responsibility that has been left unchecked in the state of Washington for dental hygienists and they are showing what true leadership in advocacy looks like. Join us as we catch up with Jennifer Frame, Christi Holbrook, and Colleen Gaylord to learn what they are up to and how you can support the efforts! Resources: Dhaofwa.com Dental Hygiene Advocates of Washington on Facebook

This week, pharmacologist Tom Viola gives us the rundown of Ectasy (MDMA) and its potential impact on our patients! Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing TomViola@tomviola.com, visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified

Clinicians often do not pay attention to cyber security... thats for the owners and managers, right? Wrong! Cyber criminals have become so sophisticated, they can target anyone in the team and not in the way you think they might. Give this episode a listen with Paul Murphy to find out your role in keeping your patients safe and secure in their dental visits! Resources: Blacktalonsecurity.com 

Albeit older statistics (from 2012) state that 91% of adults have had tooth decay and more recent statistics show almost half of adults over 30 years old have periodontal disease. At the same time in 2019 we had 87% of children see the dentist and 65% of adults went to the dentist. If people are going to the dentist, why do we still have crazy high disease rates? Lets discuss!

We often discuss the need for saliva on the microscopic level as it relates to oral and systemic connections. Let's pull back just a bit to see a more basic issue - digestion. Salivary flow is essential in so many ways and its our role to provide practical solutions. Dr. Gatta joins the show today to discuss what solutions he recommends to patients.  **In Partnership with Risewell Resources: risewellpro.com IG @risewellco FB @risewellco Risewell will be at RDH Under One Roof Booth #330 Take Our Course on HA & Earn CE Credit!

Growing up, braces were always wires and brackets and sometimes, for those lucky ones, headgear. Today the landscape looks much different and dental hygienists are often leading the discussions with patients, advocating for ortho treatment. On this episode, Dr. Ilan Abramowitz gives us insight to the raging battle of which is better: Clear Aligners or Traditional Ortho! Resources: Perfectfitortho.com Free ortho education for GPs https://perfectfitortho.com/learn

Periodontal re-evaluation timing is essential for all therapeutic hygiene procedures... but when should this be done? We have heard a range of recommendations but listen in as Katrina breaks it down based on the case type! Resources: More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com  Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/ 

In this roundtable episode we are joined by Peggy, Monica, and Lindsey to talk about a new option for the everyday RDH, PerioDT. This product is multi-faceted and a potential game changer for every single patient we have sitting in our chair. Give this episode a listen if you are ready to take your practice to the next level! Resources: Booth number 406 at RDH Under One Roof youngspecialties.com @younginnovations and @youngspecialties on insta LIVE WEBINAR ALERT: July 15th, 2025 - https://younginnovations.com/education/live-ce-webinars If you missed it, you can check out all of their on demand courses with the same link!  

The public simply has no real understanding of what a dental hygienist does.... for that matter, neither do many in the dental industry as we are continued to be looked at as tooth scrapers. Lisandra Maisonet joins the show to talk about a new awareness campaign aimed at helping to fight this movement called the Oral Health Awareness Project. Whether you contribute or not, there are valuable lessons shared through their facebook group!

I am over it. I am so incredibly over hearing how the hygiene department in any dental office is a loss leader. In this episode, I, in typical Andrew fashion, rail against the notion that hygienists have little value for a dental practice. If you are a hygienist listening to this episode you will get some useful tips on scheduling practices. If you are dental practice owner, you will get some useful tips on how to leverage your highly qualified clinicians to the fullest to make you some $$!  Resources: If you have specific questions about how to make your hygiene department more valuable, shoot me an email andrew@ataleoftwohygienists.com 

In this amazing crossover episode, guests Katrina Sanders and Dr. Mia Geisinger dive deep into recently passed legislation concerning dental assistants scaling. Is this good for our industry? Is it good for our patients? Is it good for, well.... anyone? Hear these experts discuss these points and also deliver an important message directed at dental hygienists! Hear the full episode here on Dentistry Unmasked! Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dentistry-unmasked-a-roundtable-podcast/id1692417504?i=1000706594320 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/61pLxY7lHNBP9RflxQDx3G?si=998114ef2cf14050  

Everyone is experiencing dry mouth symptoms these days. The elderly might have systemic reasons, the youth are seemingly being prescribed drugs at earlier ages than ever, and people of all ages have behaviors or habits that are contributory. So what can we do? Give this episode a listen for a simple solution that works for all ages! **In partnership with Dr. Jen Oral Care DrJenOralcare.com for your free sample!  

Artificial Intelligence continues to evolve. As clinicians we are starting to wrap our heads around how it might help us with chart notes, perio charting, and even interpretation of radiographs... but while we are stuck in this mentality, it continues to evolve and progress. Imagine a time when AI impacts hiring preferences, predicts expected pay based on experiences, or helps a patient decide if your office is the right one for them! Rita Zamora joins our show for this episode and dives deep into the reputation management and potential future applications of AI in dentistry! Resources: @ritazamora on all socials Ritazamora.com Connect90.com for social media services

Meth... Should we still be concerned about methamphetamine or is this a thing of the past? What issues should we be concerned about with our patients presenting who are meth users? Listen to Tom Viola's short episode on the most recent updates on this crazy drug.  Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing TomViola@tomviola.com, visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified

Once you lose bone, you never get it back, right? Have you heard this before? I have too. Recently we met with a group of hygienists (Jodi, Sam, Sara, and Amanda) who work in a practice that offers LANAP for their patients as well as being a very laser-centric practice for perio therapy. If you are looking to be inspired by what is possible out there in the world of dental hygiene, give this episode a listen!   If you have any questions, you can shoot Jodi a message at this email - jodi@caringfamilydentistry.com  

70 percent of our immune health originates in the guy and the term 'gut health' has been quite the buzz word the past few years as we look at linking the oral with the systemic. Often, however, the issue that clinicians have is about implementation of the knowledge. In this episode Machell Hudson-Hoover gives some quick tips to help you jumpstart these conversations with your patients! Resources: Machell@rdhhealth integrativedentalcoaching.com

What does it take to be a great leader in your practice and who should that point person be? In this episode with Carrie Webber from The Jameson Group, we look at the make up of the dental teams and their practice and try to isolate the necessary components for success.  cwebber@jmsm.com https://ww1.jmsn.com/  

Saliva affects almost every part of our working day. The patient might have too much, too little, or a consistency of saliva that is abnormal. In this episode we listen to Katrina talk about the many aspects we need to consider to ensure our patients have the best shot at fighting oral diseases.   Resources: More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com  Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/ 

What is your referral protocol for perio speciality? What kinds of procedures are you referring and do you feel like you refer often enough? Give a listen to this short episode as Laura Bettencourt and Danielle Avila give their experiences! Resources:@diamondgirlscoaching on insta ldiamantecoaching.com

long time AToTH listener/supporter Beth Parkes. We focused the episode on pathology and adjunctive therapy as Beth has some sure fire ways to help promote patient health outcomes in whatever situation you find yourself in. Not every patient is the same, so not all treatment options will have the same outcome. Give this episode a listen to see how you stack up! Resources: The RDH View - https://www.rdhu.ca/the-rdh-view @bethparkesrdh on insta

Not every mushroom is a mushroom and in this episode Tom Viola helps us dive deep into the topic of "magic mushrooms". There is a great chance you will not encounter this with your patients.. but just in case, we bring you some quick facts for the every day clinician!  Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing TomViola@tomviola.com, visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified

David Torres, CRDH joins the podcast to talk about a little bit of everything. We talk career advancement, ergonomics, the educated patient, the power of positivity, the generational shift in attitude and where that is taking us and so much more! David exudes positivity... do you have someone in your life like that? Someone who gets you excited about things rather than bring you down? If not, find yourself a David! https://linktr.ee/davidtorres9163 David.t3469@gmail.com    

There is a growing body of work that suggests microplastics are harmful. The scary part is that they are everywhere and incredibly hard to avoid but should we be concerned that it can be found in our floss? Give this episode a listen as we discuss a healthier alternative! **In partnership with Dr. Jen Oral Care DrJenOralcare.com for your free sample!

The best clinicians are those who can relate to their patients, who have a deeper understanding of the relationship between disease and treatment options. In this episode Dr. Gordon Frasier explains how his brief brush with gingivitis, coupled with his periodontal protocols, changed how he speaks with his patients and how he uses his own experiences to motivate and change behavior. ** In Partnership with Perio Protect Resources: www.Perioprotect.com/foryou