RDH Magazine Podcast

In this episode, Jackie Sanders and Andrew Johnston sit down with Kerry Lepicek during RDH Under One Roof to discuss her unexpected glaucoma diagnosis, the rapid vision loss that followed, and how the experience changed both her personal life and her approach to patient care. Kerry shares the importance of trusting your instincts when something does not feel right, advocating for yourself when symptoms continue to progress, and understanding what patients may experience when living with glaucoma. The conversation also explores practical considerations for dental professionals, including lighting, patient positioning, medication-related dry mouth, and the importance of reviewing a patient's health history beyond the oral cavity. The episode also serves as a reminder that clinicians need to prioritize their own preventive care, including routine eye exams, blood pressure checks, and other health screenings.   Connect with Kerry Lepicek Instagram: @klepicek LinkedIn: Kerry Lepicek

In this episode, Jackie Sanders and Andrew Johnston sit down with Tracee Dahm, BSDH, MS, during RDH Under One Roof to discuss her team's research examining oral health care in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The conversation explores why caregivers often recognize the importance of oral health but struggle to consistently provide it, the growing needs of an aging population, and the systemic barriers that continue to limit access to care. Tracy also shares how her multi-year scoping review came together, the importance of mentorship and collaboration in research, and why advocacy remains essential to expanding oral health services for some of our most vulnerable patients. In this episode, we discuss: The current state of oral health care in nursing homes Why positive attitudes toward oral health don't always translate into patient care The impact of staffing shortages, time constraints, and limited resources How research teams collaborate across institutions and time zones The role of mentorship in developing new researchers Why advocacy is critical to improving access to care for older adults Practical opportunities for dental hygienists to make a difference in long-term care Connect with Tracee Dahm: Email: tsdahm@nic.edu Social media: @tsdahm

In this episode, Jackie Sanders and Andrew Johnston sit down with Kristen Evans, RDH, to preview her presentation that she delivered at RDH Under One Roof this month where she explored the connection between airway health, hormone health, and skeletal integrity. Kristen shares the personal journey that led her to become an advocate for systemic bone health screening, discusses why dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify patients at risk for osteoporosis and other chronic conditions, and offers an encouraging message for clinicians who aspire to write, speak, and contribute to the profession. The conversation also highlights the importance of perseverance, finding your unique voice, and trusting that the right opportunities often come with the right timing.   Learn more about Kristen Evans by connecting with her on LinkedIn (Kristen Evans, RDH – “The pH RDH”), where you can also find links to her website, Instagram, and her Bone & Balance for Life initiative focused on education, prevention, and advocacy for systemic bone health.   Resources: @thephrdh on Linked In and Instagram

In this episode, Jackie Sanders and Andrew Johnston sit down with Dr. Uche Odiatu for a preview of his RDH Under One Roof session, Essential Nutrition for the Dental Professional. The conversation explores why nutrition remains an underutilized tool in patient care, the importance of learning beyond traditional dental education, how storytelling and credible references build trust with patients, and why focusing on foundational health habits like sleep often delivers greater results than chasing the latest wellness trends.

Where science meets the sulcus—bridging microbiology, diagnostics, and modern hygiene care for systemic healing.    Resources:   @oralhealthactivist on Instagram Camille Zenobia on Linked In

Tom Viola brings fun and humor to the subject of licit and illicit drugs.  What is being bought at the corner market that is more dangerous than we realized.   Resources:   Youtube: @chairsideconfidential Email: tom@tomviola.com Website: tomviola.com

Karen Gordon discusses her career path and how dental hygiene and chiropractic medicine fit together with cross referencing symptoms.   Resources: @thechirohygienist on all socials

Are you on top of desiccation and everything it has to offer you in the operatory? Annie Walters shares the benefits of introducing desiccation products to your operatory.   Resources: @anniewaltersrdh on Instagram Annie Walter MSDH, RDH on Linked In Anniewaltersrdh.com

There are easier ways to remember all the pharmacology terms without using just memorization. Melissa Calhoun brings her enthusiasm to making pharmacology easier.   Resources: @missyrdh on Instagram mcalhounrdh@icloud.com

OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) are standardized assessments used in dental hygiene education and licensure to evaluate clinical competence in a controlled, repeatable format.   Resources: rebelchapa@gmail.com

Kelsey Miller shares insight to the value of faculty calibration in dental hygiene programs, and how the course can also impact daily practice in the dental office.   Resources: Kelsey Miller on Linked In   kmiller907@ivytech.edu

Spend time with MB Gustitus as we discuss her upcoming Key Note Session  at RDH UOR. Review the insights of her book and learn how we can unstick ourselves.

Learn how to recognize the different types, key symptoms, and how advanced imaging like CBCT helps clinicians diagnose and treat root resorption before it's too late.   https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55362872/understanding-root-resorption

The latest DentalPost Industry Salary Report offers dental leaders a critical snapshot of workforce trends that could shape staffing, retention, and career sustainability heading into 2026.

Richard Robinson shares his personal story from dental hygiene graduate to founder of the "MyWhy" program. Listen to his story and how he responded to becoming an Award of Distinction recipient.   Resources:   Thatsmywhy.org   Mywhy1st@gmail.com

The hygienist-office manager relationship is one of the most impactful and most neglected dynamics in dentistry.  The practices that thrive have teams who are genuinely aligned.   https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55362663/the-relationship-that-can-make-or-break-your-practice

RDH Under One Roof will be hosted July 16-18.  Here are a few insights that will make your experience more exciting.  See you soon!   Resources: Jsanders@endeavorb2b.com

Discussing nutrition with your patients isn't just about caries control.  From daily habits to new diets, your patients may be needing your knowledge.   Resources: @teachrdh on Instagram

Tiffany Weubben "The Hygienepreneur" invites you to Tennessee and the Hygiene Hoedown.  A team approach CE platform.   Resources: thehygienepreneur.com   Email: Tiffany@thehygienepreneur.com

Katrina Klein is passionate about ergonomics and has lectured on the subject for many years.  She expanded by focusing on overall health and is now sharing her wealth of knowledge on clinical assessments. Health is about continual growth.   Resources: @ergofitlife on social media ergofitlife.com

Shelley Brown discusses the steps to starting your own mobile dentistry business. She explains the rewards and how to find legal assistance.   Resources: @shelleythehygienist on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Youtube www.shelley.dental

Abbey Rennau shares the enpowerment of collaboration between dentist and dental hygienists.   Resources: abbeyrennau@cccneb.edu

Dawn Buju discusses the necessity of autonomy and the connection to our education platform. Sharing her thoughts in a series to launch in RDH Magazine.

Heather DeJonge shares her journey from panic attacks and sleeping on the floor, to finding answers and her new passion, The Relaxed Hygienist.   Resources: @therelaxedhygienist on Instagram

What you didn't know about ultrasonics.  Noel Paschke provides professional insights to what is working and what is not.    Resources: noel.ultrasonicsplus@gmail.com

Amy Lemons shares her personal journey and a trip to the doctor with her daughter. Within a short amount of time her daughter was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and hospitalized. What followed is eye opening for us all.

Tonya Jeffries talks about the impact of her book Dental Hacks and how the message supports our DH Student community. 

Joffree Bunleang shares her optimistic focus on the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA). Are we looking at it the wrong way, and could there be a positive outcome?

Dental codes are changing in 2026.  Kathy Forbes shares her knowledge and prepares us for some positive improvements.

Barbara Tritz shares her passion for dental hygiene. We are prevention specialists, airway screeners, metabolic detectives, nutrition coaches, microbiome translators, and early detectors of chronic disease.

After meeting with 15 doctors, Dana Paladino discovered where her pain was coming from.  Through her health journey, she found her entrepreneurial calling with DHBasics.  Listen to learn.

When you know there is more to an appointment than just scaling, you are ready to step into integrative care.  Spend time with Lauren Kennedy as she sparks the desire to do more.

Everything I didn't know about nicotine pouches and the dangers within.  Sherri Warshaw shares her wealth of knowledge on the subject.

Rachel Norwood said "Yes" to a job at a hospital.  What she didn't know was that this role would lead her to a passion for working with the elderly and supporting their caregivers.

As dental hygienist, we often put ourselves in a box and limit our options for professional growth.  Jasmine Hayley shares her insights on focusing outside our normal parameters.

The ADA's updated radiation guidelines recommend ditching lead aprons. But before you make any changes, learn what every dental hygienist needs to know about state laws and patient safety. Sue Scherer, MEd, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55324475/what-dental-hygienists-should-know-before-ditching-the-lead-shield

Posture myths are holding hygienists back. Strength, movement, and postural variability—not static “perfect posture”—are the true keys to ergonomic longevity. Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/article/55321001/rethinking-movement-posture-and-ergonomic-longevity-for-dental-hygienists

Despite being the leading preventable cause of death, cancer, and gum disease, smoking remains a stubborn habit. Understanding why people start—and why many can't stop—is key to helping patients quit and reclaim their health. Curstyn Molloy, BSDH, RDH  Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55322384/the-relationship-between-smoking-and-periodontal-disease-health-implications-and-improvements-with-quitting

Amber Auger shares her enthusiasm for providing platforms to support the growth of the dental hygiene clinician. From Thrive in the Op to RDH Evolution.

Share time with Bethany Montoya as she talks about the creation of the Oral Health Awareness Project and the Lone Star Society.  Positive momentum and change for the dental hygiene community.

Dental hygiene has its own version of Stockholm Syndrome—years of subordination have conditioned many hygienists to defend the very system that restricts them. Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55324570/the-case-for-dental-hygienists-autonomy-charting-the-path-forward

When did you have your last oral cancer screening? The importance of intraoral and the new statistics confirming the significance of the extraoral.  Spend some quality time with Susan Cotten.

Sasha Bryan shares her optimism to her interview and reveals her SAUCE method to help prevent burnout. She also discusses her tips and tricks on coordinating her schedule to provide quality patient care.   This episode is sponsored by Aspen Dental. To learn more, visit aspendental.com.

This article explores how hygienists can identify hidden allergens, minimize risks for medically complex patients, and choose safer, evidence-based products that support individualized, patient-centered care. India Chance, RDH, CDIPC Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/print/content/55320082

If you've ever had trouble with your desiccants, look no further than the Turbo-CR. Annie Walters, MS, RDH, is here to explain why this new product is a game-changer. Annie Walters, MS, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55312160/turbo-cr-the-desiccant-that-is-transforming-dental-hygiene-practice

Award of Distinction recipient Sarah Hoerler has a unique role at the Mayo Clinic.  Listen to her story and how she introduces students to the system that makes a difference with hospitalized patients.

The New Year is quickly approaching.  As you begin to consider your goals/resolutions and plan your professional development, how can RDH support you?  Listen as Jackie Sanders shares the 2026 RDH platform.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect up to 96% of dental hygienists, leading to pain, fatigue, and lost income. Learn how adaptive curette designs reduce pinch force, muscle strain, and discomfort—helping clinicians protect their health while maintaining efficiency. Petra Wilder-Smith, DDS, DMD, PhD Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/instruments-handpieces/article/55310267/dental-ergonomics-and-instrument-design-how-adaptive-curettes-reduce-muscle-strain-and-improve-clinician-comfort

More than three million dental implants are placed annually. Hygienists can help protect implant longevity with biofilm control, advanced air polishing, and patient-centered care strategies. Amber Auger, MPH, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/implant-maintenance/article/55311878/responsible-restorative-dentistry-creating-sustainable-protocols-for-implants

Shelley Brown is a 2025 Award of Distinction Recipient. She is a writer, speaker, adjunct faculty, mother and wife all while keeping the balance. How does she manage success and a full schedule? 

Spend time with Paul Foster as he shares how he transitioned from a military career to dental hygiene. The onboarding program at Aspen Dental provided numerous benefits to him as a new graduate, and working with vendors supported his confidence. This episode is sponsored by Aspen Dental. To learn more, visit aspendental.com.