Podcasts about dental hygiene

Preparing to start dental hygiene school can look different for everyone. Dana is sharing how you can be ready to embark on this two year jourey by managing your finances, strengthening your study habits, building a support system, and protecting your mental and physical health. She also discusses the most common challenges students face when starting a rigorous dental hygiene program and offers realistic strategies to help you start with a stronger foundation. If you're preparing for dental hygiene school, this episode provides actionable guidance to help you enter the program with greater clarity, confidence, and support. If you're looking for more resources on preparing for dental hygiene school, sign up for the Dental Hygiene Basic Training program here: https://dentalhygienebasics.thinkific.com/courses/dental-hygiene-basic-training

Periodontal disease is common, but many dental practices still underdiagnose it, undertreat it, and perform difficult prophies that do not address the patient's condition. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Carlie Einarson, ACT Dental coach and former dental hygienist, about the hidden clinical and financial costs of low periodontal diagnosis, visit, and treatment acceptance percentages. You will learn how to evaluate these metrics, identify gaps in your periodontal process, improve patient communication, and create a consistent protocol across your team. To uncover missed treatment opportunities and help more patients achieve better health, listen to Episode 1075 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Perio visit percentage measures how many hygiene patients receive treatment associated with periodontal codes.A low perio diagnostic percentage may indicate that periodontal disease is being missed or inconsistently documented.A low perio visit percentage may indicate that diagnosed treatment opportunities are being left untreated.A low perio acceptance percentage may reflect unclear communication about the condition, recommended therapy, and value of treatment.Every adult patient should receive a consistent periodontal evaluation that includes appropriate radiographs, probing measurements, bleeding documentation, and clinical findings.Hygienists and dentists should help patients co-discover periodontal disease instead of only telling them what treatment they need.Chart audits and a shared periodontal protocol can help providers diagnose, document, and recommend treatment consistently.Episode Chapters:00:00 The hidden cost of underdiagnosed periodontal disease.01:37 The purpose of Metric Mondays.02:30 The three periodontal metrics practices should monitor.04:18 How improving periodontal treatment affects the rest of the practice.06:08 What an underperforming periodontal program looks like.07:37 What low diagnostic, visit, and acceptance percentages reveal.09:00 Why periodontal metrics are leading indicators of practice health.10:11 What practices do differently when they get periodontal care right.11:01 Helping patients understand periodontal disease through co-discovery.12:00 Why “gum infection therapy” communicates more value than “deep cleaning.”13:15 The importance of a consistent periodontal protocol.14:08 How to review periodontal metrics and conduct chart audits.15:44 ACT Dental's periodontal protocol resources and coaching support.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.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

How up-to-date are you with your dentist visits? Oral diseases are among the most common and costly health issues affecting Australians and the healthcare system. 

Starting Dental Hygiene School? You're in the Right Place. I know exactly how you're feeling because I was once sitting where you are now...excited, nervous, overwhelmed, and wondering if I was really capable of making it through dental hygiene school.In this episode, I'm sharing the 10 biggest lessons I learned throughout my own journey and the advice I wish someone had given me before I started. We'll talk about everything from finding patients and dealing with difficult professors to overcoming failure, protecting your mental health, and learning to believe in yourself even when things feel impossible.My hope is that this episode reminds you that you don't have to be perfect, you just have to keep showing up. Dental hygiene school will challenge you, but it will also shape you into the incredible clinician you're meant to become.If you're looking for even more support, be sure to check out these resources:✨ BrushWithBritt Podcast – Episode 58: Dental Hygiene School Advice✨ BrushWithBritt Podcast: Six Tips for Starting Dental Hygiene School✨ BrushWithBritt YouTube: Tips for Dental Hygiene School✨ BrushWithBritt Student & New Grad Resources: Visit the Students & New Grads tab on BrushWithBritt.com for free resources, tools, and guidance to help you succeed throughout dental hygiene school and beyond. BetterMouth.TVReady to make patient education easier? Try your first month FREE at bettermouth.tv/brushwithbritt

Felicity DeLemos, aka Tooth Fairy RDH, joins the podcast to share her path from dental assisting to dental hygiene school, career burnout as a newly graduate, and eventually expanding into entrepreneurship. Felicity shares tips on setting boundaries in school with practical study strategies, time management habits, and the importance of checking in with yourself before burnout takes over. If you've been searching for realistic advice on dental hygiene school, RDH burnout, student loans, or career flexibility in dentistry, this episode delivers grounded insight without the pressure to have everything figured out.

When insurance drives patient conversations, treatment decisions can shift away from health needs and toward coverage limits. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Carlie Einarson, dental practice coach, about changing the way teams discuss insurance, treatment, and patient value. You will learn how insurance-first language affects trust and profitability, which metrics reveal the financial impact of PPO participation, and how to lead with relationships and clinical recommendations instead of benefits. To help patients choose your practice for the care you provide rather than your participation on an insurance list, listen to Episode 1072 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Insurance-centered conversations can cause patients to base treatment decisions on coverage rather than their health needs.Repeatedly mentioning insurance trains patients to view it as the primary decision-maker.PPO adjustments create an effort gap between a practice's full fee and the amount it ultimately collects.Teams should explain the patient's condition, recommended treatment, and value of care before discussing benefits.Insurance should be positioned as a benefit that may contribute toward treatment rather than determine treatment.Practices need to track their adjustment and write-off percentages before making informed decisions about PPO participation.Relationship-based conversations help patients choose a practice because they trust the team and the care it provides.Snippets:00:00 When insurance drives the conversation, value gets lost.01:19 Introduction to Metric Mondays and Carlie Einarson.02:32 Why insurance-centered conversations affect treatment decisions.03:37 How practices unintentionally create insurance-focused patients.04:15 Signs that insurance is driving conversations in the practice.05:43 How PPO write-offs create an effort gap.07:25 A relationship-based response to insurance questions.09:07 What insurance conversations look like when a practice gets them right.10:44 Track adjustments, write-offs, and the practice's effort gap.11:16 Why trust and value should guide patient decisions.13:33 Questions teams can ask to evaluate insurance-focused language.15:09 Create value before discussing price or benefits.15:47 Share the episode with the team and discuss a different approach.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.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, we dive into one of the most overlooked parts of dental hygiene school: taking care of your body. From posture traps to micro-habits, this conversation helps students understand ergonomics in a way that brings it to the forefront.If you've ever left clinic feeling stiff, sore, or overwhelmed, this episode will help you feel seen. I will give you practical tools to protect your body and your future career.Why ergonomics matters more than you think in dental hygiene schoolThe 5 most common posture traps students fall into, and how to fix themMicro-habits you can use throughout the clinic session to reduce pain and tensionSimple strengthening and stretching ideas to support your bodyHow mindset and self-compassion play a role in staying healthyWhy taking care of your body is part of your professional identityYou're not “doing it wrong” if clinic feels physically hard you're learning a demanding profession.Small adjustments (like lowering the patient or resetting your shoulders) make a huge difference over time.Your body is your most important clinical instrument, protecting it is an act of self-respect.Building ergonomic awareness now sets you up for a long, healthy career.You deserve to feel good in your body while you learn.A reminder that your body deserves care, and that small changes add up.Shoulder + wrist stretch ideasCore and upper-back strengthening suggestions“Move the patient, not your spine” positioning remindersCompanion workbook + Starting Strong series

Guest Stephanie Botts, RDH and certified ergonomic assessment specialist, discusses the realities of chronic pain and career longevity in dental hygiene. Stephanie shares her journey from struggling with instrumentation in dental hygiene school to becoming certified in ergonomics and helping dental professionals prevent musculoskeletal injuries before they become career-limiting. The conversation also gets into her challenges in dental hygiene school, perfectionism in clinical care, and why many hygienists normalize pain when they should be paying attention to it.

Alan welcomes Beth Parkes, a clinical dental hygienist and educator from Canada, to break down the evolving world of hygiene instrumentation. Beth challenges the common "ultrasonics-to-completion" mindset, advocating instead for a balanced marriage of 80% power scaling and 20% intricate hand instrumentation for optimal tactile feedback. The duo dives into the resurgence of guided biofilm visualization, the absolute game-changer that is the "Vision Butler" (hilariously rebranded as Spandex Advanced in the US) lip and cheek retractor, and the critical metallurgical differences between "sharpen-less" and truly "sharpen-free" hand instruments. Finally, Beth shares her strategic "making every tray count" system designed to streamline sterilization workflows, keep kits lean, and foster respect between practice owners and hygiene teams. Some links from the show: Garrison Dental  Sharp Diamond instruments by LM (distributed by Garrison) Spandex Advanced Lip & Cheek Retractor from Hager Worldwide Vision Butler from Curion Dental (in Canada) Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, Frank or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Episode Summary Dental hygiene school is one of the most intense, identity‑shaping experiences in healthcare education. For many students, feedback can feel deeply personal. In this episode, we unpack why corrections hit so hard, what's happening emotionally on both sides of the chair, and how students and faculty can work together with more empathy, clarity, and confidence.What You'll LearnWhy clinical feedback often feels like a judgment on your worthThe hidden emotional load students carry in fast‑paced clinical environmentsWhat faculty are balancing behind the scenes (and why it matters)How “identity collision” shows up during skill developmentSimple reframes that make feedback feel less overwhelmingStrategies for students to stay grounded and confidentApproaches faculty can use to build trust and reduce shutdown momentsKey TakeawaysFeedback is information, not identity.Students aren't supposed to be perfect, they're supposed to be learning Faculty corrections come from a place of safety, responsibility, and care.Both groups want the same thing: competent, confident future clinicians.Small shifts in communication can transform the learning environment.Who This Episode Is ForDental hygiene students navigating clinic stress, self‑doubt, or feedback fatigueFaculty who want to support students more effectively without burning outPrograms looking to strengthen communication, culture, and student success

Burnout is not always caused by the amount of work someone is doing. It can also result from spending too much time performing work that creates frustration and drains energy. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Heather Crockett, ACT Dental coach, about applying the Working Genius model to burnout, leadership, team responsibilities, and patient care. You will learn how to recognize frustration-based burnout, delegate work according to energy and natural strengths, and use all six working geniuses to improve the patient experience. To create a healthier team and find more joy at work, listen to Episode 1068 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Burnout can result from the type of work someone performs, not only the amount of work assigned.High performers may burn out faster because they try to complete all six types of work at a consistently high level.Promotions can place capable team members into roles that rely heavily on their areas of frustration.Leaders should consider a team member's energy and working geniuses instead of delegating solely according to available capacity.Each of the six working geniuses contributes differently to treatment planning, communication, follow-through, and patient trust.Team members become more effective in their geniuses when they receive regular opportunities to use and develop them.A fulfilled and energized dental team communicates more effectively and creates a stronger patient experience.Snippets:00:00 Applying Working Genius to burnout, leadership, and patient care.02:43 A review of the six working geniuses.03:43 How working frustrations drain energy.05:18 Why the type of work can cause burnout.06:35 How promotions can move high performers into frustrating work.08:26 What burnout looks like on dental teams.09:40 Why high performers may burn out faster.11:22 Leadership mistakes related to Working Genius.13:31 Delegating according to energy instead of capacity.16:12 How each working genius supports patient care.18:27 Why fulfilled teams create better patient experiences.20:20 Final lessons about burnout, team roles, and contribution.21:42 Taking the assessment and starting a team conversation.22:48 Working Genius education at the Exchange.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 on the episode:Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Working-Genius-Understand-Frustrations/dp/1637743297Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore 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

Send us Fan MailKatrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF—known throughout the profession as the “Dental WINEgenist™”—is a clinical dental hygienist, international speaker, author, educator, sommelier, and entrepreneur dedicated to elevating the dental profession through education, innovation, and empowerment.She serves as Clinical Liaison for Hygiene Excellence and Innovation at AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice, where she works alongside Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology. She is also the founder and CEO of Sanders Board Preparatory and has been published in numerous industry publications, including RDH Magazine and Today's RDH.Through her clinical work, writing, and education, Katrina is passionate about empowering dental professionals to better understand the evolving role of dentistry and patient care. She has been recognized with honors including the University of Minnesota Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2024 Sunstar Award of Distinction.In this episode, we discuss the perio-systemic link, dental hygiene workforce issues, and the changing responsibilities within dental hygiene and assisting roles. Katrina shares insights from her clinical and educational experience to help dental professionals better understand the challenges and opportunities shaping modern dentistry.✨Connect with Katrina Sanders: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/ Website: https://www.katrinasanders.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

One of the most challenging aspects of dental hygiene education is recognizing that your instructors are still learning, too. Dana reflects on the biggest mistakes she made as a dental hygiene educator, from navigating perfectionism and rigid, militant-like academic culture to learning how to support students without losing accountability. This conversation sheds light on the pressure faculty face behind the scenes and how stronger student-faculty relationships can improve the learning environment for everyone. If you're preparing for dental hygiene school or already in the middle of it, this episode is a reminder to pay attention not just to your study habits, but also to how you advocate for yourself, communicate with faculty, and build support systems that will carry you through the program and into practice.

Patients may seem uninterested in their oral health, but the real issue may be that they have not been given a clear reason to participate in their care. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with Melissa Obrotka, a dental hygienist and oral-systemic health educator, about helping patients understand what is happening in their mouths and why it matters to their overall health. You will learn how to create patient buy-in, use visual evidence and open-ended questions, calibrate your team, and transition from task-based hygiene to a healthcare-focused approach. To improve communication and help patients take action, listen to Episode 1065 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Dental professionals must help patients understand how oral inflammation and bacteria can affect systemic health.Team calibration requires dedicated non-patient time to establish shared clinical standards, protocols, and expectations.Disclosing biofilm gives patients visual evidence that helps them understand disease, inflammation, and areas of risk.Open-ended questions and motivational interviewing can uncover the fear or previous experiences behind patient resistance.Providers can challenge patients directly while acknowledging their choices and asking permission to explain clinical concerns.Hygienists earn healthcare-level compensation by consistently delivering comprehensive healthcare rather than limited task-based services.Dentists and hygienists should learn and implement an oral-systemic approach together so patients receive consistent care.Snippets:00:00 Intro01:00 Why patients may appear not to care about their oral health.02:20 Melissa's background in dental hygiene and oral-systemic education.03:45 The relationship between oral inflammation, bacteria, and systemic health.06:05 How hygienists inherit task-based systems and schedules.09:05 Why dental hygienists may be the most important healthcare providers patients see all year.10:55 The need to schedule non-patient time for team calibration.12:00 How disclosing biofilm creates patient buy-in.13:45 Connecting periodontal charting, radiographs, bleeding, and visible bacteria.16:00 The expanding research on oral and systemic health.18:35 Using questions and motivational interviewing with resistant patients.22:00 How to care deeply while challenging patients directly.24:20 Melissa's perspective on dental hygiene as a career.28:45 Melissa's courses at The Exchange.31:10 Final thoughts on helping patients care and take action.32:00 Why dentists and hygienists should attend training together.Guest Bio/Guest Resources:Melissa A Obrotka, BA, RDH, holds over 25 years of experience in the dental field and concentrated clinical experience with the dental implant patient population. Melissa's core objectives for her patients in specialty perio/prosthodontics are focused on a “whole-listic” approach to dental prevention, disease remission, and therapies that encompass total body health and wellness. Her approach to patient care is focused on biofilm disruption strategies for periodontal and peri-implant health and longevity while providing healthcare advocacy to patients. In addition, Obrotka is a dental hygiene motivator, educator, podcast host, change agent, influencer, and industry thought leader. Obrotka serves as a clinical adjunct professor at her alma mater, Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, where she elevated clinical education by instructing students on the oral microbiome, biofilm disruption and introduced the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) methodology. Obrotka was nationally recognized in 2016 as a Master Clinician for her outstanding clinical expertise. In 2017, Obrotka was named one of the “Six Dental Hygienists You Want to Know'' in the clinincal practice category by Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.Resources mentioned in the episode:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsthebadasshygienist/Website: https://itsthebadasshygienist.comMentioned Programs:No More Ignored Advice &The Biology Led Hygiene Appointment: https://www.itsthebadasshygienist.com/speaking-the-badass-hygienist-melissa-obrotka-rdhOPSM Framework: Oral Prevention is Systemic Medicine: https://www.itsthebadasshygienist.com/opsm-framework-courseMore 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

Sarah Payne's journey to getting into dental hygiene school is truly motivating! Guest hosts Julio and current dental hygiene student Sarah offer a more accurate picture of how dental hygiene admissions actually work. From changing majors and failing prerequisites to being waitlisted, Sarah ultimately succeeded in gaining admission to a community college dental hygiene program on the first try. Her experience highlights what often gets overlooked in dental hygiene school requirements and how to get into dental hygiene school: programs consider more than grades alone. Prior dental assisting experience, persistence through setbacks, and thoughtful preparation all carry weight in your application.

Why do some team members leave work energized while others feel drained, frustrated, or misunderstood? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt speaks with coach Heather Crockett about the Working Genius model and how dental teams can use it to better understand their strengths, frustrations, communication patterns, and roles. You will learn the six types of Working Genius, why every stage of work matters, and how shared language can improve meetings, teamwork, productivity, and joy at work. To understand how your team can work more effectively together, listen to Episode 1064 of The Best Practices Show!Main TakeawaysWorking Genius helps team members understand which types of work give them energy and which types drain them.The six Working Geniuses are wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity.Each person has two geniuses, two competencies, and two frustrations.Teams need all six geniuses to move work from identifying a need through implementation and completion.Meetings become less effective when teams move directly from generating ideas to assigning tasks without discernment and galvanizing.A shared understanding of Working Genius can reduce judgment, improve communication, and help leaders assign work more intentionally.A Working Genius indicates the type of work a person enjoys, but it does not automatically mean that person has mastered it.Snippets00:00 Welcome03:17 What Is Working Genius06:55 An introduction to the six types of Working Genius.07:45 How invention generates solutions and new ideas.09:50 How discernment evaluates ideas and galvanizing creates momentum.11:12 How enablement supports implementation and tenacity completes the work.12:09 The difference between geniuses, competencies, and frustrations.13:01 How complementary geniuses helped ACT Dental grow.22:05 How Working Genius can reduce judgment and attribution errors.24:59 How Working Genius affects meetings and workplace culture.29:51 Why leaders should avoid pigeonholing people by their assessment results.32:12 A practical treatment plan for applying Working Genius.34:38 Wrap Up And Part Two Tease35:13 Final Outro And ResourcesGuest 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.Working Genius Assessment: https://www.workinggenius.com/The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Types-Working-Genius-Understand-Frustrations/dp/1637743297Smile Source Exchange: https://smilesource.com/exchangeMore 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

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3436: Dr. Neal Malik explains that while brushing and flossing remain the foundation of good oral health, the right therapeutic mouthwash can provide additional benefits. He breaks down which ingredients help fight bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis, the potential drawbacks of alcohol-based rinses, and why choosing an ADA-approved product is a smart decision. Quotes to ponder: “When it comes to maintaining oral health, nothing beats regular brushing and flossing.” “Therapeutic mouthwashes are those that have specific ingredients that help improve oral health over the longer term.” “Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can help restore the integrity of our teeth.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3436: Dr. Neal Malik explains that while brushing and flossing remain the foundation of good oral health, the right therapeutic mouthwash can provide additional benefits. He breaks down which ingredients help fight bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis, the potential drawbacks of alcohol-based rinses, and why choosing an ADA-approved product is a smart decision. Quotes to ponder: “When it comes to maintaining oral health, nothing beats regular brushing and flossing.” “Therapeutic mouthwashes are those that have specific ingredients that help improve oral health over the longer term.” “Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can help restore the integrity of our teeth.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI isn't replacing dental hygienists—but it is changing how you work day to day for the better. In this episode, Dana talks with Maria Jackson, RDH and owner of Dental AI Solutions, about how tools like voice charting and automated notes are already reducing time pressure in clinical practice. Her path wasn't straightforward, and her experience highlights a common gap: strong clinicians still need to intentionally position themselves for new opportunities. The core of dental hygiene—patient trust, education, and clinical judgment—remains unchanged. Check out Dental AI Solutions here: https://www.mariadentalai.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

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Dr. Emily Boge to explore the evolving balance between ultrasonic technology and hand instrumentation in modern dental hygiene.   We dive into why ultrasonics are powerful tools — but not magic wands — and why mastering hand instrumentation remains essential for effective patient care. We look into a humbling calibration story that changed the clinical approach and the importance of diagnostic instruments, assessment skills, and clinician awareness in achieving better outcomes.   This conversation is a reminder that great hygiene care is not about choosing between technology and technique — it's about mastering both.   Guest: Dr. Emily Boge Ereinert@hotmail.com   What We Discuss:   Why ultrasonics require balance, technique, and intention   Why hand instrumentation still matters in modern hygiene care   A practice-changing calibration experience   The importance of diagnostic instruments and assessment tools   How clinician awareness impacts patient outcomes   Resources & Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-boge-edd-rdh-cda-faadh-fadha-cdipc-8a648916/   Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow clinicians and educators.

Richard Robinson's RDH journey is a reminder that the path into dental hygiene doesn't always start with a plan—it can start with exposure and a willingness to pivot. In this episode, Richard shares how he entered the dental hygiene profession later in life and built a 3.8 GPA despite undiagnosed dyslexia and test anxiety. His strong study habits, along with a great support system, and managing his dyslexia and test anxiety have led him to success. He has found ways to give back to his community by starting the Richard Robinson Scholarship, providing mentorship to students, and starting a nonprofit organization, MyWhy, that you can check out here: https://www.thatsmywhy.org/about-us

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Dr. Emily Boge to explore the evolving balance between ultrasonic technology and hand instrumentation in modern dental hygiene.   We dive into why ultrasonics are powerful tools — but not magic wands — and why mastering hand instrumentation remains essential for effective patient care. We look into a humbling calibration story that changed the clinical approach and the importance of diagnostic instruments, assessment skills, and clinician awareness in achieving better outcomes.   This conversation is a reminder that great hygiene care is not about choosing between technology and technique — it's about mastering both.   Guest: Dr. Emily Boge Ereinert@hotmail.com   What We Discuss:   Why ultrasonics require balance, technique, and intention   Why hand instrumentation still matters in modern hygiene care   A practice-changing calibration experience   The importance of diagnostic instruments and assessment tools   How clinician awareness impacts patient outcomes   Resources & Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-boge-edd-rdh-cda-faadh-fadha-cdipc-8a648916/   Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow clinicians and educators.

Alan discusses the unexpected clinical and relational insights discovered after a part-time hygienist's departure forced him to step back into the hygiene column. Challenging traditional dental consultant dogma that screams "dentists shouldn't do hygiene," Alan shares his four-month journey of slowing down to find the hidden, high-value ROI of performing his own preventive recalls. From capturing an unfiltered look at a patient's raw baseline before a single tooth is polished, to uncovering the ultimate comprehensive exam under the lens of a dental microscope, he reveals how a low-anxiety, "no-shot" environment drastically deepens patient connection and naturally drives case acceptance. Alan also breaks down how he pairs high magnification with modern technology—specifically using the Heidi Health AI scribing app to seamlessly handle hands-free charting—to deliver an unmatched preventive experience rooted in genuine TLC. Whether you're navigating the turbulent modern hygiene labor market or just looking to reconnect with the foundational health of your practice, this episode offers a mindful, paradigm-shifting look at finding peace, presence, and production in the second column. Some links from the show: Heidi Health Al's email: simplebutnoteasy at gmail dot com Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, Frank or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! We're proud to be supported by the folks at Net32! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

Trying to decide if you should work during dental hygiene school isn't about the job—it's about whether your current capacity can support it. In this episode, Dana walks through a common question for dental hygiene students: should you take on a job while in dental hygiene school? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Some students can balance work and school; others find that adding responsibilities compromises their ability to stay afloat academically and mentally. The more useful question is practical: do you need the job, and can your current schedule realistically support it without putting your progress at risk? Learn about a simple decision-making approach grounded in self-awareness—stepping away from outside opinions long enough to assess your own bandwidth, stress level, and priorities.

We all hear and feel that dental hygiene school is exceptionally challenging. But what we don't always hear is WHY? In this episode, Billie talks about how there is a hidden curriculum built into the schooling of becoming a dental hygienist that can explain what most of us feel when we are in school.Once you see it, you can't unsee it - it is real! So let's talk about it and make it easier to understand.

Dental hygienist, educator, and author Dr. Tonya Jeffries shares her multifaceted journey of establishing a fulfilling career in dental hygiene, including leadership, mentorship, and innovative tools that empower both students and educators. Her years of experience in education inspired her to write The Dental Hygiene Hack- a guide for students to be successful in dental hygiene school. Find her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Dental-Hygiene-Hack-Must-Have-Strategies/dp/B0FKJCC3XD

Have you heard of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? It's often taught in dental hygiene school in the context of patient care, but in this episode, Dana uses it to demonstrate how you can use it to find out if your foundational needs are being met. Stress, sleep deprivation, financial pressure, chronic pain, burnout, and self-doubt can affect learning, clinical performance, confidence, and even patient communication in dental hygiene school and early practice. This conversation is a reminder that struggling does not always mean you are incapable—it may mean your brain and body are trying to manage too many unmet needs at once. You'll also hear practical ways to check in with yourself, support overwhelmed dental hygiene patients with more empathy, and create realistic routines that protect your well-being while pursuing long-term growth in dental hygiene school and clinical practice.

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.

Allison Freimuth, a current dental hygiene student, is on this episode with guest host Julio and shares what her path actually looked like when applying—strong grades, limited program options, and a schedule that left little room for downtime. She walks through how her program evaluated applicants using a point-based system, what it meant to apply to only one school, and how timing and preparation influenced her acceptance. Just as important, she speaks honestly about what happens after you get in. The workload is manageable, but the adjustment is not always easy. The shift in routine, relationships, and expectations can take a toll if you're not prepared for it. Her perspective on mental health, finding your people, and staying teachable offers an accurate picture of what future DH students can expect!

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.

#119 Whitening Wednesday Podcast- The only teeth whitening podcast | Clinical Series Signature Fern Gel™ vs Wicked White: Which Professional Whitening Gel Works Best? Compare two leading in-office whitening brands and decide which will work best for your clinic for 2026. Read Full article here Sponsor: Fern Whitening Supplies

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