Dental Hygiene Basics

Shelley Brown joins me on this episode to share her dental hygiene journey from struggling to get accepted into a program to now, being an educator in Utah and practicing as a public health hygienist! She's done so much for the dental hygiene community and continues to expand her functions to propel this career forward. Find all of her latest educational material on her website www.shelley.dental.Timestamps:(01:40) Shelley's RDH Origin Story(11:23) Struggling to Get Accepted into Dental Hygiene School(18:16) Paying for Dental Hygiene School(24:45) Shelley's Struggles As a Dental Hygiene Student (27:23) Tips for Admissions and Dental Hygiene School (03:39) Shelley's Fav Memory from Dental Hygiene School

My favorite RDH origin stories are the ones of people who didn't originally plan to become dental hygienists and somehow fell into it and end up loving this career. That was the case for Wafaa, @the_hijabi_hygienist, an influencer hygienist practicing clinically for 9 years now. She faced challenges in her pre-req classes as a pre-med student, and just so happened to be getting orthodontic treatment at the university she was attending when she realized dentistry piqued her interest. She conveniently had all the classes she needed to apply for the dental hygiene program and ended up getting in on her first try. Right after gaining her license, she decided to jump into the dental hygiene master's of science program with aspirations of becoming an educator in the future. Wafaa admits to facing challenges through her schooling, but is glad she persevered and enjoys her career in dental hygiene as well as helping her followers become RDHs! Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (01:22) Wafaa's RDH Origin Story(05:40) Transition from Pre-Requisites to Dental Hygiene School(18:36) Overcoming Struggles in Dental Hygiene School(23:03) Why Shadowing a Dental Hygienist is Important (27:17) Memorable Times in Dental Hygiene School

Dental hygiene programs require students to be up to date on all their vaccines and submit their records prior to starting school. This episode focuses on what vaccines your dental hygiene program will most likely require and where you can go to access your records. It's so important to start this process early in your application process to avoid delays in starting dental hygiene school or being denied entirely! Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:22) Vaccines Needed for Dental Hygiene School(03:57) Where to Find Your Vaccine Records

Ever wondered how to provide dental hygiene care to patients with cancer? Jill is a dental hygienist who recognized the limited course material she was given in school when caring for cancer patients and sought to learn more. Her passion stems from seeing her mom's oral health suffer after her breast cancer diagnosis. Jill founded Side Effect Support, an online resource for both dental professionals and patients wanting to learn more about managing oral care with cancer. Our conversation today covers her mission, tips for the Future RDH, her experience working two jobs while in dental hygiene school, and more!Timestamps:(00:00) Jill's RDH Origin Story (02:22) Working for WaterPik and Side Effect Support(08:20) Treating Cancer Patients in Dental Hygiene (13:46) Dental Hygienists Working in Hospital Settings (16:24) Associates in Dental Hygiene (20:39) Working While in Dental Hygiene School(23:01) Advice for the Future RDH

Future RDHs who have been listening to my podcast for a while know I am a huge advocate for scholarships and encourage all students to apply to as many as possible. But I also want to shed light on scholarship scams and how students can avoid them. Listen now to learn some of the red flags you can look out for when applying to scholarships. Timestamps:(00:00) Applying to Scholarships (02:33) Scams in Scholarships (05:43) Using Your Passions in Scholarship Applications

The transition from dental hygiene school and working in a dental practice may sound overwhelming. If this sounds like something you're experiencing, you're in the right place! In this episode, I talk about all the things I wish someone had told me when entering the dental field as a new grad. You'll find advice on interviewing, when to leave an office, personal finances, clinical advice, and more! Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(01:17) Questions to Ask in Dental Hygiene Job Interviews (03:34) When to Leave a Dental Office(09:01) Personal Finances after Dental Hygiene School(12:06) Tips for Placing Sealants(14:25) Transitioning Between Cavitron and Piezo Equipment (21:41) Tips for Giving Patients Oral Hygiene Instructions

Future RDH's, finals week is just around the corner and the stress is probably starting to kick in. Trust me, I've been there before, and I get that it can be overwhelming so I've put together my best tips for students to follow so they can be successful on their finals. They're simple and easy to implement, so make sure you tune in to get motivated and in your best headspace. Best of luck on finals!! Timestamps: (00:00) Starting Strong In Dental Hygiene School (02:39) What to Focus on for Finals Week(05:20) No More Passive Studying (08:20) The Power of Vitamin D

This episode is the second and final part of my interview with Makya Smith, the first student to receive the Dental Hygiene Basics Scholarship! In this episode, you'll get to learn how Makya lost access to her full-ride scholarship halfway through dental hygiene school and still managed to graduate with zero debt! I love her perspective on receiving scholarships because it allows her to be more committed to her education. We are honored to support her in her dental hygiene journey and hope this motivates students to apply for as many scholarships as possible while in school! Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (01:16) Finances in Dental Hygiene School(07:44) Figuring Out Life Before School (09:16) Dedicating Time to Scholarship Applications (11:34) Applying to Dental Hygiene Programs (14:59) Time-Management TIps (16:27) Learning Clinical Skills (19:24) Advice for Future DH Students

Congratulations to Makya for being the first Dental Hygiene Basics Scholarship recipient!! We're celebrating with two episodes dedicated to sharing her story and showcasing her dedication to helping others. Before dental hygiene school, Makya spent three years volunteering with YWAM Medical Ships as a dental clinic manager, helping to provide dental services to underserved communities in Papua New Guinea. She talks about how excited she is to graduate from hygiene school so she can apply her skills to help others. It's exciting to see students like Makya who are so passionate about their future careers in dental hygiene and how it will allow them to better the lives of so many people! Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(02:43) Makya's RDH Origin Story (09:17) Serving Your Community as a Hygienist (11:05) Her Timeline from High School to Hygiene School (13:33) Scope of Practice for Hygienists in Oregan (16:28) Choosing a Hygiene Program

Brittany Cox, a dental hygienist for 10 years, joins me on this episode to talk about her career. She graduated DH school at the age of 19 while raising a toddler and working full-time! As if that wasn't impressive enough, she recently graduated with a Master of Arts in oral health promotion and has become a key leader in implementing sustainability in the dental field. Her drive to continue learning to provide the best care for her patients is inspiring and her story is one that all future RDH's should hear! Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Looking for NBDHE prep? Become a VIP StudentRDH member today: https://www.studentrdh.com/?rfsn=8529631.46e55d Timestamps:(00:00) Brittany's RDH Origin Story (06:08) Sustainability in Dentistry (14:28) Masters in Oral Health Promotion (23:38) Her Dental Hygiene School Experiences(30:24) Advice for Students

Building foundational knowledge is key to being successful in school, especially in dental hygiene school, where all the topics overlap with each other. I've dedicated this episode to explaining why it's important and tips on implementing this into your study routine. As a former educator at several dental hygiene programs and tutor for the DH national board exam, I've seen a pattern in students of those who succeed and those who fail and struggle in the classroom. Students who perform well tend to have a good foundational knowledge of these topics, helping them to connect the dots and think critically. Tune in for my best tips on building foundational knowledge. Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email: DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Looking for NBDHE prep? Become a VIP StudentRDH member today: https://www.studentrdh.com/?rfsn=8529631.46e55dTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:55) Monitoring Your Grades in Dental Hygiene School(05:04) The Best Way to Learn in Class(08:48) Building a Foundational Knowledge (12:10) Using Active Recall to Study

Heather DeJonge joins me on this episode to share her journey in dental hygiene and how she's become known as The Relaxed Hygienist! Her self-proclaimed title is earned through years of working on herself and regaining her mental and physical health to achieve a more relaxed lifestyle. We cover all topics relating to burnout, stress, and the long-term effects of neglecting your health. She has some amazing stress management tips that I personally think everyone could benefit from! Find her on YouTube and Instagram @the_relaxed_hygienist. Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Looking for NBDHE prep? Become a VIP StudentRDH member today: https://www.studentrdh.com/?rfsn=8529631.46e55d Timestamps:(00:00) Heather's RDH Origin Story (05:26) How Her Health Issues Allowed Her to Help Others(14:49) Radical Self-Care(23:32) Being Proactive in Preventing Burnout (31:14) Daily Tips for Stress Management Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, you can hear all about Jazmine's amazing dental hygiene career and how she founded a dental hygiene-independent practice in the state of New Mexico! She's been a practicing RDH for ten years, with experience as an educator and recently took over a dental business development company, Dental HyGenius. Jazmine has found many outlets in this profession that I'm excited to share with you all. I love sharing the different ways you can use your RDH license and truly believe every dental hygienist can find their own niche. Thank you again, Jazmine, for your donation to the Dental Hygiene Basics Scholarship! Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Looking for NBDHE prep? Become a VIP StudentRDH member today: https://www.studentrdh.com/?rfsn=8529631.46e55dTimestamps:(00:00) Jazmine's RDH Origin Story (02:27) Her Dental Hygiene Practice (12:14) The Oral-Systemic Link(14:29) New Mom in Dental Hygiene School (19:38) Struggles Jazmine Noticed in DH Students(25:50) How Her Hygiene Office Works(30:10) Lessons Learned and Advice in Dental Hygiene School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features Angy, a travel RDH who is a learning and development manager with Cloud Dentistry, the online staffing platform! She shares her arduous but inspiring journey to becoming a dental hygienist. As a DACA recipient, she had to navigate paying for school out of pocket and taking the national boards without U.S. citizenship. Angy also worked 40-hour work weeks throughout her two years in dental hygiene school. Working night shifts and then being at school from 8-5 right after deserves some praise! She didn't have it easy in dental hygiene school but it shows that anything is possible with enough drive and motivation. She is a true rockstar! Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Looking for NBDHE prep? Become a VIP StudentRDH member today: https://www.studentrdh.com/?rfsn=8529631.46e55dTimestamps: (00:00) Angy's RDH Origin Story (03:43) Pre Reqs and GPAs(07:41) Getting into DH School(11:25) Paying Tuition (17:21) Working Full Time in Dental Hygiene School (21:53) Support from Dental Hygiene Instructors (25:45) Angy's Personal Struggles in School(28:04) DACA and taking the National Boards (35:34) Tips for Dental Hygiene Students Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marisa Kibiersza, known as the financial hygienist on Instagram, joins me on this episode to share her experience of becoming a dental hygienist with a passion for personal finance. We delved into the topic of finance as a dental hygiene student as well as post-licensing to hopefully educate future RDHs on a topic that is not commonly explored in our profession. She shares how she got a bachelor of science in biology with the intentional plan of becoming a physical therapist. After some unexpected life changes, she found herself attending an associate's program for dental hygiene at the College of Lake County in Illinois. Marisa is a clinical hygienist who aims to help future and current hygienists with their financial goals; I can't thank her enough for her donation to the DHB Scholarship!! Make sure to submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email: DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Looking for NBDHE prep? Become a VIP StudentRDH member today HERE.Timestamps: (00:00) Marisa's RDH Origin Story (08:23) Her Current Roles (11:00) Finances in DH School (18:30) Money Advice for New Grads (29:00) Adversities Marisa Faced in School(31:47) Rewarding Memories from School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some dental hygiene programs require applicants to take a TEAS test, an exam commonly used for nursing school applications. My goal with this episode was to help guide students who aren't sure where to get started when preparing for this exam. There are several tips and resources in this episode so make sure you give it a listen! Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps:(00:00) TEAS Test Layout(01:30) Preparing for the Exam(02:24) Resources for Studying Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest speaker on this episode, Daisy, shares her amazing story of becoming a dental hygienist. She practices hygiene in the state of Washington, working part-time so she can focus on her brand and marketing. Daisy and I shared a great conversation about finances and how she covered school costs; spoiler- she was the recipient of 10 scholarships! Her story is especially inspiring as she is a first-generation college student raised in a single-parent household. Future RDH's, you don't want to miss this episode!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email: DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE.Timestamps:(00:00) Daisy's RDH Origin Story(03:29) Side Hustles through Hygiene School(05:18) Temping as a Hygienist(09:21) Dental Assisting Experience(10:37) Finances through College(20:03) Daisy's Advice for Financial Aid(23:10) GPA Before Hygiene School(28:40) Struggles in Clinic(38:00) Her Favorite Mems in School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode might win for the best RDH Origin Story on the podcast. Amber D'Andrea joined me to talk about how she ended up in dental hygiene despite originally wanting to become an RN- it's a crazy story that I'm excited for you to hear! She also shares the experience she had in the dental hygiene program at the College of DuPage in Illinois, which allowed her to obtain a bachelor's degree by completing one extra year of schooling. She later earned her MBA and now works with the dental networking platform Cloud Dentistry to help students and practicing RDHs. Stay tuned until the end to hear her advice for hygiene students!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps:(00:00) Amber's RDH Origin Story(11:08) Choosing Between Programs(14:07) Paying for Dental Hygiene School(17:14) Adjusting to Being in School Full-Time(20:20) Amber's Best Advice for Students Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jose has recently graduated from dental hygiene school at NYU's associate's program and plans to continue his education by getting a bachelor's in health promotion and education. He talks about how his major in arts helped him appreciate the field of dentistry when he worked as an orthodontics dental assistant. This clinical experience helped him stand out on his application since his GPA wasn't as high as he hoped. Despite not getting accepted into a program on his first try, Jose made the most of his education in dental hygiene school. He was class president and was a member of several associations during his schooling. I found his story really motivating, especially for future hygiene students who are feeling stuck in their journey.Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps:(00:00) Jose's RDH Origin Story(03:46) Using Sales Experience in Dental Hygiene(13:16) Low GPA on Application(14:13) His Interview for School(18:38) Bachelor in Health Promotion and Education(23:40) Paying for School(31:02) Jose's Advice for Students Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's no secret what working in dentistry can do to your body long term... but a topic that isn't talked about enough is noise fatigue. This episode focuses on how noise fatigue is common in the dental office and how it affects both our ear health as well as our mental health. Do you want to know the simple solution to this? Give this episode a listen right now!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:02) Long-Term Effects of Noise Fatigue(03:15) Protecting Your Ears Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Maryam shares her personal struggles to get through dental hygiene school including the struggles of English not being her first language and how that affected her application. She got into hygiene school on the 4th try and has loved the career since! She's doing amazing things in this profession by writing articles and being a trainer on innovative technology. I found her story so motivational and I think you will too!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps:(00:00) Maryam's RDH Origin Story(07:21) Her Career in Dental Hygiene(09:53) Applying to Hygiene School(12:27) Struggles of Being Bilingual(18:43) Staying Motivated During Gap Years(22:25) Graduating Debt-Free(25:56) Associates in Dental Hygiene(30:52) “Never Treat a Stranger”(32:28) Favorite Memory in School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew @the_guygienist joins me on this episode to talk about his experience as a senior in dental hygiene school. It's amazing how many connections he's made so far within the dental community before even graduating! Matthew is attending an accelerated 2-year program that includes some pre-requisite courses and, although the breaks between semesters are minimal, he still finds time to work part-time as a dental assistant, apply for scholarships, and attend dental conferences like RDH Under One Roof! I can tell you right now, this GUYgienist is going places!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:18) Matthew's RDH Origin Story(07:35) Applying to Hygiene School(12:30) Dental Assisting Experience(16:08) Paying for School(19:20) Managing Time(22:10) Giving Yourself Grace(27:28) RDH Under One Roof Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Register for "A Night with Teacher Tina" on January 28th at 7:00 pm CT HERE!!I love sharing stories of dental hygienists who have carved out a new path in this profession for themselves. Carl Demadema, CEO of Dente Media, shares his amazing story of attending oral hygiene school in South Africa where he was assigned a school project assignment and ended up founding Dente Magazine! This really unique story is a great one and he also offers some invaluable advice for dental hygiene students.Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(10:30) Carl's Oral Health Program(15:12) Jobs for Hygienists in South Africa(16:58) Paying for Hygiene School(22:22) The Rigors of Carl's Program(26:59) Three Pearls of Wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This BONUS episode features Teacher Tina, a dental hygiene educator, published author, speaker, and educator. She wears many hats but also has an incredible wealth of knowledge on local anesthetics in dentistry. Teacher Tina is a great resource for both dental hygiene students and registered dental hygienists looking to get certified in local anesthetic- which is why we are partnering together for A Night with Teacher Tina! This event includes three giveaways and a presentation by Teacher Tina about local anesthesia. Registration fees will help fundraise for the Dental Hygiene Basics Scholarship Fund so we can keep giving back to future RDH's. Register for the webinar HERE. Make sure to check out Teacher Tina's website as well with the following link: https://www.teachertinardh.com/ Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(02:08) Tina's RDH Origin Story(03:17) Practicing Hygiene, Instructing, and Local Anesthetic(09:57) Working in Dental Hygiene School(13:43) Advice for Students(19:19) Teaching Local Anesthetic (29:37) Good Memories in Hygiene School(34:34) Collaboration Coming Soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Register for "A Night with Teacher Tina" on January 28th at 7:00 pm CT HERE!!Do you ever feel like you're not living in the moment? It's probably because you need to “Do Less.” And doing less isn't what you think it is- I'm not telling you to quit everything you're doing or do the bare minimum. It simply comes down to living in the moment you are in presently, allowing yourself to enjoy the now instead of worrying about what happened 5 minutes prior or whatever task you have ahead of you. The concept of doing less can actually take you more places because- once you master this skill- you'll feel less burnt out, less stressed, and more satisfied with yourself. Trust me when I say this isn't something you learn to do overnight- in fact, it's still something I'm working on after years of practice! I've seen a drastic change in my mental health and overall happiness by doing less, taking a step back, and reminding myself to be present and calm. The truth is, no one can work at full efficiency 24/7 without reaching a breaking point so my best advice to dental hygiene students is to master how to do less. Learn all about it in this episode!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE.Timestamps:(00:00) The Art of Doing Less(06:33) Starting Your Day Right(11:49) Being Present in the Classroom(13:30) Managing Stress in Clinic(18:14) Taking Control of Yourself Internally Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Register for "A Night with Teacher Tina" on January 28th at 7:00 pm CT HERE!!Maryam is an RDH in Canada who currently works as an instructor for dental assisting students while also creating her very own dental hygiene practice! This episode is great for all the future AND current RDHs because we cover so many good topics, including different working environments available for dental hygienists, bachelor's completion programs, and paying for schooling. I learned a few things from Maryam and I think you will too!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE.Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:38) Maryam's Current Role(06:50) DH Bachelor's Completion Program(09:16) Autonomy in Dental Hygiene(15:14) Dental Hygiene School Application(21:07) Tuition for Dental Hygiene School(24:31) Finding Patients for Dental Hygiene School(31:05) Advice for Dental Hygiene Students Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leah Hargrove is a dental hygienist in Tennessee who is a strong advocate for mental health support. She's hit a few bumps in the road to get where she is now but is so open about her story! Her goal is to help future dental hygiene students avoid the issues she's had trying to obtain her bachelor's after becoming a hygienist. Learn more about finding the right dental hygiene program for you on this episode!Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps:(00:00) Leah's RDH Origin Story(07:57) The Pros of Her Program(10:35) The Con of Her Program(17:45) Her Loan Repayment Journey(27:49) Leah's Best Advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josie Jasperson, creator of Study Pass RDH is my guest today and shares her path to becoming a dental hygienist. She truly has the heart of a teacher and is passionate about getting students ready to ace the NBDHE by providing FREE practice questions on Instagram every single day! She also has an affordable study-prep program for students preparing for the national board exam available on her website. Josie remembers wanting to use her knowledge of dental hygiene to educate others early in school and when she graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, she took the opportunity to establish her brand Study Pass RDH. She has an incredible story that you don't want to miss! Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(02:05) Josie's RDH Origin Story(14:47) Choosing a Bachelors Program(17:34) Her Side Hustle in School(19:04) Study Methods(28:08) The Creation of Study Pass RDH(39:49) Josie's Advice to DH Students Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's no surprise that dental hygiene school is tough. High levels of stress can induce anxiety and you should be equipped with the tools on how to manage it if you ever experience it! I personally had severe anxiety through school and want to share how I was able to destress in an efficient and easy manner. These are simple ways you can bring your body out of the "fight or flight" mode and into a calm state.Submit your application for the DHB Scholarship HERE! Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:17) Box Breathing Method(03:38) Writing/Journaling Your Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julie @peachstaterdh is a dental hygienist working in periodontics and uses social media to support other hygienists. She loves her career but admits it wasn't easy to get where she is now. We talked about being second-time girlies and how she improved her application for hygiene school to get in the second time. Before hygiene, she had a degree and worked in communications and decided to have a career change after feeling burnt out. She "threw all her chips in" to pursue dental hygiene and, even through all the challenges she faced along the way, she couldn't be happier now! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) Julie's RDH Origin Story(02:09) Working in Periodontics(04:37) Her New-Grad Experience(05:43) Peach State RDH(07:44) Deciding Between Two Programs(12:55) Struggles with Science Pre-Reqs(18:13) Dental Hygiene School Costs(20:27) Dealing with Rejection(29:05) Finding Patients for Clinic(33:06) Pregnant in Hygiene School(38:04) Prioritize Yourself Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding your own happiness in life is just as important as finding happiness in your career! This episode gets into hard topics like hitting brick walls in your career and how you can adapt and learn from them. Trust me when I say I didn't have it all figured out as a new grad but can confidently say that I've learned from my mistakes and have come such a long way. Remember- the only person who knows what's best for you is YOU! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com Timestamps: (00:00) My Toxic Work Environment (02:30) Starting My Education Career(05:07) Listen to Your Intuition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you struggling to make the perfect dental hygiene resume? This episode is for anyone applying to dental hygiene school or seeking employment as a dental hygienist. Follow all my best tips to put your best foot forward in any application! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com Timestamps:(00:00) Resumes for Dental Hygiene School(01:22) Finding Your Best Skills(03:30) Accolades and Volunteer Work(06:11) Formatting(08:54) How to Include Your Experiences (10:12) Outsourcing for Help Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sasha is currently a senior in dental hygiene school and is only six months away from becoming an RDH! She joins me on this episode to talk about her journey so far and shares her best advice to future and current students to pay close attention to deadlines and “just go for it!” We also get into how she's been able to find patients despite not having family and friends in her city and the controversy of paying for patient's treatments. Tune in to hear her full story and some great words of wisdom!Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) Sasha's RDH Origin Story(04:37) Assisting Before Hygiene School(06:33) Her Successful Application(09:32) Picking an Associate or Bachelor's Program(14:21) Paying for Hygiene School(19:50) Advice as a Current Senior in Hygiene School(21:18) Finding Patients for Clinic(26:10) How Preparation Builds Confidence(31:15) Making Hygiene Besties Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've followed my podcast for a while, you know how much I emphasize the importance of finding great mentors in your career. I had amazing ones who helped me get to where I am today, and I truly gained so much insight about this field through all my dental hygiene heroes. I thank them for motivating and helping me in so many ways and hope to be a mentor for others as well!Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:09) My Pediatric Hygienist(02:24) The Oklahoma State RDH(04:23) Airport RDH(06:29) My Faculty(08:23) My Dental Hygiene Community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're interested in working in the field of dental hygiene, I'm sure you know that prevention is KEY to maintaining oral health. Caitlin from @thealignedhygienist makes a great point in this episode when she says that dental professionals can apply this principle to their careers by preventing physical injuries to our bodies. She is an ergonomics consultant and yoga instructor who shares great advice for incoming hygiene students that you don't want to miss out on! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:05) Caitlin's RDH Origin Story(12:34) Her Tips for a Healthy Career(17:28) Paying Student Debt (29:34) Clinic in Hygiene School(31:45) Words of Advice for Students Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mia and Nicole from the ToothBytes Podcast join me to share their journeys into dental hygiene school. We cover the rigors of an accelerated program, getting into hygiene school with low grades on your transcript, overcoming harsh interviews, and more! Head over to their podcast to hear their experiences as new graduates.Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps: (00:00) Mia and Nicole's RDH Origin Stories(02:45) Accelerated Dental Hygiene Program(06:23) Overcoming GPAs(10:07) Moms in Dental Hygiene School(16:52) Application Struggles(26:48) Challenges They Faced in the Program(29:53) Advice to Incoming Hygiene Students Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dental hygiene school can feel like a two-year marathon and while the courseload is no joke, it's good to take a step back and really reflect on your journey! Through all the studying and stress, I was still able to make some really great memories that I'm grateful for to this day. Don't be afraid to get involved in student organizations and get out of your comfort zone! Those two years will be over before you know it. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com Timestamps: (00:00) My Podcast Hack(02:04) Dental Hygiene School Can Be Fun(06:05) Community Rotations(09:01) Student Organizations (13:39) Making Great Friendships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you looking for a mentor to guide your dental hygiene journey? Look no further! Whether you're applying to programs, are currently in hygiene school, or are a new graduate, this week's guest, Christine Phillips, and I have a passion for being a mentor to aspiring and registered dental hygienists. Christine is a hygiene coach and the founder of RDH Pro Connect. She applies her years of experience to empower and build better hygienists. You can find more info on her website HERE.Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps: (00:00) Christine's Passion for Dentistry(05:45) RDH ProConnect and Resources for All Hygienists(09:17) Why Mentors Are Important(21:26) Investing Yourself Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I love to showcase dental hygienists who have branched off from clinical hygiene to do something unique because it's so refreshing to think of all the possibilities we have in this field! In this episode, I interviewed Katie and Marvelyn, who founded their company Perio Precise. They're doing amazing work in Las Vegas, Nevada by helping hygienists incorporate the use of endoscopes in their practice, using endoscopes to treat patients, and educating the masses on endoscopes. Their stories are amazing and I hope you find them as motivating as I did! One of the best take-home messages in this episode is, "Don't let a setback deter or define you." It's so important to remember that, in order to be successful, you have to be comfortable with failure!Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) Marvelyn RDH Origin Story(02:44) Katie's RDH Origin Story(05:59) Their Business: Perio Precise(12:35) Entrance Exams for Hygiene School(23:11) Paying for Tuition and Instruments(29:25) Finding Patients and Managing Course Load(35:31) Fav Memories from School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for some mentors on your path to becoming a dental hygienist? Fionna and I are perfect for the job! These “second-time” girlies didn't get into dental hygiene school on their first try yet managed to become educators in the field later down the road. With her passion for dentistry starting at a young age, Fionna was surprised to face some rejections on her path to becoming a dental health professional but shares that it led her to where she is today. She lives an exciting life as a hygienist - you will have to listen to hear it all!Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) Fionna's Background in Dentistry(02:53) Dental Assisting Experience(05:19) Normalize Getting Rejected(07:34) Opportunities Outside of Clinical Hygiene(16:42) Mentoring New Grad Hygienists(22:03) Her Advice to Incoming Students(32:04) Knowing Your Learning Style Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jevonah, @the.happy.RDH, sheds light on her journey to becoming a registered dental hygienist and, although she had some bumps in the road, she remains positive and strives to spread happiness by integrating healthy mental habits. She is what we call a "second-time" girly and did not get into hygiene school on her first try. Jevonah shares her tips on improving her application to get in on her second try as well as her personal struggles through hygiene school in hopes of helping future students! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com Timestamps:(00:00) Jevonah's RDH Origin Story (03:03) How She Boosted her GPA(10:06) Why Students Drop from Hygiene School (13:46) Getting Her Bachelor in One Year (19:02) Lottery-System Applications (22:39) Personal Struggles for Jevonah (28:59) Her Fav Dental Hygiene School Memories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode provides incoming dental hygiene students with the best advice on how they can make mental connections while in school. This is a tip to help you learn better and faster. It will also help you to perform stronger on your exams!Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_BasicsTimestamps:(00:00) Mental Connections(00:53) Pattern Recognition(03:11) Memorization Techniques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this bonus episode of the Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast, Dana interviews Areal, a registered dental hygienist living in Canada. Areal's RDH origin story starts with her dropping out of high school, but ends with her becoming an RDH, of course! Areal shares her story in a way that will inspire any person who may be holding onto limiting beliefs about their future career. Plus, there is a valuable lesson to be learned about getting your vaccination records together sooner rather than later!Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTranscript available upon request Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Steger shares her amazing story of overcoming mental health struggles like anxiety and depression to now becoming a dental hygienist and educator. She's had a non-linear path to dental hygiene school and talks about the impact of her undiagnosed ADHD and autism through it all. Katie is now an incredible resource for current dental hygiene students and shares her perspective on patient care for those with autism through her social media. Tune in to hear how she went from C's and D's in high school to becoming the valedictorian of her hygiene class! See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (01:51) Katie's Not-So-Linear Path(05:04) Her Undiagnosed ADHD and Autism (11:27) Application and Interview Process(13:56) Managing Mental Health Through School (17:30) Katie's Stressors in Hygiene School (22:17) Advice to Students as an Educator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Dental Hygiene Nation, Caitlyn, joins me for a special bonus episode! She talks about how a career in dental hygiene can have more diversity than you think! She combined her passion for dentistry and graphic design as well as her experience in sales to build her successful business. Caitlyn's merch has built a community of hygienists who are proud to represent this profession and I could not be more excited to see our field continue to evolve. I hope this episode ignites a passion for your future career because it truly can open so many doors for you!! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Timestamps:(00:00) Caitlyn's RDH Origin Story and the Birth of Dental Hygiene Nation (07:45) Transition from Clinical Hygiene to Sales(14:34) Full-Time vs Part-Time Hygiene (20:10) Dental Hygiene as a Nation(24:00) High School Straight into Hygiene School(28:29) Paying for Hygiene School(30:12) Caitlyn's Challenges(34:05) Words of Wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you stuck in a cycle of procrastination? This episode has the best tip on how to curb this habit while in school. Find out how to make the best out of your education with some preparation and engagement here!Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) Pros and Cons of Procrastinating(02:05) My Number One Tip(05:42) Preparation Powers Performance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arianna Cazares graduated from dental hygiene school one year ago and joins host Dana on this episode to share her experiences working in the clinical setting. Her passion is to educate patients with low dental health literacy and spread awareness through her social media. This episode sheds light on many topics for aspiring dental hygienists such as paying for school, finding patients, preventing dismissal from your program, and so much more! Go give Ariana a follow on Instagram @thergvrdhWant a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) The RGV RDH's Origin Story(04:58) Her Journey to Dental Hygiene School(12:13) Paying for School(18:50) How to Stand Out Without an Interview(22:00) Perks of Programs in Rural Cities(29:11) Struggles of Finding Patients(36:26) Dropping from Dental Hygiene School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a lifelong learner, Dana has found the BEST ways to retain information. One of her most reliable methods is self-explaining. It is simple yet very efficient when having to learn difficult concepts like histology or embryology. These tips are not only important to do well on your tests, but also to provide better care to patients in the clinical setting! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (00:59) Self-Explaining(03:43) Treat Learning Like a Game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Letitia, also known as Toothfairytish, is a mentor for newly graduated dental hygienists and has her own Podcast, Sunday Scalies! She offers amazing advice for incoming hygiene students and discusses her own personal struggles through school. Both Letitia and host, Dana get vulnerable as they tell their stories of being pre-dental before hygiene school. Tune into this episode to hear all about Letitia's journey to become a dental hygienist! Then give her a follow on Instagram @toothfairytish See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comSCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:20) Letitia's RDH Origin Story(21:00) Second-Time Girly(24:59) Working in Hygiene School(31:25) Letitia's Struggle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I talk about my love for dental hygiene while also addressing the challenges in this field. It's so important to focus on the positive aspects of the job and highlight the growth in the dental hygiene profession. I encourage all aspiring dental hygienists to focus on the positives just as much- if not more than the negatives. Some of my favorite things about being a dental hygienist is the satisfaction of removing calculus, interacting with patients, and being able to work with new technology and resources. There are so many opportunities to explore the various specializations and career opportunities available in dental hygiene. You don't want to miss my "pros" of being a dental hygienist! See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics. Email:DHBasics@protonmail.comSCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:57) Negativity in Dental Hygiene(03:47) What I Love About This Profession(07:58) Using Your Soft and Hard Skills Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neurobics can be utilized when studying to improve the retention of information faster and longer. It can also help to strengthen hand skills, which is a very important aspect of dental hygiene. Today's episode focuses on how dental hygiene students can utilize these studying methods to succeed in their preclinic course! Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:DHBasics@protonmail.com Timestamps:(00:00) Neurobics (01:55) How to Use Neurobics When Studying Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.