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In this foundational episode of The Happy Flosser, Billie breaks down the essential building blocks every dental hygiene student needs: core dental terminology, tooth designation systems, and a grounding introduction to the profession of dental hygiene. Whether you're preparing for clinic, studying for exams, or building confidence in your professional language, this episode gives you the clarity and structure you need to feel more at home in dentistry.
You've been accepted into dental hygiene school. Congratulations! In this episode, we're talking about the exact steps you can take right now to start your first semester feeling grounded, organized, and confident. Whether you're excited, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you build a strong foundation before you even walk into orientation.You'll learn the 10 most important things to focus on before classes begin — from mindset and organization to boundaries, community, and life logistics. Think of this as your pre‑semester roadmap, created by an educator who has guided hundreds of students through this transition.You belong here. And you're more ready than you think.Want even more support?Listen to my Starting Strong limited‑series podcast. This podcast was created specifically for new dental hygiene students. Each episode walks you through the mindset, habits, and strategies that help you thrive in your first semester.TikTok: @happyflosserPodcast: The Happy Flosser Etsy Shop: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.comInstagram: @happyflosser
Core values sound simple until you try to use them to lead a team consistently, especially when things get busy or uncomfortable. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt explains how to turn core values into daily decision-making tools with Heather Crockett, coach at ACT Dental. You'll learn how to make values behavioral and observable, build them into your communication rhythms, and use them as a practical filter for hiring, accountability, and tough leadership calls. Listen to Episode 1049 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Core values only work when they drive daily behavior, not when they're just words on a wall.Values must be actionable and observable so the team can interpret and apply them consistently.“Core values without function” shows up as subjective interpretations, inconsistent culture, and leaders hesitating to hold people accountable.Make each value behavioral by defining what it means, documenting examples of how it shows up, and listing the results when it's alive and well.Operationalize values by embedding them into hiring, onboarding, daily huddles, weekly team meetings, monthly check-ins, and quarterly planning.Use values as the decision-making filter for real-time issues like scheduling, finances, patient care, and team dynamics to reduce decision fatigue.Hire and evaluate people on two criteria: they get results and they fit your core values, using tools like a Right Person, Right Seat scorecard.Snippets:00:00 How to turn core values into daily decision-making tools.02:10 Why core values matter only if they drive behavior.03:10 Why vague values (like “excellence” or “integrity”) don't work as daily tools.04:30 What “core values without function” looks like inside a practice.06:10 How to make values behavioral with definitions, examples, and outcomes.08:00 Using “anti-values” and standout team behaviors to clarify what you want.10:10 Putting core values into systems and communication rhythms.12:10 Using huddles and team meetings for value shout-outs and accountability.18:00 Using core values as a daily decision filter to reduce decision fatigue.22:10 Heather's final takeaways on visibility, systems, and reflection.23:50 BPA tools mentioned: Identifying Core Values, bringing values alive, Right Person Right Seat scorecard.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.Resources mentioned in this episode:Identifying Your Core Values (exercise outline): https://www.actdental.com/hubfs/Identify%20Your%20Practices%20Core%20Values.pdfBPA tool on how to bring core values alive:https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/how-to-bring-your-core-values-aliveRight Person, Right Seat scorecard:https://www.actdental.com/blog/2-key-tools-for-accountability-successMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
In this episode, Mariya Ogg, Hygiene Coach, Dental Care Alliance, and Elizabeth Gattorno, Hygiene Coach, Dental Care Alliance, discuss the critical connection between oral and systemic health, the evolving role of dental hygienists in prevention and early diagnosis, and how mentorship and technology are empowering clinicians to practice at the top of their license.This episode is sponsored by Dental Care Alliance.
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!
Is it simply a dental hygiene "staffing shortage" or does the data reveal a more complex retention issue? Host Matt Crespin sits down with Thalía Diedrick and Amaya Johnson to unpack the findings of GoTu's recently released 2026 State of Work Report, the largest survey of the U.S. dental workforce, developed in partnership with ADHA. The numbers are striking: 60% of hygienists report burnout, 53.8% received no raise in the last two years, and 41.4% receive zero benefits — and yet nearly 78% intend to stay in the profession long term. These issues lead to a retention crisis driven by resolvable issues, not a lack of committed professionals. Thalía and Amaya break down the three to five year cliff, why physical demand tops the burnout driver list, and why better benefits ranked above better pay as hygienists' number one desired change. They also dig into the rise of flexible and temporary work as a deliberate career strategy, the case for license portability, and what expanding scope could mean for underserved communities.Guests: Thalía Diedrick, Vice President of Marketing, GoTu; Amaya Johnson, Senior Manager of Provider Marketing, GoTuHost: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHAEpisode sponsored by GoTu.
The dental hygienist shortage is REAL — and it's hitting practices across the country hard. If you're a dentist struggling with hygienist turnover, rising hygiene pay rates, or difficulty hiring dental hygienists, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Lifestyle Practice Podcast, Dr. Matt Vogt breaks down exactly what's driving the dental hygienist shortage, why hygienist pay rates keep climbing, and — most importantly — four practical strategies to combat the hygiene shortage in your dental practice. Whether you're dealing with a hygienist leaving to temp, struggling with dental hygiene staffing, or just trying to figure out how to retain your hygiene team, Matt shares real-world insights from his own practice ownership journey. If you've ever searched "dental hygienist shortage," "hygienist near me," "hygienist dental hiring," or "hygienist visit revenue," this episode answers the questions you've been asking. Connect with us: Take our FREE lifestyle and practice assessment: https://thelifestylepractice.com/practice-assesment/ Learn more about 1-on-1 coaching: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get access to TLP Academy: https://thelifestylepractice.com/coaching-services/ Get the TLP Student Academy for $20 (lifetime access): https://the-lifestyle-practice.teachable.com/p/studentacademy Subscribe to The Lifestyle Practice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tlp-podcast-for-dentists/id1476544801 Email Derek at derek@thelifestylepractice.com Email Matt at matt@thelifestylepractice.com Email Steve at steve@thelifestylepractice.com
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.
We talk about richie getting braces at 40 and msg and gmo propaganda along with random bs . Love Yall Yee Haa!
Kara Vavrosky, RDHEP, had a great chat with Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian, a co-author of a white paper on elevating dental hygienists' role in prevention and patient motivation.Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian is the Director of Education, Research, and Advocacy for the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA). She is also a Professor Emerita for the Department of Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University, a Fellow of the ADHA, an Affiliate Academic Fellow of the American Academy of Oral Medicine, and Past President of the ADHA and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists. JoAnn is the author of over 350 papers in dental hygiene, dental, and medical publications and has given over 650 presentations at regional, national, and international events.A big thank you to LISTERINE® for sponsoring this video and for being such a champion of dental hygienists and clinical research.To download and read the full white paper, go to https://rdh.tv/WhitePaperIf you are a licensed dental professional, join LISTERINE® Pro Partners (it's free!) to get access to free LISTERINE® samples at https://rdh.tv/ListerineNeed CE? Start earning CE credits today at https://rdh.tv/ceGet daily dental hygiene articles at https://www.todaysrdh.com Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/
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
I might get "speaker" cancelled for this, but I believe it would be a worthy cause and perhaps the right hill to die on for our profession. Trying to register for a continuing education course shouldn't feel like repeatedly hitting a brick wall. But for many hygienists, it does. Many have given up on fighting for it, sadly. In this episode, Irene and Victoria talk about why quality restorative education is so hard to access in Canada, what happened when they tried to sign up for a course and got nowhere, and what they decided to do about it. What we cover: ▫️ Why most high-quality restorative courses require you to travel far to attend ▫️ The registration process and the advocacy that came with it ▫️ How rigid CE systems end up discouraging the most motivated clinicians ▫️ What it looks like to stop waiting and build something yourself ▫️ How the Restorative Dental Hygiene Study Club came together, four meetings per year, virtual and in-person, with hands-on components. Now Pre-registering at RRDH.ca The bigger picture: The RRDH designation has existed in Ontario for 10 years, backed by George Brown College's post-graduate program, one of the only formal pathways to the designation in the country. It remains largely Ontario-specific. This episode is part of a larger conversation about what it would take for major Canadian conferences and regulatory bodies to open access, standardize registration, and formally recognize restorative dental hygiene as a designation across provinces. There are real gaps in continuing education for dental hygienists. Limited access slows professional growth. Community-driven learning can fill those gaps, but someone has to build the community first. Resources mentioned: Ontario Dental Association Annual Spring Meeting https://www.oda.ca/member-resources/events/event/annual-spring-meeting-2026/ Restorative Dental Hygiene Study Club https://rrdh.ca/ George Brown College Restorative Dental Hygiene Program https://www.georgebrown.ca/programs/restorative-dental-hygiene-program-postgraduate-s400 Southern Ontario Dental College Restorative Dental Hygiene Program https://sodentalcollege.com/academics/restorative-dental-hygiene/ Canadian Academy of Dental Health Restorative Dental Hygiene Program https://www.canadianacademyofdentalhygiene.ca/programs/restorative-dental-hygiene-diploma-program If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️ _______________________________________
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
Turnover is expensive, disruptive, and often blamed on “the staffing market”—but what if the real issue is your internal culture and leadership systems? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with coach Heather Crockett to explain why turnover isn't a staffing problem—it's a culture problem—and to walk you through the practical framework that attracts the right people, keeps them, and helps them thrive. You'll learn what truly drives turnover, the leadership behaviors that reduce it, and the culture systems that create clarity, consistency, and accountability. Listen to Episode 1040 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Turnover is often a lagging indicator of deeper issues like unclear leadership, inconsistent expectations, weak onboarding, and uneven accountability.Strong cultures still attract and retain top talent, even in tight labor markets, because people choose workplaces for leadership and experience—not just pay.Clear roles, defined success, and documented expectations reduce guessing and frustration, and help the right people perform in the right seats.Consistency in leadership—supported by regular meeting rhythms—eliminates “rule changes” that make accountability feel unfair.Systems create predictable, repeatable behaviors and improve training so you don't rely on memory, mood, or “training by people.”Avoiding conflict quietly erodes culture; productive conflict builds trust when leaders use clear frameworks and address issues early.Team members stay when they feel clear, valued, and connected to meaningful purpose—not because of perks alone.Snippets:00:00 Turnover isn't a staffing problem—it's a culture problem.02:00 Why hiring is hard, and why culture is the real retention advantage.05:30 Turnover as a lagging indicator of internal leadership and systems issues.07:00 Why onboarding drives retention and the “3-3-3” framework.10:00 “Team members come first” and what it changes operationally.11:00 Clarity: defining roles, success, and expectations for behavior and performance.13:30 Consistency and the meeting rhythms that remove unfair accountability.17:00 Systems as the “this is the way” to reduce errors and speed up training.19:00 Purpose: moving from transactional dentistry to meaningful, relational work.22:00 Avoiding conflict erodes culture and drives high performers away.24:00 Clear is kind: why clarity prevents conflict from becoming a crisis.26:30 Tactical leadership behaviors you can start immediately to reduce turnover.29:00 Two questions to ask your team to uncover what's hurting culture.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Are you producing at a high level but still feeling tight on cash? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Carlie Einarson, ACT Dental coach, to explain why strong production doesn't automatically mean strong cash flow. You'll learn the two metrics that reveal what's really happening—collections percentage and AR days—plus the practical steps to tighten your financial systems so the money you've earned actually makes it to the bank. Listen to Episode 1039 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Strong production does not guarantee strong cash flow because production does not automatically convert to money in the bank.Collections percentage and AR days are two key metrics that reveal why a practice can feel tight on cash even when schedules are full.If you are not collecting 100% of net production, profitability is being impacted and the practice is leaving money on the table.Over-the-counter collections must be consistent, with confident same-day payment conversations at time of service.AR days reflect how long it takes to collect what you're owed, and the goal is roughly 30 days or less.A clear financial policy and an AR management system reduce delays from patient balances and insurance claims.Improving collections systems can create a cascading effect, including healthier financial behavior, better compliance, and more consistent processes.Snippets:00:00 Producing a lot but still tight on cash—why this happens.02:20 The two metrics that reveal the story: collections percentage and AR days.04:40 What “getting it wrong” looks like when cash doesn't match production.05:35 Why AR days creep up and how delays compound.07:40 What “getting it right” looks like inside a healthy practice.08:35 Why 95% collections is not acceptable in dental practice management.11:05 Targeting 30 AR days and tightening follow-up systems.12:00 Moving to deposits and collecting in a more consistent process.13:10 Action plan: financial policy alignment and AR management systems.15:00 Where to find BPA resources for financial policies and AR systems.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.Resources mentioned in this episode:Best Practices Association (BPA) resources and guides:https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
In this episode, Billie talks about one of the most important considerations for clinical practice and growth as a student. During the learning process, it can be hard to receive feedback from your faculty. It can also be hard to see it as an opportunity to grow. Sometimes it feels personal. We will discuss ways to shift your process of learning and utilize feedback as a tool to help you master your time in clinic. Additional Information:Worksheet on Regaining Focus HereLeave me a message or send a question I can share on the Podcast HereTime Management Prioritization Quiz - Find out how you rate HERE Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: How to be successful in Dental Hygiene Schoolhttps://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-schoolOther Podcasts: blog.feedspot.com/dental_hygiene_podcasts/ Email Me: HappyflosserRDH@gmail.comLeave me a message or ask a question I can share on the Podcast Here Check out my free scorecard for students - you can rank yourself on how you are doing to take action on the steps toward being a successful college student. Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: Managing your Stress and Anxiety in Dental Hygiene School: https://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-school
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
When patients don't say yes to treatment, it's easy to assume the problem is fees, timing, or motivation—but the first place to look is your data. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with ACT coach Carlie Einarson to break down two key performance indicators that reveal where case acceptance is actually breaking down: diagnostic percentage and case acceptance percentage. You'll learn how to define and track these metrics, what “low” numbers typically indicate inside your systems, and the first practical steps to improve diagnosis, presentation, and scheduling outcomes. Listen to Episode 1036 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Key performance indicators are “indicators” because they point to which systems are working and which are not.Diagnostic percentage measures what percentage of patients are diagnosed with new treatment.Case acceptance percentage measures what percentage of patients with treatment presented schedule something before leaving that day.A low diagnostic percentage can indicate missed or inconsistent diagnosis, unclear philosophy, or “watching” treatment instead of recommending it.A low case acceptance percentage often reflects rushed conversations and unclear explanations rather than patients simply refusing because of cost or time.Improving both metrics starts with writing down and aligning the practice's standard of care and treatment philosophy across the entire team.Pulling two to four weeks of diagnostic and case acceptance data helps identify whether the breakdown is happening in diagnosis or in communication and scheduling.Snippets:00:00 What to look at first when patients aren't saying yes.02:06 Why KPIs are called “indicators” and what they reveal.03:06 Diagnostic percentage defined with a simple example.03:42 Case acceptance percentage defined as scheduling before leaving.04:10 What low diagnostic and case acceptance numbers usually mean.06:07 What it looks like when diagnosis and case acceptance are strong.07:25 Why diagnosis is a priority and why “winging it” fails.09:18 The first steps: write down your standard of care and pull recent data.10:12 What to review with your team to strengthen diagnosis systems.11:20 What to fix when diagnosis is strong but case acceptance is low.12:05 Raising the standard of care and bringing the team with you.12:41 The value of periodic comprehensive sit-downs for patients.13:12 Holding doctors accountable with daily tracking.15:18 The two metrics to start with when patients aren't saying yes.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.Resources mentioned in this episode:Best Practices Association (BPA) resources and guides:https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
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
Hiring in dentistry is harder than ever, especially when you hire for skill and end up firing for attitude. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt talks with coach Heather Crockett about how to hire for culture fit using a structured system, including four essential types of interview questions that reveal credentials, technical ability, experience, and behaviors tied to your core values. You'll learn how to define the role, reduce bias, avoid “least-worst” hiring decisions, and build a repeatable process that strengthens your team over time—listen to Episode 1034 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:One bad hire can erode culture, frustrate strong performers, and create turnover and management problems.Hiring for software knowledge or skill alone misses the behavioral alignment required for long-term success.A structured hiring system prevents reactive, rushed decisions and makes interviews consistent across candidates.Define the role clearly so candidates understand the expectations and you can evaluate fit accurately.Use credential questions to confirm education, licenses, and certifications relevant to the position.Use technical and experience questions to assess minimum performance standards and past responsibilities.Use behavior-based questions tied to core values to evaluate how candidates respond to feedback, stress, and leadership opportunities.Snippets:00:00 Hiring Is Harder Now01:19 Why Culture Fit Wins05:26 Core Values Over Skills07:42 Build A Hiring System10:45 Define Roles And Ads12:04 Four Interview Question Types12:50 Credentials And Technical Skills14:52 Experience And Behavior Questions20:50 Templates Video Screens And Takeaways24:55 AI Proof Your Hiring ProcessGuest Bio/Guest Resources:Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
Rural Dental Hygiene Programs: The Benefits for Students andCommunitiesBy Madison Bledsoe, RDH, BSHSOriginal article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/rural-dental-hygiene-programs-the-benefits-for-students-and-communities/Need CE? Start earning CE credits today at https://rdh.tv/ce Get daily dental hygiene articles at https://www.todaysrdh.com Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/
In this episode of The Happy Flosser RDH, Billie breaks down one of the most testable and clinically important topics in dental hygiene: the bacteria associated with different types of dental caries. If you've ever mixed up S. mutans and Lactobacillus, or wondered why Actinomyces matters for root caries, this episode will finally make everything click.You'll learn:• The major bacterial players in caries initiation and progression• Which bacteria are linked to smooth surface, deep dentinal, root, and early childhood caries• The risk level associated with each organism• Easy memory tricks to help you recall them instantly during exams and in clinic• How this knowledge translates into real‑world patient care and risk assessmentThis is the perfect episode for students prepping for boards, reviewing for a caries lecture, or trying to build stronger clinical reasoning. By the end, you'll understand not just who these bacteria are, Why they matter, and how to use this information to better educate and support your patients.Tune in, take notes, and get ready for everything to finally make sense.Additional Information Take the quiz on this content Here Additional resources: Leave me a message or send a question I can share on the Podcast HereTime Management Prioritization Quiz - Find out how you rate HERE Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: How to be successful in Dental Hygiene Schoolhttps://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-schoolOther Podcasts: blog.feedspot.com/dental_hygiene_podcasts/ Email Me: HappyflosserRDH@gmail.comLeave me a message or ask a question I can share on the Podcast Here Check out my free scorecard for students - you can rank yourself on how you are doing to take action on the steps toward being a successful college student. Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: Managing your Stress and Anxiety in Dental Hygiene School: https://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-school
The Educational Gap: A Comparison of ADHP vs. CODA-Accredited Dental Hygiene CurriculaBy Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPHOriginal article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/the-educational-gap-a-comparison-of-adhp-vs-coda-accredited-dental-hygiene-curricula/Need CE? Start earning CE credits today at https://rdh.tv/ce Get daily dental hygiene articles at https://www.todaysrdh.com Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/
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.
Hey Bristles !In this episode, I'm sharing the real-life pros of being a dental hygienist, the things that make this career so rewarding, flexible, and full of opportunity. Whether you're a student thinking about hygiene school, a new grad finding your footing, or just curious about the profession, this episode highlights the reasons so many of us truly love what we do.We're talking about: ✨ Flexible schedules and work-life balance ✨ Strong pay with a relatively short time in school ✨ The ability to help people improve their health through prevention ✨ Career options beyond the operatory ✨ Job security and high demand ✨ Building meaningful relationships with patients ✨ Opportunities to grow, specialize, and evolve your careerAnd because real talk matters, this episode pairs perfectly with my Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist episode #69, where I share the honest challenges that come with the profession.Want more mentorship, resources, and behind-the-scenes support from me each month?Stay Connected with the Bristles Community
In this episode, Billie sits down with Dr. Tonya Jefferies, the author of Dental Hygiene Hack, to talk about the real challenges dental hygiene students face. She has developed the practical strategies that help students push through. Dr. Jefferies shares the inspiration behind her book, the gaps she saw in student support, and the mindset shifts that can make school feel less overwhelming and more empowering. If you've ever wished someone would just tell you what actually works, this conversation is your new go‑to guide.Email Dr. Jefferies: jeffries@tdjconsultinggroup.comAdditional resources: Leave me a message or send a question I can share on the Podcast HereTime Management Prioritization Quiz - Find out how you rate HERE Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: How to be successful in Dental Hygiene Schoolhttps://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-schoolOther Podcasts: blog.feedspot.com/dental_hygiene_podcasts/ Email Me: HappyflosserRDH@gmail.comLeave me a message or ask a question I can share on the Podcast Here Check out my free scorecard for students - you can rank yourself on how you are doing to take action on the steps toward being a successful college student. Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: Managing your Stress and Anxiety in Dental Hygiene School: https://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-school
Weekly team meetings often get skipped, squeezed into lunch, or treated as optional — and that creates misalignment, unresolved issues, and reactive decision-making. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back ACT Dental coach Carlie Einarson to explain why a structured weekly team meeting is the key rhythm for “practice care” (not patient care). You'll learn when to schedule it, what to cover, how to use KPIs to course-correct quickly, and how consistent meetings build an aligned, smarter, healthier team over time — listen to Episode 1023 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:The daily morning huddle is for patient care, and the weekly team meeting is for practice care.Weekly meetings prevent misalignment by giving the team a consistent space to communicate, prioritize, and solve problems together.“As-needed” meetings don't work because issues pile up, side conversations grow, and small problems become big ones.The best weekly meeting time is typically Tuesday or Wednesday morning, not Monday, not Thursday, and not over lunch.Reviewing KPIs weekly turns data into decisions and allows faster course corrections when systems aren't working.A healthy culture isn't conflict-free; weekly meetings create structured time for healthy conflict, recognition, and connection.Progress comes from consistency over time, especially by breaking annual goals into quarterly priorities and working them weekly.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:24 Meet Carlie Einarson02:45 Why Weekly Meetings05:45 Team First Mindset06:36 Weekly Beats Monthly09:04 Best Time To Meet12:31 Alignment Through Vision15:57 KPIs Make Teams Smarter20:08 Healthy Culture And Conflict24:51 Airplane Maintenance Wrap27:02 Resources And Next Steps28:35 Final Thanks And SignoffGuest Bio/Guest Resources:Carlie Einarson is a lead practice coach who has a passion for helping others succeed in the dental field. She loves helping to create a stable foundation for practices so both professionals and patients have a great experience every time they walk in the door!Carlie graduated from Utah College of Dental Hygiene. She has ten years of experience in the dental field, including clinical dental hygiene, front office, and leading teams.In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, skiing, playing volleyball, and golfing.Resources mentioned in this episode:Best Practices Association (BPA) resources and guides:https://www.actdental.com/free-resources/More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaUpcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.comSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com
In this episode of Curiosity Killed the Plaque, Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH, looks at oral health and pregnancy.Like this show? Leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app!Need CE? Start earning CE credits today at https://rdh.tv/ce Get daily dental hygiene articles at https://www.todaysrdh.com Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/
Legislation impacts your daily practice more than most clinicians realize. In this episode, we sit down with Derik J. Sven to break down what truly drives change in dental hygiene policy — and what doesn't. Derik shares insight into the realities behind dental care standards, the ongoing fight for hygienist autonomy, and the complex supervision structures that shape scope of practice across the country. He also explains why legal expertise often carries significant influence in regulatory conversations and how business, public health, and law intersect in advancing the profession. In This Episode We Cover: The political and structural forces behind dental care standards The ongoing battle for dental hygienist autonomy Supervision requirements and why they matter Why attorneys often influence dental policy decisions Lesser-known factors that can directly affect your career About the Guest Derik J. Sven began his career as a certified dental technician before transitioning into clinical dental hygiene. He earned degrees in Dental Hygiene and Health Care Administration, followed by a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. He is currently pursuing doctoral research at George Washington University, focusing on dental therapy advancement and hygienist autonomy, while also completing a Master's in Health Care Law. Derik is actively involved in the American Dental Hygienists' Association, where he was inducted into the inaugural class of ADHA Fellows in 2023 and serves as President-Elect of Virginia's Dental Hygienists' Association. This episode offers a practical foundation for understanding how legislation truly moves — and what it means for the future of dental hygiene. Resources: derik@dentistrywithderik.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/derikjsven/
Legislation impacts your daily practice more than most clinicians realize. In this episode, we sit down with Derik J. Sven to break down what truly drives change in dental hygiene policy — and what doesn't. Derik shares insight into the realities behind dental care standards, the ongoing fight for hygienist autonomy, and the complex supervision structures that shape scope of practice across the country. He also explains why legal expertise often carries significant influence in regulatory conversations and how business, public health, and law intersect in advancing the profession. In This Episode We Cover: The political and structural forces behind dental care standards The ongoing battle for dental hygienist autonomy Supervision requirements and why they matter Why attorneys often influence dental policy decisions Lesser-known factors that can directly affect your career About the Guest Derik J. Sven began his career as a certified dental technician before transitioning into clinical dental hygiene. He earned degrees in Dental Hygiene and Health Care Administration, followed by a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. He is currently pursuing doctoral research at George Washington University, focusing on dental therapy advancement and hygienist autonomy, while also completing a Master's in Health Care Law. Derik is actively involved in the American Dental Hygienists' Association, where he was inducted into the inaugural class of ADHA Fellows in 2023 and serves as President-Elect of Virginia's Dental Hygienists' Association. This episode offers a practical foundation for understanding how legislation truly moves — and what it means for the future of dental hygiene. Resources: derik@dentistrywithderik.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/derikjsven/
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.
Medical Notes: A New Low-Calorie Sugar, The Neurological Differences Of Autism, And How To Tell If Your Cancer Treatment Is Working Are autistic brains structurally different? Is ‘keto' the key to a more resilient brain? A test that can speed up decision-making in cancer treatment. Good news for sugar addicts! Host: Maayan Voss de Bettancourt Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode, I break down the world of toothpaste ingredients in a way that finally makes sense for dental hygiene students. From abrasives to humectants to the different types of fluoride, this episode helps you understand not just what is in toothpaste — but why it matters in clinic, on boards, and in patient education.Toothpaste is one of the most common products you'll recommend as a hygienist — but most students never get a clear breakdown of what's inside it.Understanding ingredients helps you make evidence‑based recommendations, build trust with patients, and feel more confident in clinic and on boards.Additional resources: Leave me a message or send a question I can share on the Podcast HereTime Management Prioritization Quiz - Find out how you rate HERE Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: How to be successful in Dental Hygiene Schoolhttps://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-schoolOther Podcasts: blog.feedspot.com/dental_hygiene_podcasts/ Email Me: HappyflosserRDH@gmail.comLeave me a message or ask a question I can share on the Podcast Here Check out my free scorecard for students - you can rank yourself on how you are doing to take action on the steps toward being a successful college student. Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: Managing your Stress and Anxiety in Dental Hygiene School: https://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-school
What Makes a Great Dental Hygiene Clinical Instructor? It's More than Technical FeedbackBy Andreea Catana, RDH, CDA, Az EFDA RF, CRFDA, CDIPC, MPHOriginal article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/what-makes-a-great-dental-hygiene-clinical-instructor-its-more-than-technical-feedback/Need CE? Start earning CE credits today at https://rdh.tv/ce Get daily dental hygiene articles at https://www.todaysrdh.com Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/
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.
Strategies for Extinguishing Burnout in Dental HygieneBy Marianne Jackson, RDHOriginal article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/strategies-for-extinguishing-burnout-in-dental-hygiene/Need CE? Start earning CE credits today at https://rdh.tv/ce Get daily dental hygiene articles at https://www.todaysrdh.com Follow Today's RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TodaysRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DentalHygieneKaraRDH/Follow Kara RDH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_rdh/
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.
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!
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!
Mastering Case Studies in Dental Hygiene School: How to Think Like a ClinicianCase studies are one of the biggest stress points for dental hygiene students. It is not because they're impossible, but because they require a shift from memorizing facts to applying clinical reasoning. In this episode, we break down exactly how to approach case studies with clarity, confidence, and a repeatable strategy you can use on exams, in clinic, and on boards.You'll learn how to slow down, analyze information, identify priorities, and make decisions the way a practicing hygienist would.Additional resources: Leave me a message or send a question I can share on the Podcast HereTime Management Prioritization Quiz - Find out how you rate HERE Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: How to be successful in Dental Hygiene Schoolhttps://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-schoolOther Podcasts: blog.feedspot.com/dental_hygiene_podcasts/ Email Me: HappyflosserRDH@gmail.comLeave me a message or ask a question I can share on the Podcast Here Check out my free scorecard for students - you can rank yourself on how you are doing to take action on the steps toward being a successful college student. Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: Managing your Stress and Anxiety in Dental Hygiene School: https://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-school
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.
Dental hygiene school is one of the most intense, emotionally demanding, and academically rigorous programs in healthcare. Burnout doesn't start in the operatory after graduation. It starts in the classroom, in preclinic, the pressure to be a perfectionist. There is a constant feeling of "never enough" that weighs on you. This episode unpacks the root causes of burnout in school, why it is so common, and what students can do to protect their energy, identity, and mental health while still succeeding in school. Additional resources: Leave me a message or send a question I can share on the Podcast HereTime Management Prioritization Quiz - Find out how you rate HERE Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: How to be successful in Dental Hygiene Schoolhttps://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-schoolOther Podcasts: blog.feedspot.com/dental_hygiene_podcasts/ Email Me: HappyflosserRDH@gmail.comLeave me a message or ask a question I can share on the Podcast Here Check out my free scorecard for students - you can rank yourself on how you are doing to take action on the steps toward being a successful college student. Study Sheets: https://thehappyflosserrdh.etsy.com/ Specialized Course: Managing your Stress and Anxiety in Dental Hygiene School: https://billie-lunt-s-school.teachable.com/p/how-to-be-successful-in-dental-hygiene-school
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.
In this episode, Dr. Joy breaks down what a prevention-first approach really looks like and why it's not just better for patients, but also better for your practice. We'll dive into why preventive care shouldn't stop at age 18, what steps practices can take to start offering more adult preventive services, and how to navigate insurance roadblocks to ensure patients receive the care they need. Dr. Joy breaks it down with real-world tips, a ton of experience, and the kind of insight you can actually put into action with your patients.
In today's episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Naomi Jordan, a registered dental hygienist who found bodybuilding as both a creative outlet and a space for personal growth. She began training in the gym around 2013, stepped on stage for the first time in 2022, and earned her Pro card in 2023 at just her third show. Naomi shares her journey of navigating uncertainty, listening to her inner voice, and balancing faith, career, and competing at a high level. We talk about the fear of getting started, evolving your relationship with the sport, and how to decide whether continuing to compete aligns with your life and values. Naomi also opens up about competing after multiple knee surgeries, finding the right coach, and staying grounded in seasons of transition. TOPICS COVERED -Navigating uncertainty and seasons of transition -Listening to your inner voice and aligning choices with your goals -Competing against yourself, not others -Faith, spiritual gifts, and identity outside the sport -Balancing a demanding career with bodybuilding -Dental health and life as a hygienist -Using bodybuilding as a creative outlet CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html CONNECT WITH NAOMI: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomii.jordann/ TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 2:45 competing against yourself 4:55 from soccer to bodybuilding 9:45 red flags and finding the right coach 12:41 multiple knee surgeries 17:29 evolving relationship with competing 20:30 being a woman of faith 22:30 3rd place at her Pro debut 31:12 feedback from Pro debut 35:30 internal motivation versus identity 41:28 being a dental hygienist 56:25 balancing work on competing 60:00 spiritual gifts 66:12 bodybuilding as a creative outlet 73:22 advice for competitors CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE
In this episode, we introduce The Pros at Glam Studio and the passion behind their work. As licensed dental hygienists with decades of experience, they share how they combine dental hygiene and aesthetics to help clients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We talk about their approach to safe, personalized care, their expansion into hygienic piercing services, and why client comfort, education, and confidence are at the heart of everything they do. What You'll Hear in This Episode How Glam Studio blends dental hygiene and aesthetics The importance of safety, certification, and client care Why confidence and feeling your best matter Resources: glamstudiopros@gmail.com https://voyageutah.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-laraine-hartle-and-lindsey-jepperson-of-glam-studio-pros Website: https://glamstudiopros.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamstudiopros?igsh=MXF2eXg4ZWM2aHZjYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zdy8KL95/?mibextid=wwXIfr Youtube: https://youtube.com/@glamstudiopros?si=lRvW9_fyFoKTZh3j#
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.