Dental Hygiene Basics

Dana sits down with Whitney Howerton, RDH, to unpack a career that didn't follow a straight path. Whitney shares how an initial goal of becoming a dentist shifted into dental hygiene, then evolved into clinical practice, education, industry leadership, and eventually a vice president role within a global dental company. What stands out isn't a perfectly mapped plan, but a pattern: she stayed engaged, said yes to aligned opportunities, and continued building skills that translated across settings. This episode is a must-hear no matter where you are in your dental hygiene journey!

Starting off as a new grad dental hygienist can feel less like a transition and more like a sudden increase in expectations—on your time, your body, and your decision-making. Dana is sharing all the tips she wishes she had as a new grad hygienist! This episode centers on a simple but often overlooked skill: daily reflection. When you begin to notice your timing, your stress, your pain levels, and the small inefficiencies in your operatory, you start to see patterns—and patterns are what allow you to make meaningful adjustments. One practical takeaway: at the end of each day, rate your pain and stress on a scale of 1–10 and identify one friction point you can improve tomorrow, whether that's adjusting your instrumentation sequence, modifying your setup, or investing in tools that support your ergonomics. Over time, these small, consistent changes protect both your clinical performance and your long-term health.

Brittany Wragg's dental hygiene journey reflects what it looks like to build a career while also managing real-life responsibilities. From entering dentistry with no experience to completing hygiene school as a working mom, she outlines what it takes to stay consistent and achieve long-term goals. If you're questioning your timeline or capacity to move forward in this profession, this conversation offers a grounded look at where steady progress can get you!

There's a point where your to-do list stops being helpful and starts becoming a quiet source of stress. Many dental hygiene students fall into the pattern of writing detailed to-do lists that feel productive, but don't consistently lead to action. Dana is sharing practical ways to approach task management more intentionally, including using short, defined time blocks, prioritizing what truly needs your attention, and assigning tasks to specific times instead of letting them sit unresolved. The goal isn't to do more—it's to follow through on what you've already identified as important.

Kim Augustus from Bloom RDH is back again on the podcast and is shedding light on the difficult transition dental hygienists often face after graduating and starting their careers. With several years of experience as an RDH, educator, and career coach, Kim has built a surplus of resources to provide for new grad dental hygienists who feel lost or uncertain in the operatory. She and Dana also discuss career options for dental hygienists outside of clinical settings, such as entrepreneurship, and what their journeys have looked like in becoming business owners.Register for Kim's New Grad Mentorship Courses with Cloud Dentistry → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

Unmanaged test anxiety can really be a burden in dental hygiene school and hold you back from the scores you deserve! In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for test-taking anxiety, including how to regulate your nervous system, approach questions with a consistent strategy, and reduce avoidable stress on exam day. You'll learn how small shifts can improve both focus and performance on exams like the NBDHE.Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

Chardae Hoskins, current senior dental hygiene student, talks with guest host Julio about her journey into a competitive dental hygiene program with an average GPA, multiple application cycles, and no prior dental experience. If you're in the dental hygiene application process, this episode is exactly what you need to feel reassured and empowered in your journey!Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

Learn how to use the Cornell note-taking method for your dental hygiene courses to turn long lectures into an active recall system you can actually study from. Instead of rereading or highlighting, you'll learn how to organize notes into key concepts, build cue-based questions, and summarize material in a way that supports memory for exams like the NBDHE.Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

Shayna Overfelt joins Dana to break down the ADEX dental hygiene exam, including the written portion and clinical manikin components, and what exam day truly looks like so you can replace uncertainty with clarity. You'll hear how to avoid common mistakes (like relying on poor advice or changing your clinical routine) and why your best strategy is to perform the same way you do on a strong clinic day.Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

Do your dental hygiene notes feel like they're never getting shorter? It's not a sign you're behind—it's a sign you're still learning how to study effectively in dental hygiene school. This episode, Dana breaks down why detailed notes are necessary at first, and how strong students shift from long explanations to concise memory cues as their understanding deepens. Instead of rereading, focus on active recall strategies like fill-in-the-blank notes and spaced repetition to strengthen retention for the NBDHE and exams.Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

It's easy to feel behind in dental hygiene school- the pace is fast and the expectations are high. But that pressure often has more to do with mindset than proficiency. In this episode, Danni Linton shares her path from student to educator and how perfectionism and fear of feedback can hold students back. Learn how to use feedback as a tool to propel you further as a dental hygienist!Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

Preparing for the dental hygiene clinical manikin exam comes with a lot of pressure, but the goal of the exam is simpler than you may think. The objective is to demonstrate that you are minimally competent and safe to practice as a dental hygienist. In this episode, Dana shares practical dental hygiene instrumentation tips for the clinical exam to help you succeed!Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

Lisa Curbow, RDH, shares her dental hygiene journey from grocery store work to dental assisting— and how it led her to a long-term career in dental hygiene, including a specialized role in special needs dentistry and hospital coordination. Her story reinforces a steady truth for both dental hygiene students and early-career clinicians: your direction often becomes clear through patient care, not before it. One patient experience led her to build a niche serving an underserved population, reminding listeners that growth in clinical dental hygiene often starts with curiosity and a willingness to adapt. She also offers grounded insight into common challenges like finding patients in clinic, paying for dental hygiene school, and navigating workplace culture—emphasizing that the right office environment and continued education (like CE courses and conferences) can shape long-term satisfaction in the profession.Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3Want extra support + events?Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1

In this episode, Dana walks through what to do after an unsuccessful board exam attempt, starting with the first 48 hours—when processing the disappointment matters just as much as planning your next step. Once the initial emotions settle, the real work begins: reviewing your failure report, identifying gaps in foundational dental hygiene knowledge, and shifting from passive review to active recall, spaced repetition, and full-length practice exams that mirror the real test experience.

Learning information in dental hygiene school is one thing—retaining it long enough to use it in practice is another. In this episode, Jaskiren explains why connecting classroom knowledge to real clinical experiences is one of the most reliable ways to strengthen memory retention in dental hygiene school. Instead of “learning and dumping” material after exams, students can reinforce concepts by actively applying them in clinic.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here.

Instrumentation isn't something you simply learn with enough practice. Many dental hygiene students find themselves repeating mistakes without knowing why. In this episode, Dana explores how visualization—a strategy used in sports and supported in dental education—can strengthen the neural pathways behind fine motor skills and improve clinical performance.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here.

Not every dental hygienist started their journey with a perfect GPA or a clear path. Guest host Julio talks with current dental hygiene student Cailin Hawn about navigating dental hygiene school prerequisites, competitive admissions, and the realities of clinic and coursework. This episode is a reminder that dental hygiene school is challenging, but with preparation, support, and balance, it's absolutely doable!Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here.

Dental hygiene school can make it feel like you need to memorize everything—but not every topic carries the same weight. In this episode, Dana breaks down how to recognize high-yield dental hygiene topics—the concepts that show up repeatedly across classes, impact patient safety, and are commonly tested on exams and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Instead of spreading your study time thin, start paying attention to patterns: what instructors repeat, what appears on multiple quizzes, and what connects to real clinical decision-making. Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here.

Dental hygiene students assume the key to passing boards is as simple as hitting the textbooks—but that approach often falls short. In this episode, Claire Jeong, founder of Student RDH- a National Boards Prep Company, explains why traditional study methods don't always work and shares her expertise on what students can do instead. Drawing from her own academic journey and years of helping students prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), Claire shares how learning how to study—not just what to study—can change everything!Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services HERE.

Preparing for the dental hygiene national boards can feel overwhelming, especially when you're wondering if you're even studying the right things. In this episode, Dana walks through a clearer, more effective approach to dental hygiene boards prep that helps you retain information without burning out. Instead of trying to master every detail at once, focus on building a structured study plan that starts with identifying your strongest and weakest subjects, then uses spaced repetition—returning to topics at strategic intervals—to strengthen recall over time. Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services HERE.

Dana sits down with former dental hygiene student Aliyah to unpack what it really looks like to navigate the unexpected in dental hygiene school. From an unplanned career change, setback in her acceptance, and grieving a family loss during the program, Aliyah shares how preparation, a strong support system, and clear priorities helped her stay grounded without losing track of the ultimate goal- to become a registered dental hygienist. Find her on TikTok @aliyahburrelll and IG @aliyahrdh_ Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!This episode is sponsored by StudentRDH. Check out all of their services to help you get ready for boards HERE.

When time is limited—and it usually is in dental hygiene school—studying more isn't the answer. Studying with intention is. In this episode, Dana talks about evidence-based study strategies designed for dental hygiene students juggling full clinic days, coursework, and multiple exams. Focus your efforts where they actually count, without adding pressure or unrealistic expectations.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!This episode is sponsored by StudentRDH. Check out all of their services to help you get ready for boards HERE.

Julio Cesar is back for part 2, sharing how his journey of getting into dental hygiene school is going so far. He is being deliberate in his application process by pacing hsi science courses, choosing grades over speed, dropping a class when needed, and building strong relationships with professors. This episode normalizes taking the long route while staying accountable and intentional, especially for first-generation and nontraditional dental hygiene students.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!

Midterms tend to trigger panic-studying and self-doubt. This episode walks through how to prioritize content, manage time realistically, and avoid the common mistakes that make midterms harder than they need to be.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!

Julio Cesar, future RDH and current expanded-function dental assistant, is sharing his path to dental hygiene school after thirteen years of experience in dentistry as an assistant! He's always had a passion for dentistry and shares how excited he is to be able to merge his skills as an expanded-function assistant and dental hygienist to provide comprehensive care to his patients in the future. Dana and Julio also talked about possible changes to the profession of dental hygienists as dental assistants continue to expand their scopes of practice. Stay tuned for part 2 of their conversation! Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!

To succeed in dental hygiene school, it's important to step away from memorizing the lecture material and focus on the skill of asking why. Dana explains why knowing facts isn't enough—and how exam questions, clinical reasoning, and long-term retention all depend on understanding cause-and-effect. Here's the tip she gives to students to maximize their comprehension: when studying, practice explaining concepts out loud without notes. If you can't clearly explain the concept, that's your cue to go deeper. This simple habit improves exam performance, clinical confidence, and your ability to think like a dental hygienist—not just pass a test.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!

The dental hygiene profession has faced threats to lower standards of care and allow lesser-trained individuals to do our jobs in some states. Bethany has come back on the podcast to explain her role with the Oral Health Awareness Project and how they are addressing legislative threats by educating both the dental community and the public on the depth of hygienists' education, clinical judgment, and role beyond “just a cleaning.” A simple place for clinical hygienists to support this movement is to be intentional when explaining their assessments, education, and scope to patients, because everyday clarity in the operatory shapes long-term change.

Although your GPA does not define you, it should be used as crucial feedback. It shows how you're managing coursework, using resources, and adjusting when things don't go as planned. Admissions committees for dental hygiene programs look closely at GPAs, especially relevant science courses, because it reflects your readiness for their program. Dana shares great tips on how to polish your dental hygiene school application to put your best foot forward.

A hand injury for a dental hygienist can be career-ending, yet many don't have a backup plan in place if it were to happen to them. Miranda Linkous shares how her wrist injury led her to pivot from clinical hygiene into dental sales. It's a refreshing reminder that the skills developed in dental hygiene translate beyond the operatory. If you're interested in learning how she did it, check out this episode and then head over to her YouTube channel, @MirandaLinkousRDH.

Consider this episode a check-in with your personal advisor, Dana, for your dental hygiene school prerequisites. Dana walks through the common pre-req courses for dental hygiene programs. There's so much emphasis put on these science courses because they directly prepare you for the intensity of dental hygiene coursework, so they can really make or break your application. Choosing two to three target programs and tailoring your prerequisite plan to their requirements is a more effective and less overwhelming approach. Dana also normalizes having C's on your transcript, reminding listeners that strong planning, experience, and thoughtful applications can matter just as much as grades.

Do you want the honest truth about dental hygiene—not the sugar-coated version you see on social media? Dana gets into the real downsides of dental hygiene on this episode, including musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain, burnout, lack of autonomy, difficult workplace dynamics, emotional fatigue, and the tough transition from school expectations to real-world practice. It's important to recognize none of these challenges automatically mean dental hygiene isn't right for you—but they do mean you have to be intentional. You can set yourself up to have a great career early on by prioritizing ergonomics, strength, and self-check-ins. If something feels off, don't ignore it. Identify the issue you can change and make a small shift. Having an honest conversation about the downsides of dental hygiene is crucial if you're deciding whether this career truly fits you.

Dana welcomes back Britt from Brush with Britt on the podcast to discuss finances for dental hygienists—beyond just the hourly rate. New grads and early-career hygienists often overlook crucial factors when picking a job as a result of putting so much emphasis on their compensation package. Dana and Britt agree that work environment, commute, schedule flexibility, equipment quality, and long-term financial planning are equally important when accepting a job. Britt shares her best tips for negotiating pay, asking for creative bonuses, avoiding early burnout, and starting retirement savings like a Roth IRA—even without employer benefits. A higher hourly wage doesn't always equal a better job or a better life. Before accepting or renegotiating a position, write down your top five non-negotiables (schedule, commute, culture, equipment, growth opportunities) and evaluate the offer as a whole—not just the number. If finances feel overwhelming or you've only been taught to chase the highest rate, this episode will help you zoom out, advocate for yourself, and make smarter money moves from the start.

If you're considering going into dental hygiene, you've probably wondered whether dental hygiene is truly the right path for you. This episode meets that question head-on—without fear-mongering or false promises. Dana walks through what it really means to feel “meant” for a profession, reframing doubt, delays, and detours as common parts of the journey rather than signs of failure. She discusses the concept of The Nudge, The Knock, and The Rhino—the subtle interests, clear opportunities, and unavoidable obstacles that often guide us toward where we're meant to be, even when the path feels messy. Let this be a reminder that dental hygiene is not a lifelong trap, but a foundation of transferable skills that can grow, pivot, and evolve with you. If you're deciding between paths or feeling unsettled by setbacks, the takeaway is practical and grounding: shadow, ask questions, listen to your intuition, and trust that struggle does not disqualify you—it often clarifies you. Caring for people is at the heart of dental hygiene, and there's more than one “right” way to arrive there.

Feeling like you're barely keeping up in dental hygiene school doesn't mean you don't belong—it means you're in the middle of learning something difficult. Most dental hygiene students who care deeply about doing well experience imposter syndrome at some point, especially when they're juggling clinic, exams, new skills, and real life all at once. The goal isn't to silence self-doubt with positivity; it's to respond to it with structure. Skills and confidence don't appear overnight—they grow through consistent practice, reflection, and early course correction. Let this be a reminder that you're not behind- you're building.

Stacy Weisman's dental hygiene resume is seriously impressive! She has furthered her education in numerous ways since graduating with her associate's degree, taking endless courses and achieving several more credentials. Her dental hygiene experience includes public health, corporate and private dentistry, nutritional counseling, salivary testing, public speaking, and now, myofunctional therapy- all while being a mom! Stacy's career reflects why I love dental hygiene so much- it shows how you can continue advancing your career and why it's so important to never stop learning.

Kim McCrady got started in the field of dentistry over 30 years ago, working her way up as a recall coordinator, dental assistant, and eventually RDH. She later became co-founder of a provider centric support organization, Signature Dental Partners, and, fast-forward to now, is an author of a children's oral health book. Her book, Plaque Poop, provides simplified oral hygiene instructions to children and was written with the focus of preventing dental cavities. I love highlighting her story because it's an example of how you can use your training as a dental hygienist to work outside of the operatory and still help people improve their oral health!

Kevin Lopez and Paula Chebat join me on the podcast to help shine some positivity on the field of dental hygiene! They're both passionate dental hygiene educators and trainers for the Guided Biofilm Therapy system, doing amazing things with their careers. Despite their impressive accomplishments today, both Paula and Kevin faced significant challenges during their educational journeys, proving that success doesn't always come easily. I appreciate these two for sharing the details of their GPAs out of high school and their struggles with mental health from ADHA and severe testing anxiety, and how they were able to persevere.

Megan Koller shares her path to becoming a dental hygienist and the sacrifices she made along the way. We discussed her challenges with mental health in dental hygiene school, a topic I think is so important to highlight for incoming and current students. Despite her struggles, she graduated and worked hard to pay off 40k in student loan debt! You can hear her tips on how she was able to accomplish this goal on the episode. Today, she works four days a week as a clinical hygienist and shares lots of great content on her IG (@polished.meg). Make sure to give her a follow!

Did you know you can survive weeks without food but only days without sleep? Sleep is such an underrated necessity and it's time you start prioritizing it! You are your most valuable asset, so let this episode be a reminder to prioritize yourself with adequate sleep, hydration, and nutrition while in school. Showing up for yourself in these ways will not only boost your performance but also help you be more efficient in the long run. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(02:53) Priorities in Dental Hygiene School(05:30) Importance of Sleep in Dental Hygiene School(08:02) Fueling Your Body Efficiently (11:19) Making Time for Yourself

Ready to learn how to make the most of your time in your dental hygiene school clinic appointments? You're in the right place! The time you have in the clinic in dental hygiene school is precious, and you want to use the time wisely to make yourself a better, more confident clinician. In my experience as a dental hygiene instructor, I've found that many students are scrambled, unorganized, and underprepared in their clinical appointments, making it harder for them to get their requirements done. You can find really good tips in this episode that are guaranteed to help you succeed in school. Don't forget to check out calendly.com, a free scheduling platform you can implement to schedule your patients in dental hygiene school! Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(00:59) Scheduling Your Patients in Dental Hygiene School (02:49) How to Prepare Before Dental Hygiene Clinic (03:59) Strategizing for Clinic in Dental Hygiene School (06:40) Student RDH(07:49) Hacks for Maximizing Time in Clinic

Time management is a non-negotiable must-have skill in dental hygiene school and once you graduate. From the moment you call your patient back to your operatory to when they are checking out from their appointment, you are actively being productive to avoid falling behind schedule! This can sound daunting and exhausting, but honing in on your time management skills will make this a breeze. Tune in for my best time management hacks you can apply, not only to dental hygiene, but to your life in general. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (05:10) My Time Management Hacks(12:08) Daily To-Do Lists (15:03) How to Gauge Time Needed for Tasks

Andrew Johnston became a dental hygienist in 2009 and has been busy with his career since. A few accomplishments he's had include earning a bachelor's in business management, becoming a co-founder of the podcast A Tale of Two Hygienists, and working as a director of dental hygiene at a corporate dental office. Before dental hygiene school, Andrew had a successful career in retail management and initially wanted to become a periodontist. Ultimately, he loved dental hygiene so much and decided not to pursue dental school. Andrew's done so much with his career in dental hygiene and has so much wisdom to share for the future RDH! Timestamps: (00:00) Andrew's RDH Origin Story(03:33) Dental Hygiene Career Timeline(11:59) Applying to Dental Hygiene School(17:26) Difficulties in Dental Hygiene School for Andrew(21:12) Andrew's Advice to the Future RDH

Saray Fung is a practicing dental hygienist who graduated from the fast-track program at NYU, finishing dental hygiene school in just 17 months! Although she experienced anxiety in school, she was able to overcome it by using mental health resources provided by her school. Today, she is a recently certified myofunctional therapist running her own practice, OroWell! Saray can now assess patients with orofacial myofunctional disorders, such as TMJ disorders, and help correct these issues. This is another excellent example of how dental hygienists can expand their roles in the dental office. Timestamps:(00:00) Saray's RDH Origin Story (04:39) Branching Into Myofunctional Therapy(06:48) Fast-Track Dental Hygiene Program (12:33) Saray's Advice to Dental Hygiene Students

My guest, Deanna, has an inspiring dental hygiene story starting from her military experience straight out of high school, earning her bachelor's in dental hygiene while working two jobs, and then eventually getting her master's degree! Today, she still practices in the operatory as a dental hygienist while also doing public speaking, CE courses, and writing articles. Infection control is a main topic of discussion in this episode that every RDH and future RDH needs to hear! Timestamps:(00:00) Deanna's RDH Origin Story(03:42) Infection Control in Dental Hygiene(14:16) Obstacles Faced in School(20:04) Expanded Functions within Dental Hygiene (23:48) Being in the Change in Negative Spaces

Dental hygienists are increasingly breaking out of traditional roles in the clinical setting and exploring other opportunities. Debi Rubino Dencek is my guest on this episode- she is a dental hygienist and the founder of CordEze®. Her product was designed to reduce stress on hygienists' wrists and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The innovation of her product is impressive, but just wait until you hear her dental hygiene story and how she got a full-ride for her bachelor's degree! Follow Debi and learn more about Cordeze on Socials! Tiktok: @cordezeTimestamps: (00:00) Debi's RDH Origin Story (09:06) From Associates to Bachelors in Dental Hygiene (12:48) Setbacks in Debi's Dental Hygiene Journey(18:24) Time Management Advice(22:37) The Development of CordEze®(33:50) Advice for the Future RDH

Megan McCann is on today's episode to share her dental hygiene school experience. From high school, straight into dental hygiene school, she graduated with her bachelor's by the age of 22! Now, she's 26 and back in school working on her master's in dental hygiene. She has a passion for education and aspires to teach as a dental hygiene instructor after she graduates. The key takeaway from this episode: never stop learning and advancing in your career!Timestamps: (00:00) Megan's RDH Origin Story(03:17) From High School Directly to Dental Hygiene School(08:52) Master's in Dental Hygiene and Working in Education (20:15) Advice for Future RDHs (27:21) Support from Peers and Educators (33:04) Learning is a Strength

Saying you want to "do more" sounds like it implies you aren't currently doing enough. Chances are, you're most likely doing more than enough and working really hard to get where you want to be. Regularly self-reflecting on your personal and professional goals is crucial in helping you define what success means to you!Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:51) What “Doing More” Means(07:29) Check In With Yourself

Rachael Zushin is back this week for part 2 of her amazing dental hygiene story. She shares some valuable insight on how to build a vision for your future to help strengthen your drive and motivation. We also cover another important and hot topic of conversation- the possibility for dental assistants to learn dental hygiene skills on the job. Tune in to hear our thoughts!Timestamps: (00:00) Creating a Vision for Your Future(02:40) Memories from Dental Hygiene School(05:55) Upholding the Educational Standard for Dental Hygienists

Rachael Zustin was destined to have the RDH title behind her name- but that doesn't mean sacrifice and hard work weren't involved. With (literal) sweat and tears involved, she was successful in becoming a dental hygienist, facing several obstacles on the way. She is an inspiration and proof that if you set your mind to something, you CAN do it! Rachael struggled to get into dental hygiene school, and when she finally did, she faced intense grief at the start of her program. Still, she managed to find a stronger "why" and used passion to fuel her. Here is part 1 of an amazing story!Timestamps: (00:00) Rachael's RDH Origin Story (06:43) Resilience in the Face of Setbacks (11:27) Navigating ADHD in Dental Hygiene School(21:38) Using Rejection to Strengthen Your Drive(28:13) Doing Fitness Coaching During Dental Hygiene School

Tooth Fairy Tish is back on the podcast to update us on what she's been up to in the dental hygiene world! Since our talk last year, she has been busy in entrepreneurship expanding her mentorship program for new grad dental hygienists, publishing articles, and continuing her journey with public speaking. Letitia is an advocate for prioritizing mental health, preventing burnout, and staying involved in the dental hygiene community- she's overall an amazing dental hygienist to have in your corner! Timestamps:(00:00) Letitia's Mentorship Program for Dental Hygiene Students(10:02) Invest in Yourself(13:15) A Real Picture of Entrepreneurship (24:27) Different Avenues Available for Dental Hygienists(28:08) Being Involved in Your Career with Associations (38:04) Self-Care for Dental Hygienists

Are you considering shadowing a dental hygienist? It's one of the best things you can do before applying to dental hygiene school! Tune in to this bonus episode to hear about ideas on how to dress, what to bring with you, and questions to prepare for the dental hygienist you're shadowing. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:23) Attire for Shadowing at a Dental Office(03:51) What to Bring With You (04:58) How to Maximize Your Shadowing Experience(06:54) Other Attire Options for Shadowing