RDH Magazine Podcast

Could common oral rinses be causing more harm than good in patients? Discover how rinses may disrupt nitric oxide production—and what that means for whole-body health. Kathryn Gilliam, BA, RDH, MAAOSH, HIAOMT Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55288053/why-should-we-care-about-the-effects-of-mouth-rinses-on-oral-nitric-oxide-production 

  Many dental professionals are confused about how to get their dental unit waterlines to pass the safety test. In part two of this series, Amanda Hill explains how to interpret the test results, what to do if you fail, and some common myths around DUWL compliance. Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC   Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/water-safety/article/55282554/the-basics-of-dental-unit-waterlines-part-2 

  This is an unfiltered examination of the structural sexism embedded in dentistry, a profession that has long constrained the autonomy of hygienists under the pretext of safety and oversight. Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA   Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/alternative-practice/article/55286333/a-century-of-subordination-the-historical-barriers-to-dental-hygienists-autonomy 

Katrina Klein shares her insights on ergonomic health and the benefits of muscle health.  

Supporting and collaborating with your fellow dental hygienists will boost the profession and patient care. Mentorship is a terrific way to begin.   Kandra Sellers, BA, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/inspiration/article/55286217/mentorship-and-advocacy-in-dental-hygiene-speak-up-for-patients-and-one-another 

  Bridging the gap between dentists and dental hygienists through stronger interprofessional collaboration could be the key to improving patient outcomes and advancing comprehensive oral care. Whitney Foster, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders, RDH  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55273548/an-introduction-to-interprofessionalism-in-dentistry

Derik Sven shares his professional insights on dental hygiene autonomy and defining the paradigm. Where did he find his passion to make a positive influence on our profession?

Spend time learning about the latest trend of nicotine pouches. Alyssa Day shares her knowledge on the adverse effects and the role of the RDH. 

Billie Lunt shares her joy-filled attitude on life and teaching dental hygiene students.  Where can we all make a difference?

    Lara James, NTM, RDH, advocates for periodontal disease being classified as a comorbidity. Here's why. Lara James, NTM, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55272301/periodontal-disease-a-comorbidity-part-1 

  This article surveys several malignancies that can occur in the oral cavity—from salivary gland tumors to sarcomas—to highlight their presentations, pathology, and management. Andreina Sucre, MSc, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/article/55271904/beyond-squamous-cell-carcinoma-a-spectrum-of-oral-cavity-malignancies 

  A talk with the author!  This article surveys several malignancies that can occur in the oral cavity—from salivary gland tumors to sarcomas—to highlight their presentations, pathology, and management. Andreina Sucre, MSc, RDH   Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/article/55271904/beyond-squamous-cell-carcinoma-a-spectrum-of-oral-cavity-malignancies

  Here's how AI is revolutionizing periodontal disease diagnosis, offering faster, more accurate detection and personalized treatment plans to improve patient care. Marianne Dryer, MEd, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55273544/the-role-of-ai-in-enhancing-periodontal-disease-classification-and-diagnosis 

This dental hygienist feels it's disrespectful the way the assistants don't bundle instruments for the ultrasonic. How can you approach this problem in a fair manner? Amber Auger, MPH, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/disinfection/article/55273545/hygiene-mentor-how-to-carefully-approach-dental-assistants-about-ultrasonic-problem

Brittany Cox discusses her experience with burnout and sharing her story in a recent article, What burnout taught me about the career I still love.  Her passion is leading to a new series of solutions.  RDH Rise. https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/inspiration/article/55287305/what-burnout-taught-me-about-the-dental-hygiene-career-i-still-love

An open discussion on depression and the effects of antidepressants on oral health.  Tracy Dahm discusses her recent article in RDH eVillage. Antidepressant medications and oral health | Registered Dental Hygienists

People who want to take steps toward staying healthy, including their oral health, need to remember the value of vitamin C. You can remind them about this handy and healthy option. Breezy Briana Bonney, MS, BSDH, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/patient-education/article/55273163/the-value-of-vitamin-c-for-dental-patients

Saliva is more than a digestive fluid—it's the secret sauce for oral and systemic health. Anne O. Rice, BS, RDH, CDP, FAAOSH Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55271562/the-influence-of-salivary-proteins

The differences in dentistry and dental hygiene have led to some deep divides through the years. What can hygienists do about this? Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/alternative-practice/article/55273454/the-case-for-dental-hygienists-autonomy-part-i-defining-the-paradigm

  When it comes to disclosing solution, some love it, some are happy to have left it in hygiene school. Bethany Montoya highlights reasons you might want to add it to your arsenal. Bethany Montoya, BAS, RDH   Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55273780/the-benefits-of-disclosing-solution 

  The US Surgeon General has raised concerns about the growing mental health crisis among teenagers. Dental professionals should monitor and educate adolescent patients on maintaining overall and oral health. Tracee S. Dahm, MS, BSDH   Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55273808/anxiety-and-depression-among-us-teens 

  We hit the ground running and don't stop until lunch (if even then) so frequently that being dehydrated is almost a way of life. Learn more about how important hydration is to a full, productive life. Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/article/55277117/wellness-corner-we-are-not-part-camel-the-real-cost-of-working-dehydrated 

Various dental procedures may help reduce the occurrence of dentinal hypersensitivity. However, what works every time is a laser! Learn more from Angie Wallace, RDH, about how you can help your patients. Angie Wallace, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.dentistryiq.com/dentistry/article/55271094/laser-treatments-for-sensitive-teeth?o_eid=&oly_enc_id=&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|&utm_campaign=CPS250325172&utm_medium=email&utm_source=RDH+eVillage 

How did Westmoreland County Community College raise funds to send 19 students to a live board review?

There are a variety of tools to assist your patients who have proprioception dysfunction. But first, what is it, and how can it affect dental care? Lisa Curbow, BAAS, RDH, CDP Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/home-care/article/55279278/get-a-grip-how-to-help-dental-patients-with-proprioception-dysfunction?o_eid=&oly_enc_id=&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|&utm_campaign=CPS250325172&utm_medium=email&utm_source=RDH+eVillage

When it comes to polishing, one size does not fit all. Katrina Klein has recommendations to improve the experience for pros and patients. Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55265000/selective-polishing-a-new-era-in-dental-hygiene 

Among the many discomforts dental patients may experience, thrush is a tricky one. There are many different causes, and several different treatments that may work better than others. Lisa Chan, DDS , Aubrey Glassberg, BS     Read by: Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/print/content/55279308 

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?  Spend time with Melia Lewis as she shares her passions from instrument sharpening to starting a non-profit for cancer patients.  She has a wealth of knowledge to assist you with your next step.

  Many hygienists feel unprepared to treat patients with special health-care needs. In Part 1 of this series, Brooke Crouch, RDH, shares expert insights from Lisa Curbow, RDH, BAAS, on adapting care, improving comfort, and building confidence in special care dentistry. Brooke Crouch, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55265943/how-dental-hygienists-can-confidently-treat-special-needs-patients-insights-from-an-expert 

  The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped dental hygiene in ways that are still unfolding today. In this exclusive feature, 18 dental hygiene experts share their biggest takeaways—and what they mean for the profession moving forward. Amelia Williamson DeStefano, MA Read by Brittany Duncan    https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55275437/how-covid-19-changed-dental-hygiene-15-experts-share-key-lessons-for-the-future 

  "Supervised neglect" is no way to treat dental patients. If this is the situation in your practice, it may be time to look for a new position. Amber Auger, MPH, RDH Read by Brittany Duncan  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55261992/hygiene-mentor-when-is-it-time-to-leave-an-office 

Looking for some motivation?  Spend time with Tiffany Wuebben, "The Hygienepreneur" as she discusses her coaching platforms and the launch of her second book, Culture Catalyst.

Amid a nationwide dental hygienist shortage, nearly 40% of practices are struggling to fill positions. How can we improve patient care through dentist-hygienist communication? Sally Aube, MSDH, RDH, CDA,   Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55261519/enhancing-patient-treatment-outcomes-through-effective-dentist-hygienist-communication 

This hygienist debunks four myths she learned in dental hygiene school and heard over the years about implant maintenance and offers some practical tips to provide the best implant care for patients. Amy Lemons, MEd, BSDH, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55259759/debunking-myths-about-dental-implant-maintenance 

White coat hypertension at the dentist's office is a serious condition that requires further monitoring and evaluation to ensure heart health. Dental hygienists can mitigate risk by discussing the risk factors of high blood pressure with patients. Erika Lauren Serrano, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders Link to Article: https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55264870/white-coat-hypertension-not-a-benign-condition 

How can you become an IAOM Board Certified Orofacial Myoloigist and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.  Listen to Joy Lantz story.

As a profession, we're in dire need of a strong association, as we are challenged routinely. But why the low membership in the ADHA, and how can interest be revived? Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH, Chief editor, RDH magazine Bethany Montoya, BAS, RDH  Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/inspiration/article/55270913/the-adha-is-not-under-attack-hygienists-are-asking-for-change

Vaping and the brain: Exposing the hidden risks The effects of vaping on oral and overall health are still being studied. But enough negative effects have been shown for dental hygienists to discuss them with their patients who vape. Anne O. Rice, BS, RDH, CDP, FAAOSH Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/patient-education/article/55263799/vaping-and-the-brain-exposing-the-hidden-risks 

Are you ready to spark bold and informed conversations, disrupt entrenched norms, and drive meaningful systemic change? Then don't miss this upcoming series of articles in RDH magazine about hygienists' autonomy. Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA Read by Jackie Sanders Article Link: https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/alternative-practice/article/55265894/breaking-chains-the-case-for-dental-hygienists-autonomy?page=1&filters={%22page%22:1,%22status%22:[%221%22],%22impliedSchedules%22:true}&sort=published

Did you know you can renew your CPR certification from the comfort of your own home and on your own timeline.  Deb Carrier shares information on a virtual certification program.

If you've ever felt boxed in by dental office culture, this article explores how dental hygienists can reclaim their role, elevate patient care, and find the right practice fit to thrive. Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55249026/dont-box-me-in-five-ways-to-push-for-comprehensive-dental-hygiene

As reaching underserved populations moves more to the forefront, the role of the RDHAP is catching on. While unique to California, more states are paying attention to this independent hygiene role. Jaymie Britt, BSDH, RDH, RDHAP Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/alternative-practice/article/55249166/the-registered-dental-hygienist-in-alternative-practice-rdhaps-value-in-community-outreach

Alcohol consumption significantly impacts oral health. Dental hygienists play a vital role in educating patients on these effects and advocating for preventive measures. Here are some facts you need to know. Margaret E. Flynn, BSc, PGC, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55247374/exploring-the-risks-and-impact-of-alcohol-on-oral-health 

Meet Maddie Blythe an energetic dental hygiene student who just attended Dental Hygiene Seminars with her entire class.  Her energy for the future is contagious.

The complex B vitamins help the body stay healthy in many ways, including oral health. Here's what the vitamins are and the best ways to consume them. Breezy Briana Bonney, MS, BSDH, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/patient-education/article/55247431/the-importance-of-b-complex-vitamins-for-oral-health 

Unfortunately, dealing with a patient who refuses treatment is not a black-and-white question. If you assess, document, and communicate their disease at every appointment, will you lose your license? Are you providing your patient with optimal care? Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55245555/will-you-lose-your-license-over-a-bloody-prophy 

We need to partner with patients to determine why they hesitate about treatment and then work our way backward to devise a plan that will support them in caring for their periodontal disease. Amber Auger, MPH, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/production/article/55249573/hygiene-mentor-when-patients-refuse-periodontal-treatment 

Discussions with Katie Pondolfino and her focus on preparing students for advanced degrees through her Dental Pracitce Management Course

Is it now standard to charge patients for topical local anesthesia when using codes D4341 and D4342 for periodontal scaling? Kathy S. Forbes, BS, RDH Connie Simmons, MA, BSDH, RDH https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/dental-coding/article/55232930/cdt-codes-d4341-d4342-plus-charging-for-topical-local-anesthesia   Read by Jackie Sanders 

Do your patients realize that what they're experiencing may be related to perimenopause? RDHs may be the first to educate them about this life change. Claudia Walder, BSDH, BA, RDH, CDA

  Learning to work with oral myofunctional disorders can be complex, but there is a solid path you can take to educate yourself and your patients, as you work collaboratively with other members of the health-care professions. Karese Laguerre, CRDH, MAS Read by Jackie Sanders    Link: https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55180123/maximizing-your-investment-in-oral-myofunctional-therapy-education-practical-applications-in-clinical-dental-settings