Podcasts about hygienists

Tiff and Dana discuss how to achieve full team alignment on periodontal policies and protocols, even when it's the last thing you feel like doing. Their tips include which habits to build upon, which templates for conversation with the patient are most educational, maintaining team alignment, and more. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript The Dental A Team (00:00) Hello Dental A Team listeners. We are back with you with us today I have Ms. Dana and I'm so excited to do these podcasts. I have podcasts all day I have podcasts with you Dana. I podcast with Britt today I never get Britt on these suckers anymore and then I think I'm Kristy later, too So it is a whirlwind of podcasting day. Thank you for letting me, you know Just bust it out and get all of you guys here today I'm really excited. I'm really excited for the one we just did. We record these just kind of like back to back to back just so you guys know in case you were wondering how this actually happens. We're not live right now. I wish we were. That'd be super cool. But it'd be really time consuming at the same time. But we just did a really fun one. I'm excited for them to hear about it. Dana though, I haven't asked you lately just how's life. had, it sounds like a full weekend of kiddos sports. Dana (00:54) Mm-hmm. The Dental A Team (00:54) ⁓ But you personally, you guys, talked about consistency in this last one. And you personally, you have some of the best consistency that I've ever seen anyone maintain. So number one, I think my big question that might be on everyone's mind is why? How do you maintain that consistency? You show up for everyone, but you still show up for yourself. You still do your workouts. You still make sure that your path for your own health is one of the most important aspects of your life. So Dana, how do you maintain that? Dana (01:29) Yeah, I think that just I learned early on in life, right? Like, especially with my health, like I had a point in my life where my health cup was pretty much empty and I had nothing to pour from. And so I just promised myself when I made it through that, that like, I would always prioritize keeping that like as a priority. And ⁓ it's just something that like, I've shown up for for myself. ⁓ And to like, because I've shown up, it just, I don't know, like it just keeps me saying it makes me a better mom, it makes me a better friend, it makes me a better partner, it makes me like, just better in so many ways, because I do take that space. And I don't always like, there's guilt, for sure that I do it and that I take the time and that you know, like I put other things aside to do it. But I think what it like, reaps and benefits and rewards for me outweigh those things. And so I'm truly on to the point now where I have kept it so consistent that when I fall off I feel terrible. The Dental A Team (02:43) Yeah, yeah, that's the real deal now. Yeah, I love that. I think that the things you pointed out there just your why is big enough. And I think a massive reminder to everyone that typically for a human being to make a change in life, it has to be hard enough. Like, we don't change things that don't feel like they're not working, right? That haven't like sprung up as a quote unquote, like broken piece of life yet, right? Like however you want to word it. If it's not hurting, we don't typically think, we're not thinking about it. If it's not hurting, we're just not thinking about it. So why are we addressing things we're not thinking about? So when it finally does get bad enough, I think I had a similar story, not the degree of health, but a similar instance where it was just like I hit the spot where it's like I actually don't have a choice. I either take care of myself or my health continues to deteriorate. So was honestly, it was easy at that point. So it's interesting because it's so easy, I think for us from the outside, especially for you and I for fitness and health, like I think you and I have, I can imagine you're the same like my whole life. It's been in my, it's been in my being for as long as I can remember. So it was very easy to see that in myself and to see that in my life and to see where. the consistencies or the inconsistencies are, but it's interesting to take a step back and see how relatable it is to just so many aspects of life. And if we applied those same steps and processes, the same thought to other aspects of life, how different things could look. And we narrow that focus because I think fitness and health just like, I don't know, I feel like it's like a box to check instead of like, away and for you and I like it's a way especially for you and so it's just gives you the template for other areas which I think for us makes a lot of times consulting fun. I think it's more fun and it's a little bit easier for us to sometimes see the structure of what needs to happen because it's literally mimicking the results that we've seen in other areas of our life and first So happy you're here, Dana, because had you not taken that initiative, things could look very different today. And I'm very happy that you did and that you dedicated to yourself and that you continue to. Second, you were teaching your kids the most important valuable lessons of their entire life. And it's so cool to watch you do that and to watch you show up for yourself, but for them too. I've always taken that stand with it. They're like, Brody's going to know that exercise is for health. It's not for the other. ideas in there. So I never wanted him to, you know, have whatever complications with health and fitness in his life. So I made it a priority for me pretty early on in his life because of that. And then really had to about six years ago. So I applaud you for those pieces. And I just think it's really, really cool. And I think it kind of stems and spurs into a more fun version of today's podcast. Because I really do think that that consistency and again that template that you have for like no I'm just going to do it and some days, you know I'm sure you wake up like I do or I'm like today's not the day and then it's like no just go just go it's 30 minutes It's an hour of my life. Like just go and you will always feel better afterwards So sometimes life comes in and this task or this duty comes in and it's like this feels like it's gonna be really hard I don't really want to talk to this person about this thing I'll do it next time. And the I'll do it next time only slides us backwards. And we see that with the health and fitness very easily. If we don't go to the gym today, like we're sliding backwards to tomorrow. But in these conversations that we're talking about today with the perio, everyone's favorite word, perio, and being in alignment on the periodontal care kind of makes me think of those areas where we really do slide backwards because we're like. I don't really want to have that hard conversation or, that kind of borderline or I don't know what we would classify this as. I'm just going to probe you today. Maybe they'll see somebody else next time. Like you're my, you're one of my favorites, Brits, my other favorite, ⁓ perio brain to pick when it comes to stuff like this, because really getting alignment on that can look like so many different things and consistency on the alignment I think is one of the key pieces. And Dana, there's so much to pick apart in there. I'm obviously alluding to have the hard conversations with the patients when they need deep cleaning, even if they've been coming to your practice forever. I don't care, just do it. But how are the doctors important in your opinion and from a hygiene standpoint in gaining the alignment within the periodontal care, within the periodontal policies and protocols? Because we can tell a hygiene team to go do it, but I feel like without the doctor, we're like 90 % there. Dana (07:22) Mm-hmm. ⁓ Yeah, and and I really and truly feel like the doctor is so crucial in to me. It's like, ⁓ we have to do in this situation is build a plan and then create habits stacking for our hygienists like to do it right. And I think that the doctor is so crucial in setting up the standard of care for perio like what are the expectations for the hygiene team for each specific perio service within the practice? What are our parameters? What are our guidelines? That way, when a patient walks in, no matter which hygienist they see, the same thing is recommended. Also too, it gives a very clear roadmap for the doctor to back you up. You've built it together. So you know that if you follow the protocol, the doctor can confidently back you up. You know that you'll get that every time that they walk in the room. And then lastly, importantly, just as important, it allows you to ⁓ confidently have the discussions that maybe you haven't. And I've seen an office as to where we built the protocol and there are moments of maybe we disagree, right? Maybe we see something different on an x-ray or maybe we see, you know, we probe slightly different or our angles are a little bit different or I've got a doctor versus a hygienist that one presses a little bit harder when they probe, right? But it allows us to definitively be able to make a decision and say, we default to the protocol. This is what the protocol The Dental A Team (09:08) Yeah. Dana (09:16) says when we have this many millimeters in probing depth, this many, and this is how often we do those things. This is the cadence in which we bring them back. These are the results that we expect to get it. And so when you have that outline, whether you are so far from it when you start or whether you're like pretty close to it when you start, it's okay. It's just build your roadmap of what you want your The Dental A Team (09:23) Yeah. Dana (09:41) period to look like in your practice first. And doctors play such a key role in developing standards of care with hygienists. The Dental A Team (09:50) Yeah. my gosh, that was beautiful. something you said at the beginning was the habit stacking and then something in pieces, ⁓ kind of pulling those together, the habit stacking, mentioned, basically you mentioned templates, right? Templates of how to get there. So I think the first template that a doctor in that habit stacking, which is 101 of anything, accomplishing anything in life, it just generally gets put on the health and like fitness industry. ⁓ side of it, but anything is habit stacking to create any kind of habit you're going to have it stack. So what you're saying there and what it makes me think of is like realistically the initial template, like what do I do with my patient? So you mentioned probing. So I think that habit stacking is like probing how often that's your, that's your first habit. Like how do we implement the x-rays and the probing at a certain interval to get the result that we want. And if we want to be able to diagnose periodontal disease, we've gotta have the x-rays and the perio charting. So then it's like, okay, our first habit is getting these things into the appointment. Our second habit is diagnosing accurately and having those three to four periodontal classifications, that's the word I want there, that we can choose from and making sure that we're in alignment on those. There's so many, you guys, you can get recommendations. You can get 15 recommendations on anything anymore. So just be careful what you're looking at. That's a true space of alignment. What is a one to three periaprobe? One to three millimeters, what does that mean? What is three to five? What is five plus? And then what is, we're referring this out. So I think when you're talking habit stacking from an outsider's perspective, I am not a hygienist, I would imagine if I were to sit in your seat, these are the things I would need. to get this started and the consistency on time, like how often are we periaprobing? How often are we taking these x-rays? Dana, I think those come from the doctor and I know I might've just made so many hygienists so angry because I know that I have this conversation so many times. You are a provider but at the end of the day, like it is the doctor's practice and the doctor's license and those types of recommendations have to come from Dana (12:11) you The Dental A Team (12:15) him or her where they're saying, I want bite wings once a year. I want bite wings every six months. I want perioprobes once a year. Dana, is that the kind of habit stacking and templates that you're looking for too? Dana (12:27) Yep, You're spot on in there. How do we gather the information that we need to make our period diagnosis or to make our cleaning recommendation with our patients and outlining and defining how often we do that, when we do that. What it means to do that, like what are we doing ⁓ is your first and foremost foundation. And then it is like bridging into what we do end up diagnosing, right? So what treatments do we choose and when do we choose them? So that's your perioprotocol, right? That is when do we do localized SRP? When do we do generalized SRP? What is scaling in the presence of gingivitis in this office, right? Because that's a term that's very broad. So how many bleeding points? do we have to have? it have to be in all four quadrants? Does it have to be 20 bleeding spots? What does that look like in your office? ⁓ What is a perio maintenance? What do we do? mean, even farther as far as, when do we refer out? If we... aren't, that's one time that I see that hygienists maybe sometimes disagree because it's hygiene comfort. Then I always say default to who you recommend to. If you have a periodontist that you love in your area, call them and say, hey, at what point would you really like to see them in your office? And we start to kind of go back and forth with this patient. So that way it's a very, very cut and dry of what we follow. Right? And then, you know, then it becomes then it's templates for the conversation. Right? So how do we get to the conversation to educate the patient? What do we say if this has been a long term patient? What do we do if a patient refuses? Right? If they just want the cleaning that insurance covers, what do we do once they've had each of these? Right? Is it are we a yes please, perio for life, right? Like once perio, always perio. Do we have wiggle room in there, right? Like what is our, like what's our protocol for all of that? The Dental A Team (14:27) Mm-hmm. Dana (14:28) And I do feel like a lot ⁓ of doctors take the place that like, hey, my hygienists are my perio experts. And I think that like, that is a great stance to have, but I think doctors, need to be a part of building the standard in your practice. And then yes, trusting your hygienists to follow that standard for sure, and make the recommendations on the things that they see. Absolutely. But I do think it's crucial that the doctors are part of the standard setting within their own practice. The Dental A Team (14:54) Yeah. Oh, you nailed it. I couldn't agree more. And that's coming from a non hygiene standpoint. And you just heard a hygienist word straight from her mouth. And I think even the most, I'm gonna say it stubborn and hard headed hygienist who are like, no, this is my world. It is your world. But I think even the most stubborn, hard headed or strong willed is probably a better word to use. Hygienist will agree that structure. helps progress. And if there is a structure to be had, there's input to be had, I think anyone would prefer that input upfront and honestly than on the back end saying like something went wrong, right? I didn't do something correctly. Well, we've all said it like, well, you didn't tell me that I didn't know, right? Or I didn't know you wanted it that way. This is the space to get all of that stuff out on the table first. And doctors, for you to be like, my standard of care is X, Y, Z. And a hygienist to be like, well, tell me more about that because I think this. You know, I think ABC. And a doctor's like, cool, this is why I think X, Y, Z. Why do you think ABC? This is a space to have conversation. it's not, Dana, what you're saying is everything you said was a conversation. So it's more about Everyone being able to bring to the table their own knowledge, what you guys have learned, we've all gone, everyone likely has gone to a different school, right? Hygienists go to a different school, typically university, than the doctors do or trade school or wherever it's from. Doctors in most practices, it's rare that you have even associates that have gone to, everybody's gone to the same school. So there's different schools of thought depending on where your training was. And there's different opinions. I walk into some practices that floss is floss. I walk into other practices that there's like, do not use glide, or do not use whatever on the wall, and it's coconut floss. And then there's other practices that are like, don't eat coconut. You just pick and choose. It's all just the best that you guys can come to terms with. And so I think that it's more of a sharing of ideas coming with the standards and protocols. Now, there are things that will be like, There are things that will be a discussion and I think everything is a discussion. ⁓ There are things that will be flexible, there's things that won't be super flexible. Like x-rays are probably not a super flexible spot. How often are you periaproping? Because these are based off of standards, literally standards of care for their licenses, but it's still a discussion. And I know I've had hygienists that are like two years bite wings, but doctors are firm on one. Like, cool, just take the bite wings. That's the standard of care. and come to an agreement. And Dana, think that based off what you're saying, like that alignment is not just a, this is the box you stay in, but it's a conversation. And what you said earlier kind of resonated with me too, because I do see sometimes, oftentimes where doctors are like, yeah, we'll do a perio alignment meeting and meeting Mondays, we'll do meeting Mondays and we'll do perio alignment meeting. And they've got a patient, they're doing a crown while hygienists are meeting. And then hygienists come out. They're like, this is what we decided. And doctors are like, OK, I'll review it. I was like, come on, just be at the meeting. Right, Dana, do you think? Dana (18:16) yeah. Yeah, I see that a lot. And then, you know, then it sits on a doctor's desk or, or a doctor does review it and has notes, but like the notes don't get to the team or then it doesn't get even fully rolled out because we're still kind of waiting to see like, did we agree? Do we agree? Like, where is this? Where is this thing? And and I think the doctors being part of the meeting and part of the The Dental A Team (18:33) Mm-hmm. Dana (18:42) conversation, I just feel like you leave with alignment and you leave with buy-in. When a doctor is just is a part of that because I feel like, As a hygienist, I never wanted to feel as if like I was doing something that was outside of what the doctor wanted as far as care for their patients. And so I think when they're part of the discussion, they're part of the building the standards, they're part of mapping out those habits stacking and the pieces that they want to see. I think then it makes sure that no matter what patient is in the chair, no matter who they see, right, everybody is aligned and everybody is doing like what is desired for that specific office. The Dental A Team (19:29) Totally, I agree. think this was so cool. And I think we spun this in some fun directions today that were a little bit different than ⁓ areas we've spoken before where it was much more structured. This one is a little, slightly less structured. There's still structure to it, but it's more giving you guys the knowledge base to understand that you get to build the structure as a team together too. Our structure, our recommendations, your action items today. Schedule a perio. alignment meeting. A lot of times these get put in the schedule as a hygiene team meeting or a hygiene department meeting and they're going to talk about perioprotocols and doctors don't think they have to attend or it's not on their schedule at all. But doctors who are listening, hygienists who are listening, office managers who are listening, schedule a full team alignment even if you're like, hey, we don't have issues, we diagnosed just fine. I just come together once, at least once a year, probably once every six months or so. Just make sure we're all on the same page, you guys. And I think Dana, Something I've seen happen the most frequently is any kind of addition to the team, even Steril Tech, who's helping turnover rooms, any kind of addition to the team, those are the pieces that get lost first. That consistency becomes inconsistent and we lose the template. So first and foremost, make sure you guys have alignment meetings and then make sure you have some sort of a structure or a checklist on what are the things that these alignment meetings... One, what are we trying to gain? Like what is the goal of the alignment meeting? And what are we going to cover? So templates A to Z, our x-rays, our perioprobing, our exams, how often do you have to have a doctor in the room for an exam? All of these pieces that might to some of you guys listening now be like, that's crazy that practices deal with this. But if you don't have it, there will come a day, there will be someone that it gets lost on. So just make sure it's there. So Dana. Let me know if you have any more action items. My first one, schedule that alignment meeting. Second, make sure there's templates. Make sure you guys know what you're working towards and why. And then implement. And I think, Dana, when we're building out Perio protocols, I think it would be safe to say you should be able to implement those within a quarter. So if you've got the alignment meeting scheduled, you hashed out on the meetings, you should be, if you do it quarter one, you should quarter two, be able to roll out those Perio protocols. Do you agree, Dana? Dana (21:51) Yeah, I do. I agree with that for sure. And then I think the last action is if you already have a perio protocol in place, make sure that every hygienist on your team knows it and make sure it is updated. Right. I think that, you know, there are some things that in the perio world have changed and will continue to change. And so I always say when you build these protocols or you build these templates and you have alignment, it's not just like set it and kind of forget it. Make sure it gets added to onboarding packets for new hygienists. Make sure that we, you know, continue to kind of check in and see what we're doing. Make sure that we've got tracking in place and make sure that we update those things as Perio changes because, you know, grading and staging is now here and pieces that if you've had a long term Perio protocol, we may need to add or consider updating. The Dental A Team (22:40) Totally, beautiful, thank you. I am leaving it at that. Everybody, if you were listening in the car, go listen again, write these things down. If you were listening, I don't know, anywhere else, I hope that you were taking some awesome notes. If not, listen again. The recordings are here for just that. So, share this with a friend, you guys. Everyone needs to know these Prairie Protocols. This is massive. It is a huge space that is underdeveloped in a lot of practices, I would say most practices. the perio space is underdeveloped. So these are some really quick, easy tools to get that ball rolling without having to take extra courses and laser certifications and all of these things. Those would be like step two or three. These are your first steps. So go do the things you guys drop us a review. We always like to see those five stars and know what you loved and any ideas that you have to add to what we talked about. And then Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. That was a hard one to say today. ⁓ is where you'll reach us. If you have any questions or you want any templates or ideas, just shoot us an email, you guys. do, Dana and I do get a lot of those requests straight to us from our Hello team. So just let us know how we can best help you and we'll catch you guys next time. Thank you.

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, and an AI co-host unpack the ADA Health Policy Institute's Q3 2025 “State of the Dental Economy” report. The data paints a complex picture of a dental sector stuck in an uneasy holding pattern where rising costs, flat reimbursements, and persistent staffing shortages are squeezing practices nationwide.Despite modest growth in consumer dental spending, many practices report being less busy than before, caught between financial pressure and patient affordability challenges. The discussion dives deep into the fiscal squeeze, workforce struggles (especially hygienists), and the strategic choices dental practices are making to adapt.Key Points :1. Confidence Levels: Stabilized but Still CautiousDentists' confidence in their own practices (67.5%) remains higher than confidence in the U.S. economy (33.4%).Optimism has eroded throughout 2025 despite a slight Q3 bounce.Top concerns: tariffs, political unrest, and global uncertainty.2. The “Fiscal Squeeze” ExplainedCore problem: costs (supplies, labor, operations) are rising much faster than insurance reimbursements.Two-thirds (65.8%) of dentists raised fees in 2025 by an average of 6.7% just to maintain margins.This has worsened patient affordability and fueled a perception of dentistry as “discretionary,” reducing patient visits.3. Spending vs. Busyness ParadoxConsumer dental spending is up 10% (inflation-adjusted) since pre-pandemic levels.Yet, the number of dentists reporting they're “not busy enough” jumped from 25% to 35% in Q3 2025.Average patient wait times hit a three-year low (12 days), showing ample capacity and lower demand intensity.4. Staffing & Hiring ChallengesHiring in dental practices remains flat, but recruitment demand is high.Hygienists are the most difficult position to fill; 90% of dentists report it's very hard.Only 43% of those recruiting for hygienists successfully filled the role.One-fifth of hygienist positions remained open 6+ months, hurting production and patient flow.5. Strategic Responses by PracticesMany dentists are investing in software (41%) to improve efficiency and adding staff (47%) where possible.Some are dropping low-paying PPO plans to regain control over pricing and profitability.Practices are focusing on what they can control: internal efficiency, cost management, and workforce adaptation.6. The Big Picture: A Sector in a Holding PatternThe dental economy isn't collapsing, but it's not growing fast either.The balance between rising costs, stagnant reimbursement, and patient affordability remains fragile.The future may depend on technology adoption, workforce development, and new care delivery models to break the stagnation.#DentalEconomy #DentalIndustryTrends #FiscalSqueeze #Dentistry2025 #DentalPracticeManagement #HygienistShortage #DentalCareCosts #ADAReport #WesRead #DentalBoardroomPodcast #DentalBusiness #DentistryInsights

Clinical attachment level versus clinical attachment loss—what's the difference? Discover why this distinction is vital for accurate periodontal diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning, and how understanding it can improve patient outcomes. Marianne Dryer, MEd, RDH ,  Katrina M. Sanders-Stewart, MEd, BSDH, RDH, RF Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55310252/decoding-the-language-of-clinical-attachment-what-every-hygienist-needs-to-know

Episode Overview In this special, nostalgia-fueled episode, Andrew takes a look back at meaningful conversations from prior episodes, bringing in crucial advice for dental professionals and hygienists that's just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from Tom Viola and Renata Nehme on topics crucial to the dental hygiene field. Key Topics and Highlights 1. Dental Hygiene Training and Qualifications (with Tom Viola) Rigorous Training: Tom shares insights from his experience teaching pharmacology to hygienists, highlighting the level of stress, acumen, and stringent requirements of dental hygiene programs. Anesthesia Rights for Hygienists: Discussion on why dental hygienists should be qualified to administer local anesthesia in every state and the process Georgia undertook to make this a reality. Inter-Professional Trust: Tom argues that dentists often lack understanding of hygienists' training. If they witnessed the training firsthand, their confidence in hygienists' skills would grow. Education & Reciprocity: Andrew and Tom debate how state-to-state differences in training impact reciprocity of credentials and the importance of maintaining high standards. 2. Palatal Expansion in Adults (with Renata Nehme) Early Intervention Matters: Renata explains how early observation of jaw growth and dental spacing in children can predict future needs for orthodontic intervention. Adult Expansion Experience: She shares her personal journey with palatal expansion as an adult—including the use of MARPE (mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander), the procedure, and recovery. Relapse & Muscle Function: The conversation dives into the importance of myofunctional therapy for lasting results and the role of tongue and muscle habits in dental relapse. Facial Changes: Renata explores how palatal expansion affects not only occlusion but also facial structure, including cheekbones, lips, and nasal width. Must-Listen Moments Tom recalling the intense nature of hygiene school and advocating for robust education standards. Insights into how anesthesia training and workflow advances have elevated the hygiene profession. Renata's deeply personal account of her orthodontic journey, the challenges, and the transformative facial changes she experienced. Practical advice on early dental intervention and the significance of myofunctional therapy from a seasoned clinician. Connect with Today's Guests Tom Viola: Website: tomviola.com Social: @PharmacologyDeclassified Renata Nemi: Instagram: @myomoves Airway Circle: airwaycircle.com Courses for hygienists at Myo University How to Support the Show Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—hit that subscribe button! Newsletter: Sign up for our updates on our website. Engage: Follow us on social media and let us know what you'd like covered in future episodes. Produced by Endeavor Business Media. Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest? Drop Andrew a line through the website or on social media!

Episode Overview In this special, nostalgia-fueled episode, Andrew takes a look back at meaningful conversations from prior episodes, bringing in crucial advice for dental professionals and hygienists that's just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from Tom Viola and Renata Nehme on topics crucial to the dental hygiene field. Key Topics and Highlights 1. Dental Hygiene Training and Qualifications (with Tom Viola) Rigorous Training: Tom shares insights from his experience teaching pharmacology to hygienists, highlighting the level of stress, acumen, and stringent requirements of dental hygiene programs. Anesthesia Rights for Hygienists: Discussion on why dental hygienists should be qualified to administer local anesthesia in every state and the process Georgia undertook to make this a reality. Inter-Professional Trust: Tom argues that dentists often lack understanding of hygienists' training. If they witnessed the training firsthand, their confidence in hygienists' skills would grow. Education & Reciprocity: Andrew and Tom debate how state-to-state differences in training impact reciprocity of credentials and the importance of maintaining high standards. 2. Palatal Expansion in Adults (with Renata Nehme) Early Intervention Matters: Renata explains how early observation of jaw growth and dental spacing in children can predict future needs for orthodontic intervention. Adult Expansion Experience: She shares her personal journey with palatal expansion as an adult—including the use of MARPE (mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander), the procedure, and recovery. Relapse & Muscle Function: The conversation dives into the importance of myofunctional therapy for lasting results and the role of tongue and muscle habits in dental relapse. Facial Changes: Renata explores how palatal expansion affects not only occlusion but also facial structure, including cheekbones, lips, and nasal width. Must-Listen Moments Tom recalling the intense nature of hygiene school and advocating for robust education standards. Insights into how anesthesia training and workflow advances have elevated the hygiene profession. Renata's deeply personal account of her orthodontic journey, the challenges, and the transformative facial changes she experienced. Practical advice on early dental intervention and the significance of myofunctional therapy from a seasoned clinician. Connect with Today's Guests Tom Viola: Website: tomviola.com Social: @PharmacologyDeclassified Renata Nemi: Instagram: @myomoves Airway Circle: airwaycircle.com Courses for hygienists at Myo University How to Support the Show Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—hit that subscribe button! Newsletter: Sign up for our updates on our website. Engage: Follow us on social media and let us know what you'd like covered in future episodes. Produced by Endeavor Business Media. Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest? Drop Andrew a line through the website or on social media!

Workplace violence in healthcare is reaching crisis levels – and dental hygienists aren't immune. Host Matt Crespin sits down with Jeff Schill, Vice President of Training at the Crisis Prevention Institute, to tackle a challenge many face but few discuss. With 81% of healthcare workers experiencing workplace violence in the past year, the need for de-escalation skills has never been more urgent. Jeff explains why poor communication fuels most crises and shares practical techniques like the power of breathing and allowing silence. This conversation delivers actionable strategies every dental professional can use immediately, whether in clinical practice or educational settings. Don't miss the downloadable resource with 10 quick tips for managing crisis situations. Guest: Jeff Schill, Vice President of Training, Crisis Prevention Institute Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA Crisis Prevention Institute: https://www.crisisprevention.com; Top 10 De-escalation Tips for Health Care Professionals: https://www.crisisprevention.com/library/health-care/top-10-de-escalation-tips-for-health-care; ADHA Rebrands Podcast to "Hygiene Rising": https://www.adha.org/newsroom/adha-rebrands-podcast-to-hygiene-rising/

Are we on the brink of a mass retirement of dental hygienists? Are hygienists really all that unhappy and what are the drivers that factor into job satisfaction? Rather than guessing, we have Thalia Diedrick on the show who comes with the answers directly from the dental audience! Resources: https://gotu.com/state-of-work/ Thalia@joingotu.com cassidy@joingotu.com

Dr. Bicuspid Editor-in-Chief Kevin Henry joins me to discuss some crazy current events! A California dentist has been sentenced to 75 years to life in state prison after what prosecutors called a “reign of terror.” The man's crimes included multiple sexual assaults against five female patients and an extern, with victims ranging in age from 19 to 73. Prosecutors said he treated the women “as his playthings,” committing the assaults while they were under anesthesia and alone in his office. What broke the case open was the courage of a dental assistant, who secretly filmed one of the assaults, exposing the abuse and ending years of unchecked violence. The conversation examines how this could happen inside a dental practice where patients should feel safest and the red flags that every dental professional must recognize. From patient safety and sedation oversight to the ethics of working alone with anesthetized patients, this disturbing story forces the industry to confront hard truths about accountability and protection. Our discussion continues into the state of the dental profession today. A new Delta Dental study shows preventive care has finally returned to pre-pandemic levels, but capacity hasn't caught up. Hygienist shortages continue to strain practices, and legislative moves across states like licensure compacts and the rise of oral preventive assistants aim to fill the gaps. There's also a sharp look at data trends: claims show a rise in occlusal guards and fillings, signaling more stress-related wear and tear, and new fraud triggers are catching the attention of insurers. Teresa and Kevin unpack how AI, remote admin roles, and shifting workforce models are reshaping the business of dentistry and what every practice owner needs to know to adapt.

Are we on the brink of a mass retirement of dental hygienists? Are hygienists really all that unhappy and what are the drivers that factor into job satisfaction? Rather than guessing, we have Thalia Diedrick on the show who comes with the answers directly from the dental audience! Resources: https://gotu.com/state-of-work/ Thalia@joingotu.com cassidy@joingotu.com

As AI continues to advance, it's essential for dental professionals to stay informed and proactive. By embracing AI today, you can position your practice for a more efficient, effective, and patient-centered future. To tell us more about AI and how it can do many things for dentists and hygienists is our guest, Melissa Turner, a 20-year veteran dental hygienist. Melissa is a sought-after consultant and speaker. She partners with companies of all sizes on brand strategy and product growth, leveraging her unique insights from experience in the boardroom and as a clinician. Thanks to our episode sponsors: Solventum - https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/oral-care/ BISCO - https://www.bisco.com/

Re-releasing a DAT listener favorite! Kiera is all about key performance indicators in this episode, and why they're important. When framing KPIs as the vitals of your practice, it makes a lot more sense! Some of Kiera's favorite KPIs are … Production (net, not gross) Collection (at least 98%) How many new patients you're getting Average diagnosis Acceptance rate Overhead There are a lot more indicators she talks about in this episode, so whether you're a beginner with KPIs or elite status, there's something you can learn. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: Kiera Dent (00:05) Hey everyone, welcome to the Dental A Team podcast. I'm your host, Kiera Dent, and I had this crazy idea that maybe I could combine a doctor and a team member's perspective, because let's face it, dentistry can be a challenging profession with those two perspectives. I've been a dental assistant, treatment coordinator, scheduler, pillar, office manager, regional manager, practice owner, and I have a team of traveling consultants where we have traveled to over 165 different offices coaching teams. Yep, we don't just understand you, we are you.   Our mission is to positively impact the world of dental. And I believe that this podcast is the greatest way I can help elevate teams, grow VIP experiences, reduce stress, and create A-Teams. Welcome to the Dental A Team Podcast.   Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera. And you guys, how's your day today? You guys loving it? Are you crushing it? I hope you are, wherever you are. I am actually sitting in my bedroom. I ⁓ rarely ever podcast here, because usually my husband's home. But tonight, I have some friends over there in the front room, and I definitely needed to get some podcasts done. Sissy was asking me, I just love having team members that are great at what they do. And I hope you guys take time to acknowledge the team members that make you great. The team members that are   just awesome at what they do. guys, Sissy keeps me so on the ball and I love her for it. Shelby does, Tiffany does, Brittany, Dana, Kylie, they are just an incredible bunch of people. And guys, if you ever get the opportunity to meet any of them, you are one lucky person. So I hope you're having a great day. I hope you're loving it. So podcasting today from the bedroom. I hope the audio is great. I hope you're loving it. Sun's just going down and today I just wanted to dive into a topic that I think is really awesome and it's KPIs.   So what the heck is a KPI? A KPI is Key Performance Indicator. I'll be completely honest. You guys, know I'm like authentic Kiera Dent. People when they call me and they chat with us, like interested in working with us, the number one thing I get told is, Kiera, you sound just like you do on the podcast. And I'm like, this is really great because it is me.   I don't shake it up, I don't change it. The only thing I do differently is I talk in a microphone so my voice sounds a little bit like smoother, if you will, on the podcast than in real life. But beyond that, same cadence, same tones. This is Kiera real life. So you guys know I am always, I try really hard to just be authentic Kiera. So if you ever come meet me in person, you peel back the Wizard of Oz current, I would be the exact same person as I am on the podcast as I am in real life. So when I first started as an office manager,   I did not know what a KPI was. I did not know why they were important. I didn't know that I should be tracking these things. I literally had no idea. So guys, if you're in my boat, hey, welcome, welcome to the CureDent No KPI Boat. If you know what they are, welcome, welcome to the Elite Boat. And if you are using them, welcome to the Rockstar Amazing Boat. Let's make you even better. So KPIs, I call them, the way I describe a KPI is they are the vitals of your practice.   So just like when you go to the doctor and they take your blood pressure, your temperature, they listen to your heart rate, all those things, those are the vitals. They take your weight. ⁓ I just went to the doctor the other day and it's super cool, like, right? You sit on the chair and they say they'll take your weight. And it was funny, the gal asked me, she said, do you wanna know your weight today? I was like, wow, thank you. Like, thank you for not making me have a bad day if I don't want to or thank you for giving me the opportunity. It just made me giggle.   But bottom line is the vitals, we go to the doctor and they take those vitals first because if any of those are out of alignment, that's the first sign that we have trouble. So that's what I think of with KPIs in a practice. These are the core pieces that are going to show you, is your practice healthy or is it not healthy? So yes, it's tracking and there's lots of different KPIs you can track. That's why it's called a key performance indicator. I am a firm believer that you should be able to change these up.   I think there are certain things that you should be tracking consistently. But I also think as human beings, we get stagnant and bored. So give yourself a decent amount of time to track and then shake it up. That way you're growing constantly and we don't get bored with KPIs. So for me, some of my favorite KPIs, this is a question every consultant who comes to Dental A team to work with us, we ask them, what is your favorite KPI to measure? One, I'm checking to see if they know what a KPI is. Guys, I probably would have flunked the consulting test if I would have come on.   We're a more elite company, guys. I have to keep these consultants on their top notch. They can't be lower than us now. So I ask what your favorite KPI is to track and why. Most of the time I get production and collection. Production is a great KPI to track. It's something, and again, be careful on production. Make sure you're tracking it on net, not gross. A lot of people wanna tell me that they have.   These huge successful practices, but guess what guys, if you can't collect it, don't even tell me that number. I don't care. It does not impress me because guess what? That high gross number feeds your ego. Your net number feeds your family. So I don't care about it. So report that number in net. Next up is your collection percentage. I want to know how you're collecting. So if you're a $1 million practice and you're only collecting 700,000, that's stressful. That means you're at a 70 % collection rate. I am aiming for a 98 % collection rate. Now,   There are lots of other KPIs and I will say there are some great softwares out there. Practice by numbers, dental intel, divergent. Those are my top three favorites. I'd probably put them in the order of dental intel, divergent, practice by numbers. I think all three of them are great. I love them all for different reasons. The reason I'm pro-ing for dental intel is because they just merged with Medento and guess what? They are kicking it. So I love that. I love what they do and I love Medento as a company. So any company with Medento, that's going to be my favorite company right now. But bottom line is a lot of these track KPIs.   What I found that gets tricky and what a lot of offices do is we often track too many things that we don't actually move the needle on anything. I'm guilty of this. So in our company, was having Cissy track how many Instagram followers we were getting every single week. At first, I thought it was a great marketing metric. I thought it was great to see how our marketing was doing. Guess what? It was actually just feeding my ego. So guys, if you want to feed my ego, please just go follow us on Instagram. I would love it. Get your friends, get your family, get your siblings, get your kids. I don't care who.   You can boost that number just to feed my ego. At the end of the day, do the Instagram followers actually matter? No, they don't. They don't move our company forward. What matters, just like you guys, how many new patients we're getting. So don't actually care about social media followers. Yes, it's a fun number to track, but what I care is how many new patients are we getting? Then after that, I actually care about if I'm going to the elite boat or to our rock star boat on how many new patients you're getting. Do you know how much each patient's value is?   Do you also know what our average diagnosis is on each patient? And do we know what our acceptance rate is on each patient? If you don't know that and you're already tracking some of these numbers, that might be a fun zone for you to go to, to be 2.0 or 3.0 of KPI tracking. If you're just starting out, don't go there. Let's just get you tracking new patients and where they're coming from. Bottom line is these are the vitals. So first steps first, I want you with your KPIs to make sure that you have the vitals of your practice. Production, collection, new patients.   case acceptance, reappointment percentages. Those are like your main shebangs that are really gonna tell you where you're going. If you wanna add in your overhead, I also love that because that's gonna pull in the business side of it to make sure that we're actually profitable as a business and we're not just running around trying to serve, but not even being profitable as a practice. We need our practice to be profitable. Otherwise we can't serve more in our community. Those are my main things I love to focus on. So if you're just starting out, start tracking those.   I prefer you track them at a minimum every week at best. I actually like these ones to be tracked on your morning huddle. It's great. Everybody has it, have it on a whiteboard. Everybody can see it. That is the vital heartbeat of your practice. I would love you to do it. Just like on my Apple watch, I'm watching the rings on my Apple watch. That's honestly the only thing on my watch face guys, because it'd be really fun. But I decided I don't want to get distracted by other things. I need to master these items before I move on.   So that's why I love it to be front and center. Get these KPIs front and center. Get a whiteboard, guys, they're real cheap. Put it up, track these items. Production, we talked about it. Net, not gross. Collections, we wanna make sure we're collecting at least 98 % if not higher. And then I want you to know how many new patients you're getting out of goal, what your case acceptance is. A healthy practice, if we're talking dollar for dollar, I'd like you to be anywhere from 35 to 65%. Now there's a wide range on that because I actually, if you don't...   diagnose a lot of ortho and you're not diagnosing a lot of implants in larger cases, your dollar for dollar should be way up higher. If you're diagnosing these huge treatment plans constantly, you actually should be hanging out lower because we're presenting so much treatment that I'm okay with a lower case acceptance. If we're one for one, meaning one thing accepted off of our treatment plan, no matter how large it is, I want you actually to be sitting at at least a 90 % case acceptance. If you're not, we got to talk.   That's right, you and me, we're going to have a date, we're going to chat. We need to get that case acceptance up because what we're doing is we're dis-serving our patients. We're not helping them find a way to get this treatment done. You as a treatment coordinator, your job is to be a solution creator with the patient. So do your job, find the solution, get those patients accepted. That way we can help them have healthy mouths and a better life, right? That's what it's all about. Hey, Dental A Team listeners, how was your 2021? Have you reflected back? Where did you really win?   Where did you really not win? If 2021 was a year of years, congratulations. I am celebrating with you and I would love to invite you to take it to the next level. If 2021 wasn't quite your year, hey, it's all right. I'm there for you. And I would love to invite you to make 2022 the year for you. That's right, guys. If you're ready to take massive action, if you're ready to take your practice and your team to the next level, increase your profitability. Yeah, guys, through an easy way.   Get your entire team aligned and you're ready to just have your life be different. That's right. Team development, top to bottom system development, top to bottom, changing and shifting your culture, improving your team morale. If that sounds like what you're interested in guys, I'd love to invite you to join us in our Dental A Team platinum group. It's the exclusive group where we physically fly to your practice. We give you insider tips. We share with you. have a quarterly newsletter that goes to that shares all the updates we're coming up with and we share it with our platinum group.   We'd love to have you and I would like to invite you because guys remember you're always one decision away from a completely different life. So reach out guys. I'd love to chat with you. I'd love to see if you're a great platinum client or what works best for you. Email me Hello@TheDentalATeam.com and I can't wait to welcome you as our newest platinum client. Take massive action. This is your year. Let's make sure 2022 is your year. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. Can't wait to welcome you. So those are my main KPIs that I love to track.   Once you get those dialed in and you're consistent on those and you know, then we're going to start diving into even more data. I want to know how well our hygiene department's doing. They should be producing at least three times their pay. So if I'm a hygienist making $10 an hour, wouldn't that be a dream guys? Welcome to 2022. Hygienist $10 an hour. Yeah, right. You guys are like a hundred and a billion dollars an hour. Like it's crazy how much hygienists are at right now, but let's say for the sake of this podcast, it's $10 an hour. Okay. I should be producing at least   $30 per hour as a healthy hygienist. That's on a PPO. If I'm fee for service, I like you producing at least four times your pay. So if I'm in a fee for service practice, I'm producing $40 an hour, okay? So that would be another great KPI to track. You can also break it down per department. So we might have our doctors. Great KPI to track on our doctors is what are they producing per hour? Most doctors should be producing at least $500 per hour at a minimum, okay?   So if we're working in an eight hour day, that's a $4,000 day per doctor, again on net, not gross. So that's a great metric to put in there. What are our doctors producing per hour? What's our doctor case acceptance? What's our doctor diagnosis? Great KPIs for you to start tracking. If we move on to our hygiene department, you can track fluoride, you can track perio. Perio is a great set to track. We can track ⁓ how many night guards they're doing. We can track how many orthostarts they're doing.   Great KPIs to track, again, if you're in the elite rockstar status. ⁓ Dental assistants, I like to track how many same day conversions you get. Also, how many times you leave the room is a great KPI to track. Also, how many Google reviews do dental assistants get? Those are all really, really great ones that you can do. For front office, scheduling. How often are we scheduling our hygiene and doctors to goal?   So I usually like between 80 and 90 % that they're scheduled to go. Schedulers can be how many openings they have in hygiene. It can also be how many new patients you're scheduling. For our treatment coordinators, case acceptance, right? We want to make sure that we're getting those cases up there. For office managers, what's our collection percentage that can also go to our billers? Billers, I love you to be tracking your AR. Also outstanding claims. ⁓ How long it's taking us to get our claims paid. It's a fan-freaking-tastic KPI to be tracking.   because we want to be paid quicker. Guess what? If I'm tracking that, I can see, are we not sending our claims clean and are we having errors? Could we fix that? Could we enter data better so we don't have these issues happening? Could also track how long our patients are waiting in the waiting room. If we're working on VIP new patient experience. As I just listed, there are a myriad of KPIs you could do. What happens is we often try to track too many things that were actually focused on nothing. So I suggest you usually have at least one primary KPI per   person in the practice. It's their primary. That's the one that no matter what, they're going to hit that. And we make sure it moves our needle forward. So what's going to move our doctors forward? What's going to move our hygienist forward? It's going to move our dental assistants, our scheduler, our biller, our office manager. What is the one thing if we could only focus on one thing, what's going to move each of those people forward the most and move our practice forward the most? Focus on that. Master that. Set a goal of what you should be hitting and report either weekly or daily.   on those. I'll be honest, if you report it daily, just like working out daily, you will probably see greater results than if you do it weekly or just monthly. So I also have with KPIs that you should really, really, really, really be ramping those up and making sure you're reporting consistently and that people know the goals. If we miss it, let's find out why. What's going on? Let's diagnose the problem. Let's find out what can we do to improve that. Again, I want you to think of these as vitals. KPIs are vitals of a practice.   If you don't track these, if you don't check them, you will die. Okay? If you think about it that way, well, instantly I'm like, maybe I don't need to track that. Maybe I don't need to focus on that. If you're already tracking it and you're breathing imperfect, guess what? What happened to the doctor? They start checking other things. They run blood tests on us and they check a thousand different things in that. Okay? So there are lots of KPIs you can do, but I would say keep it simple. Do the kiss method. Keep your KPIs simple. Then add to it. Maybe each quarter we add something.   Maybe each month we add something. It's also fun if you have your team help create these KPIs with you. What do they think is going to the practice board? What did they get excited about? Maybe they want to make social media posts. Maybe they care about how many followers we actually have. Maybe you guys want to do that. Maybe they do it on how many new patients they can get. I just had an office, super fun. The team decided that they were going to try and get more family members scheduled. So on average, this practice was averaging about 35 new patients. Guess what?   Guess what? Just by focusing on asking for referrals from patients and getting more family members scheduled, they use the phrase, what other family members can we get scheduled for you today? They have increased their new patients with no marketing to 50 new patients a month. Is that not rad? That's because they focus on a vital that the practice needed to do. They focus on where they were weak and they're able to move their practice forward. So guys, I would encourage each of you.   Look at these KPIs, get them set. If you don't have a regular KPI tracking, let's start there. If you do, I want to bump it up. Are those KPIs being reported weekly by all team members? And does the doctor and office manager review this? I will tell you at our company, Shelby, she's a rock star. Our whole team reports on a Google drive. We call our leadership scorecard. Those are where our KPIs hang out. Every person has a number that they're tracking. We review these, we make sure that they're the vitals of our company and they're moving us forward.   Every person reports on this every single Friday. We have a reminder that goes out, so everybody fills it in. Shelby then makes sure it comes over to me. I then with Shelby review this leadership scorecard. Then on our leadership team, we look at this every single month and make sure that those are vitals. And then we look to see where are we weak? What do we need to move forward? This is how you start to track. Also, if you want to stamp out and do more practices and you want to have more growth, having a leadership scorecard where you track these KPIs consistently.   allows you to then be able to manage and oversee multiple locations because everybody's tracking. And at a second, you can glance at this and you'll be able to know where your practice is weak and where it's strong and where you need to dive in and give it massive help. So guys, I strongly encourage you, if you're not doing it, do it. If you're doing it already, where can you ramp it up? If you're already ramping it up, get your team members involved and ask them where they want to take it to the next level. KPIs are magic. They're vitals. Also, if you're in that top, top tier,   Maybe I challenge you and say, where could you simplify? Are you overtracking? Sometimes when I look at dental intel, I'm like, holy guac. That's a lot of items you're tracking. How do they know where to focus? I think about the book, Essentialism. If you haven't read it, I would strongly encourage you to do it. If we're focused on too many things, we actually don't make a lot of progress anywhere. We make minimal progress. If we're focused on one thing, we kill it. We knock it out of the park. We dominate it. So I challenge each of you, look at those KPIs. Could you simplify them if you're already doing them?   What are the main drivers of the practice? Keep it to three per department is my recommendation. Make sure that what we're truly focused on is actually going to move you guys forward. If you need help getting those KPIs set up, if that's something you want to start doing, we make sure our practices are all tracking. Our offices have vitals. We look at them. We actually call it their vital scorecard. Truth. That's really what we call it. So if you guys want to help with this, if you'd love somebody to help hold you accountable, email me. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. I'd love to help you out.   nothing else guys, go get these KPIs in place and know that you guys are in control of this. You can see your practice at a glance. You can know if you're healthy or not just at a glance, just like the doctor does when we go in for our medical doctors. So guys, try it out. I'd love to hear it. I'd love to hear your successes. Post your KPI scorecards and tag us. We'd love to see it. Share. If you guys want to, you can start to get on our Facebook group, Donuts with Dana. She's literally going around and she's pulling these ideas and she's sharing and she's answering questions.   So join her, she's on Facebook Live every Friday, Donuts with Dana. So hop on over there if you have questions getting this set up, she's there, she'll help answer questions. And as always guys, just take action, do it. Don't be afraid of KPIs, they're very easy. And if we can help you, email us, Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. I'd love to share it with you guys. If you need a sample, email us, Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. And as always, thanks for listening. I'll catch you next time on The Dental A Team Podcast. And that wraps it up for another episode of The Dental A Team Podcast.   Thank you so much for listening and we'll talk to you next time.  

Ergonomics for Dentists & Hygienists | My Conversation with Stephanie BottsDentistry is one of the most high-risk professions for musculoskeletal pain—and that means a huge opportunity for ergonomists. In this full interview, I sit down with Stephanie Botts, RDH, BSDH, CEAS, a practicing dental hygienist and certified ergonomics specialist, to explore how ergonomists can better understand and support the dental industry.In this episode, we discuss: ✅ The unique ergonomic challenges in dentistry (and why pain is so normalized) ✅ Key risks for dentists, hygienists, and assistants—and how they compare to office/industrial ergonomics ✅ High-impact, low-cost fixes that consultants can recommend with confidence ✅ Why soft skills and patient management are essential for dental ergonomics ✅ How ergonomists can pitch services to dental practices and highlight ROIIf you're an ergonomist looking to expand into niche markets, this conversation gives you the knowledge and language you'll need to connect with dental professionals and provide real value.Resources:Free, Downloadable Office Ergo Resources: https://www.ergonomicshelp.com/free-trainingStephanie Botts website: https://polishedposture-shop.myshopify.com/Stephanie Botts email: stephanie@polishedposture.netAre you a healthcare professional curious about how office ergonomics assessments could fit into your services? I've got you covered with some valuable (and free!) resources at www.ergonomicshelp.com/free-training.

Should dental hygienists be allowed to deliver Botox and fillers? Some see it as an exciting growth opportunity, while others worry it could put patients at risk. This week on Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Sarah Crow, RDH, past president of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association, to unpack the debate. Sarah makes a compelling case for the “Botox Bill” in Massachusetts, shares how she's advocating for change, and what it could mean for the future of dentistry.

There's probably no better team member to take the lead in empowering patients with knowledge about the oral-systemic link than dental hygienists, and there's probably no better team to help hygienists do that than L'Diamante Coaching. In this episode of The Patient First Podcast, I sit down with LD Coaching Co-Founders Danielle Avila, BSDH, RDH and Laura Bettencourt, BSDH, RDH to learn more about how these mindset hygiene career coaches are helping RDHs everywhere discover purpose, fulfillment and confidence in their craft. We also discuss the need for more leaders in dentistry who will make the bold changes needed to provide more comprehensive, integrated care to patients. I'm Dr. Bryan Laskin—author, dentist, entrepreneur and education enthusiast who celebrates and endorses other innovators who work to advance the oral healthcare industry for the benefit of all involved. Don't forget about LD Coaching's webinar coming up on August 29, 2025! Register Here. Learn more about L'Diamante Coaching: LDiamanteCoaching.com

In this episode, Samantha Farrar and Becky Kiddoo of Dental Care Alliance share strategies for addressing the national hygienist shortage, highlighting investments in team support, advanced training, and technology to elevate the profession and enhance patient care.This episode is sponsored by Dental Care Alliance.

In this episode of the Growth in Dentistry podcast, host Steve Jensen interviews Wendy Briggs, RDH and renowned hygiene coach. They discuss the changing landscape of dental hygiene, including rising costs and wages, and how to transform hygiene departments into profitable centers while delivering exceptional patient care.Listen to this episode to learn about:The changing economics of hygiene - Hygienist salaries rising and the financial pressure that creates on practicesThe three critical roles of hygieneThe Doctor-Hygienist partnershipElevating preventive carePeriodontal therapy…and so much more!Want to learn more from Wendy and The Team Training Institute team?Check out their website to learn about the different trainings and courses they offer: https://www.theteamtraininginstitute.com/Listen to The Team Training Institute podcast: https://www.theteamtraininginstitute.com/podcastSee a demo of DI and get a $50 gift card: get.dentalintel.net/podcast.

In today's episode, we're exploring the transformative role technology plays in elevating the patient experience—helping create more meaningful interactions, better outcomes, and stronger trust in the care being delivered. When dental hygienists actively engage with cutting-edge technology and the clinical tools that come with it, they not only improve patient education, case acceptance, and compliance, but also help streamline insurance claim approvals and enhance overall clinical efficiency. In doing so, many hygienists gain a renewed perspective on their profession—often leading to greater career fulfillment and satisfaction. Our guest is Alicia Murria, RDH, with a masters in dental hygiene. She can be reached at aliciamurria.com.

5 Common Career Mistakes Every Hygienist Should AvoidBy Heartland DentalOriginal article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/5-common-career-mistakes-every-hygienist-should-avoid/Need 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/

AI empowers dental hygienists to be more accurate, efficient, and patient-focused. Embracing dental AI doesn't mean losing the human touch. It means amplifying your skills. Melissa Turner, CHO, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55293064/9-things-every-hygienist-should-know-about-dental-ai 

In this episode, I'm joined by the one and only Amber Lovatos, also known as The Latina RDH—an outspoken advocate, content creator, and powerhouse hygienist who's built an online brand rooted in passion, purpose, and transparency.Together, we're getting into the real stuff about being a dental hygienist and content creator:

If time wasn't an issue, if everything was free, if you had the autonomy to practice any way you want... would you practice differently? Amanda Hale and Heather Kenney from the Functional Roots podcast join me today to offer a different than mainstream point of view on the practice of holistic dental hygiene. If you want more of this kind of conversation, be sure to head over to their show! Resources: functionalroots.com @functionalrootspodcast on insta

If time wasn't an issue, if everything was free, if you had the autonomy to practice any way you want... would you practice differently? Amanda Hale and Heather Kenney from the Functional Roots podcast join me today to offer a different than mainstream point of view on the practice of holistic dental hygiene. If you want more of this kind of conversation, be sure to head over to their show! Resources: functionalroots.com @functionalrootspodcast on insta

In this episode, I'm honoured to speak with Andrea Wilson, a dental hygienist who has been battling cancer and has been incredibly generous with us to share her chemotherapy journey in hopes to help others going through the same. Her hope is to also share with fellow dental colleagues  management tips, symptoms to be aware of, her own personal challenging symptoms and products that have helped her. And remember, this episode regards a personal experience so if you are going through similar circumstances please always double check with your medical practitioners if anything mentioned today is right for you.Thank you so much for listening to this episode  - share it with a peer or a friend so Andrea's message can inspire even more individuals. Don't forget to Subscribe on whatever streaming platform you listen on so you don't miss future episodes. And if you have any questions or topic suggestions? Email us at talkdentaltomepodcast@gmail.com

Thyroid Cancer: Hygienist Survives Surgery and Recommends Dental Monitoring for SymptomsBy Debbi Viger, RDH, BHSOriginal article published on Today's RDH: https://www.todaysrdh.com/thyroid-cancer-hygienist-survives-surgery-and-recommends-dental-monitoring-for-symptoms/Need 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/

She went from dental assisting to redefining what it means to be a hygienist. Some stories don't age, they just get more relevant. Episode 298 is one of those, which is why we're pulling it from the archives and back into the spotlight. Sherri Warshaw's path through dentistry isn't the one you've heard before. She didn't just climb the career ladder, she took a hard left, pushed through the tough stuff, and built something entirely her own. From the quiet grit it takes to survive hygiene school to the deeper reasons people chase those RDH initials, Sherri unpacks the kind of truths that rarely make it into open conversation. This episode isn't about status or salary it's about staying power, perspective, and redefining what a meaningful career in dentistry really looks like. Connect with Sherri sherriwarshaw@gmail.com www.smokefreestepsllc.com —-------------------------------------------- Hey friends—cool news! The Dental Assistant Nation Podcast was featured on Feedspot's Top 100 Dental Podcasts and their Top Dental Assistant Podcasts list. Huge thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and supporting the show. Couldn't have done it without you. Go check it out—we're listed alongside some amazing shows! 100 Best Dental Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_podcasts/ 4 Best Dental Assistant Podcasts - https://podcast.feedspot.com/dental_assistant_podcasts/ —--------------------------------------------

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Wendy Briggs, RDH, powerhouse speaker, hygienist, and co-founder of The Team Training Institute. Broadcasting live from Thrive Live in Las Vegas, Wendy shares her expert insights on the current hygiene crisis affecting dental practices across the nation. She discusses the root causes of the growing divide between hygienists and practice owners, the impact of inflated wage expectations, and why many offices are mistakenly eliminating hygiene positions altogether.   Wendy also explains her proven system for transforming underperforming hygiene departments by elevating care standards, boosting productivity, and shifting providers to practice at the top of their license. With a deep dive into preventive therapy, periodontal therapy, patient advocacy, and the true definition of assisted hygiene, this episode is a must-listen for any dental team looking to improve efficiency and patient care without sacrificing profitability. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://theteamtraininginstitute.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Hygiene is more than just preventative care. It's a way to tether patients to your practice! In this episode, Miranda Beeson, ACT's director of education, brings in four amazing ACT team members to share some of their best practices and insights for building value through hygiene. Hygienists are more than just “mouth janitors”! To learn of all the ways they provide value for your practice, listen to Episode 921 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About the ACT Team:Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com Send Angela an email: angela@actdental.com Send Miranda an email: miranda@actdental.com Send Courtney an email: courtney@actdental.com Send Christina an email: christina@actdental.com Follow the Team on ACT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalMore Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT's BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT's BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT's To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 921: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Hygiene is how you keep patients tethered to your practice.Be aligned on what your optimal standard of care is for patients.Always schedule the patient's next appointment before they leave.Don't underestimate the influence hygiene can have on practice growth.Put a consistent follow-up plan in place to reintroduce unscheduled patients.Use value building language to communicate why their next appointment matters.Have documented systems that support your philosophy, initiatives, and follow-ups.When doctors and hygienists work together, both the patients and the practice...

In this episode of the BrushwithBritt Podcast, Britt sits down with Derik Sven

From Burnout to Balance: Nervous System Tools Every Hygienist NeedsStress is more than just part of the job—it's living in our bodies, shaping our breath, and impacting our well-being far beyond the operatory. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow dental hygienist, Heather DeJonge who's turned her personal stress journey into a passion for nervous system regulation.We dive into what stress really looks like in clinical care, how to recognize the signs of dysregulation, and what tools you can start using—right now—to shift from survival mode to a state of calm, focus, and presence. From breathwork to somatic movement and cognitive reframes, this episode is packed with practical strategies that actually fit into your day.If you've ever ended a hygiene day with tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a sense of emotional exhaustion… this conversation is for you.https://www.instagram.com/the_relaxed_hygienist/

Here's the typical scenario: dental offices are not profitable by procedure, so they work the hygienists to death in order to make up for lost revenue. Then there's the lack of support Hygienists need when diagnosing periodontal disease. Need I say more?It's no wonder why dental hygienists are burned out... But is there something dentists can do to reverse this problem? Enjoy the podcast...Support the show

Ready to lean into your unique story and calling in dentistry? On today's episode we hear a story that proves the most meaningful career paths often begin in unexpected places with Brandi Hooker Evans. Anne and Brandi dive into what it truly means to listen to your inner voice, honor your unique gifts, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. Together, they explore Brandi's transformative two-decade career in dental hygiene, including pivotal moments of self-discovery and reinvention that led her to found the Stellar Infusion Study Club. This episode unpacks timely topics like burnout, self-comparison, and the value of community within dentistry. Plus, Brandi's book, “Dentists, Hygienists, and Cows,” and her educational resources underscore the importance of holistic learning and continual inspiration—reminding every dental professional that fulfillment is within reach when you lean into what makes you unique. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Brandi's Idaho roots shaped her approach to dentistry and life. The importance of embracing your unique journey and strengths. What inspired the creation of the Stellar Infusion Study Club and its community impact. Practical strategies to overcome burnout and comparison. Why continuing education and holistic learning matter in dentistry. Insights from Brandi's acclaimed book and its relevance for dental hygienists. How to listen to your inner voice and realign with your true purpose. Hit play now and discover how honoring your story can transform your career and your sense of purpose! Learn More About Brandi Hooker Evans Here! Website: brandihookerevans.com Brandi's Book "Dentists, Hygienists, and Cows: How Brilliant Dental Professionals Have Great Days Providing Exquisite Individualized Care": a.co/d/6ARymXZ Stellar Infusion Study Club: brandihookerevans.com/studyclub Don't Forget to Sign Up for the Next DeW Retreat! 7th Annual DeW Life Retreat November 13-15, 2025 Charlotte, NC Want to get more involved? Join our membership and community below for exclusive perks! Join the DeW Life movement by becoming a member using this link.Join the Dental Entrepreneur movement by becoming a member using this link.Read the most recent edition of DeW Life Magazine here.Just DeW It Podcast is the official podcast of Dental Entrepreneur Women (DeW), founded by Anne Duffy, RDH. The mission of DeW is to inspire, highlight, empower, and connect all women in dentistry. To join the movement or to learn more, please visit dew.life. Together, we can DeW amazing things! References: Events:DeW Retreat 2025Chicago MidwinterThe Utah Dental ConventionIowa Dental ConventionThe Greater New York Dental MeetingYankee Dental Congress People:Rachel Hollis - Girl, Wash Your FaceKatrina M. Sanders-StewartAnne O. RiceAngela Davis SullivanJoy LantzDr. Uche Odiatu Organizations:The Hinman Dental Society

Rachel in Manchester and Colin in Kirkwall go head-to-head in the mighty quiz!

Is your dental routine silently affecting your heart, brain, or overall health?In this episode of Better Health Bookshelf, host Mike Capuzzi talks with certified biological dental hygienist Heather the Hygienist, author of Dentistry Made Easy: The Consumer's Guide to Oral Health and Smart Decisions. If you're over 50 and focused on wellness, you'll discover how holistic dental care is far more than cosmetic—it's foundational to your full-body health.Listeners will learn:Why a healthy smile is a powerful indicator of systemic health and longevityThe hidden dangers of fluoride, mercury, and conventional dental productsHow to find a holistic dentist and make smarter, safer dental choicesIf you're looking for a natural, practical approach to oral care that supports the health of your entire body, press play now and hear what your conventional dentist may never tell you.If you find this episode helpful, please consider subscribing and sharing it with friends and family.

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

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked connection between oral health and overall well-being. Our guest, Heather Paul, a certified biological dental hygienist and orofacial myofunctional therapist with over 30 years of experience, shares her powerful journey from conventional dentistry to holistic wellness. Motivated by her daughter's severe allergies and shocking discoveries about ingredients in food and oral care products, Heather set out to revolutionize the way we care for our mouths. From uncovering hidden toxins in mainstream dental hygiene to creating clean, safe, and effective alternatives, she reveals how true health begins in the mouth—and how your oral care choices can impact your entire body. © Light Body Radio-Podcast, 2025. All rights reserved. This podcast features background music by ScottHolmes Music. We have obtained the necessary licenses for the use of this music. Our license was renewed on May 7, 2024, and we have been using ScottHolmes Music since 2017. Unauthorized use or distribution of this podcast, including but not limited to the background music, is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. For more information or to request permissions, please contact scott@scottholmesmusic.com.

Tiff and Kristy discuss how to best support patients during limited exams, including centering your own team's frame of mind, creating proper triage protocol, building trust through communication, and more. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript Tiffanie (00:00) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. We are back today with some really, really exciting things. We speak to the doctors, we speak to the team side, and we really want that to come together in today's podcast. We've got a lot of information for you doctors, but then we've also got a lot of information for you to pass off and train your team members on or pass off this podcast, and we will help train your team members on this space just here within this podcast even.   Jam-packed with a ton of information. It's for everyone. Team members, if you're here listening and your doctor's not a listener, vice versa, send it on over because I do think this is going to be some great information for everyone to start implementing right away. So you guys, I have Kristy here with me today. You know her, you love her. I know her, I love her. There's just no one on this earth that will meet her and not love her. So Kristy, you are just an amazing human being. are an excellent coach.   and consultant. You've been doing this for many years and I am just constantly impressed by you and how you really work so well with doctors and especially team members. I've seen you really diffuse a lot of situations, handle with care, and you constantly make people feel seen and feel heard. So thank you for being here with me today, Kristy. And really before we pop into this, I'm going to   I like to surprise you and Dana. Dana will tell you I do this a lot. So something pops into my head and I'm like, actually, that's gonna be really great. I think before we even get started on this, you guys, so that you know, we're gonna be really, we're gonna be talking about how to really, really maximize a limited or an emergency exam and how to enlist the team to support and getting the most out of it for yourself and for your patients. So before we get started, Kristy I would love for you to share with everyone here today and myself.   on a couple of ideas or maybe even tools, I don't know, but how do you do so well at presenting yourself for other people to be able to feel so comfortable and the ability to allow people to be able to feel vulnerable in your space to be able to learn and to be able to make changes and impart changes with practices? Like, how is that?   I know it's a natural tendency of yours, but if there's anything you can help doctors and team members really learn on how to show up so that they can do that too, I guess is what I'm asking.   Kristy (02:35) I suppose you're right. I think it does come natural to me. I'm a pretty great listener yet. Also, I think it's very important to validate people where they're at and never make them feel small. You know, Tiff, I do not like being in the limelight, but I get a lot of thrill out of watching other people's growth or really watching them and seeing their brilliance within them and making that shine, bringing it out.   I suppose I look again, it's meeting them where they're at, showing them maybe something different than they even thought possible for themselves and just touching on their brilliance. It's okay if we don't know everything right now, but dang, together we're gonna grow and we're gonna do this. So really just partnering with them and making them feel safe in that space, know, treating them like I would have wanted to be treated too. So, yeah.   Tiffanie (03:30) Yeah, thank you. Thank you. And it sounds like   for implement implementation tools, it's really seeing people and acknowledging.   what it is that they're doing. if you've got a front office team member and you're like, gosh, like we've got 99 % of our patients confirmed for tomorrow, acknowledging that like, how did you do that? And really, like you said, partnering, I love that you use that word use it often, really partnering with that person and celebrating some of the things that they're doing really well. But also acknowledging there may be space for growth, we might have 99 % confirmations, but maybe we have   three, four, five hygiene openings on the same day. So acknowledging spaces that are going really well, but also that there is growth in everyone to be found and how do we layer on top of what we're doing really well already to create change in all of the areas to get the results we're after. Yeah? Yeah, yeah. So I love that theory and idea and I love how you do handle that. I think it's key and   Kristy (04:28) You nailed it.   Tiffanie (04:36) imparting any kind of change or any kind of just updates even, right? Like handbook updates, like all of those pieces that are scary to go back to your team and say, hey, we're going to change this, we're going to do it differently, because human nature says, no, keep doing it the same. Even if it's not working, this is comfortable. So I want to stay here with what I already know. So really being able to have that candor and be able to have those conversations and utilize communication really well to be able to impart the   the changes is going to be key. And then acknowledging once that change has happened, that it's working or not. So making sure we're tracking the results, but then also acknowledging the work that's being put in. think, Kristy, that's something you do really well is going back and saying, gosh, this is what we did. Look at how amazing these results are. This is what you guys put in. This is why it's working. And going back and re-acknowledging the steps that it's taking to do that.   Huge massive kudos to you, Kristy. I know you don't love the spotlight, but we're on a podcast, so your spotlight is always with me. I do think that really flows right into being able to maximize the limited exam.   Kristy (05:43) Yeah.   Tiffanie (05:52) There's so many spaces, there's so many spaces of growth, there's so much space of support for the team to give to the patient and to the doctor. And then also, I think everything you just said, Kristy, for team members, for doctors and team members to utilize, this works hand in hand with our patient base as well. With anyone, you guys take this home to your family and just be shocked at how amazing your kids' rooms will look if you utilize those communication tools and really acknowledge them for.   picking up that one stuffed animal when there's 15 more, like great, like let's get these other ones. So let's figure this out. Like really take these tools to any space of life, but it goes hand in hand with our patient communication as well. And the emergency slash limited exam space can be really tense for both of you. And it's a vulnerable space. Dentistry is a vulnerable space for patients anyways, but then knowing that gosh.   100 % something is wrong. Like, I'm stressed. I don't I'm stressed about cost. I'm stressed about what this is going to be. Is my tooth savable? Is it going to hurt? maybe it hurts now. There's so much emotion wrapped around these appointments that we've really got to handle them with care, love, candor, all of those spaces. Like Kristy like how is Kristy, put that in your head, what will Kristy do? How Kristy handle this this communication?   And how can your team support you in getting the best results and outcome for your patients? And Kristy, you and I were just chatting right before this and really talking about like the triage, incoming call, because we always say everything, right? Everything starts with the call. But how can that, in your opinion, Kristy, how can the front office team member taking that phone call, how can they support?   the back office dental assistant's hygienist doctor in that appointment. What's that first step look like for them to truly support this patient in getting the best care possible?   Kristy (07:47) I love how you talked about the limited exam in the very beginning and opportunity. think number one, that's where we need to go. And also you mentioned about supporting them. They need us. And many times, I mean, you've been in the practice just like I have. You've been an assistant too when that limited exam has messed up your day and it just, you know.   Again, it maybe didn't make for a real positive day, but truly I think taking a step back and looking at it a little bit differently, really we all got into dentistry at the heart of it for some reason to care for other people. And yes, while it may mess up our day, those people truly are the ones that need us, probably the most, right? And so taking that step back and putting that frame of mind,   when that phone call comes in. And like you said, also triaging it, right? Sometimes it truly isn't the emergency that the patient thinks it is. So having a set protocol or questions that we can ask on the front, you know, I'll share with you. I love the, a scale of one to 10, how bad is it hurting today? And on that same scale of one to 10, you know, have you taken anything for it and where does it land when you take something on that same scale?   Because if they're at a nine for pain, but they take something and it subsides to a five, I may have a little bit of time to get them in and not necessarily mess up my schedule, right? But if it's a nine and nothing's helping, know, yeah, we got to find the best, worst, worst, best time, however you say that, to put them in. But really, it's an opportunity to make a difference for them and truly do what we-   Tiffanie (09:34) I'm sorry.   Kristy (09:44) What we love to do is care for people, right? And hopefully make a different outcome for them. So on the first call, we can make a difference. We can triage it to also help the best, but also take great care of the patient.   Tiffanie (09:58) Absolutely. Yeah, I agree. And that triage you guys I would I would create I mean, I have them we can send them to you Hello@TheDentalATeam.com just ask us for them. I would create an intake card, an intake form. And what I used to do actually, when I was in the in the front office at my dental practice, I had it on like a sticky note or a card, it was laminated and it was up by my computer so that I would ask those questions and what I would do and what I encourage team members to do.   is to throw it into the notes section of the appointment. So how long has it hurt? Like Kristy said, on a scale of one to 10, what would you rate your pain today? Are you taking anything for it over the counter or otherwise? Have you ever had this looked at before? Is this the first time that this has occurred? And really, and what is it? What area of the mouth? What is happening? What are your symptoms?   And then now we can, that's a triage to be able to say, okay, where does this appointment go? I do have to say there are so many practices, so many dentists that reach out and they're like, Tiff, Kristy, Kiera, Dana, Britt, like on my schedule is nuts. And I can think of a doctor in specific that one of our first calls, he's like, Tiff, I have like 10 limited appointments a day.   And my if you called me today to schedule my limited availability is two weeks out. And I was like, what? That's wild. Like there's I have so many questions right now. Like, why are patients not getting treatment done? Are these new patients? It's so many questions like that is wild to me. And that's the extreme but I definitely have doctors who are like, hey, I've got I've got limited emergency exams air quotes there if you're listening in the car that are coming in and it's like, well, I had a filling done a week ago and it's still high. Okay.   we didn't triage then to figure out what the actual quote unquote emergency is. That's an office visit y'all. Like that's a, you know what, great, let's get you in where we can to get that adjusted. But I'm saving this spot here for someone who's in pain because they have a toothache, right? And I get you, I hear you team members, a high filling is going to cause pain.   Yes, get them in. Don't make them wait a week. Don't make them wait two weeks. Get them in. But the patient who calls if their face is swollen or their tooth has fractured or they just got into an accident.   I had a kid that fell at baseball practice and knocked his tooth out or broken. These, guys, how are we getting these patients in? So being able to triage that and asking the right questions ahead of time is gonna help you to manipulate the schedule accurately and really, like Kristy said, get those patients in where they need to be seen. And I have oftentimes myself taken phone calls that a patient is like...   You don't understand, I gotta get in and I'm like, okay, great. Like, let's talk through this. Let's let's talk about what you've got going on. And I'm like, okay, like it's 355. And you're all you're gonna survive. Let's get you in at 8am. Let's get you in at 9am with the doctor, we're going to be ready for you. We're going to be able to do treatment, we're going be able to do something to get you out of pain tomorrow.   let's get you in in the morning, right? Because it's like, okay, on the scale of I know dental emergencies, the person calling me doesn't have that same scale. And so to them, what they are experiencing is massive. But when the grand scheme of things to ask a team to stay late, probably not, and you can survive until tomorrow morning, right? So you get to triage these things and make the best schedule for you all.   and then also prep the team, you guys. I mentioned at the beginning that I'm putting all of those things in the appointment notes because I then want my dental assistant to be able to say, my gosh, Kristy.   Kristy (13:37) Thank   Tiffanie (13:49) Come on back, like let's get you taken care of. And then on the walk even, used to, as a dental assistant, I'd be like, Kristy, gosh, how are you feeling it? From the notes here, it looks like that upper right tooth is really bothering you. How are you doing? And I'm sitting Kristy down and I'm putting her bib on and I'm like, tell me more about it. It looks like you're taking ibuprofen and it's kind of reducing it. Have you tried anything else? Like now we're in conversation and Kristy, how does it feel on the other side to be like, my gosh, great.   They already, they took the information yesterday and now we're actually, we're in conversation about it. And Kristy, from your point of view, how does that conversation utilizing the information, which caveat you guys, if your front office team is putting the information in there and you're not using it, they're gonna stop putting it in there. And then you're gonna be upset that it's not in there. So make sure you're using it. But Kristy, from the patient standpoint and from your point of view, your perspective, how do you feel that conversation?   lands for the patient in respect to going back to what we talked about earlier with the communication. How does that help that open that space in those lines?   Kristy (14:54) Yeah, I love that you bring that up because it is a true opportunity to make a huge difference and it really does elevate the patient's level of trust and we have to remember that those patients coming in on emergency are probably even a little higher level of anxiety than just the normal dental patient, right? Almost every person coming to the dental office, even if they don't mind it, have some level of anxiety.   And your limited exams or your limited emergency patients definitely probably are ratcheted up another level. being heard is huge in, you know, diminishing that anxiety and, or at least lessening it, right? And then just elevating that level of trust so that when you guys do diagnose something, figure out what's going on.   they're more likely to say yes to the treatment because you validated them, you heard them. How many times do we call the doctor's office, because we have to get in for a sore throat, and you go through every person and you think, why did I just tell the last five people? Because nobody listened to me. Everybody walked in and said the same thing. So I agree with you, Tiff, that is so huge. And I'm gonna even like maybe plant another seed of opportunity that if ever,   We talk about handoffs all the time with our clients, right? If ever you can have a new patient limited come in and the admin team walks them back and hands it off and gives them that information, wow, knock it out of the park. They're already like, whoa, this is very different than I've ever experienced. And they listened from the first phone call, right?   Tiffanie (16:41) Yeah, yeah, I love that that elevated experience is what we're always after. And it's that concierge style. I know. I just got back from vacation. So it's super fresh for me and everybody. My boyfriend works for a company that is an incredible company and they have these trips that you can earn. And he he earns them. He's an incredible worker. And these trips are just incredible. And there I was sitting with someone and he said, gosh, it's so cool.   companies don't do this. Companies don't do things like this. Like he's like, my company got me the Calm app for a year. And I was like, well, bro, I love the Calm app and that $80. Like I hear, I hear why that would be great. But side note to that, you're right. Companies don't do this as like a bonus structure as an incentive, right. But what actually sticks out to me is not just the trip, right, because we can get myself   Kristy (17:15) Just what?   Tiffanie (17:32) to London somehow, some way I can get myself to London. What I can't and won't do is go the extra mile to have a tour agency right there scheduling everything. At my beck and call, I had someone that would tell me what the schedule was. The concierge members would schedule dinners for us. The show that I wanted to see, I could tell them to schedule it. That's the level.   of difference for me, because we can get ourselves anywhere, but going on a vacation like that, that the company set up so many spaces that you don't have to think about anything, is what makes these trips exciting to me, right? Yes, I acknowledge they're really cool, but what's cool about them is the level of service that we get at every step of the way.   Dental offices are on every corner, sometimes two or three in the same parking lot, you guys. Your concierge, your level of service that you're providing to the patients is what makes it stick. That's what you're here for and that's what's gonna make you feel the best. So I totally agree. What can we do for these patients to level it up that much more? And really to maximize those appointments, I know from...   me saying it from Kristy saying like do these things it sounds like more but it actually decreases the amount of time spent because you've you've quickly and easily created a relationship with a human and they're ready to then move forward to the next step they trust you the relationship is there they're hearing you because they felt heard and they're ready to push forward so even that concierge style on that first phone call and maybe even saying like gosh you know what   We've got this space to look at. I have an idea. What if we bring you in and we look at everything with a high focus on this area because my gut says if this is happening there, this isn't the only spot that's going to be troublesome. And I would rather give us the opportunity to catch it ahead and be proactive than wait for another call like this where you're in pain. So let's get you scheduled and let's get you scheduled for   a full exam and x-rays with a high focus on this area. I've just converted a limited exam into a comp exam. That's maximizing an emergency appointment. If I didn't convert it over the phone, dental assistant, hygienist, whoever's getting this limited exam, we're doing the same thing. Hey, I have an idea. Let's maximize your time here.   Let's be proactive and let's make sure there's nothing else in there that's going to pop up like this because I don't think you want to be in pain like this again, I venture to say. Let's make sure that everything else is taken care of as well with a high focus on this today. So making sure we're maximizing your time, the patient's time and your time and creating more value out of a very seemingly simple appointment. But it takes knowing what the patient is coming in for.   passing that information off, passing that information off to the doctor correctly, and making sure that everything that we're getting from the patient, all that information is being used. That's how you make those appointments maximized and how you efficiently and effectively use your time wisely. You guys know, if you've listened to anything at all, Kara always says, efficiency is my jam. It will be on my headstone, on my grave. That is locked in stone.   Kristy (21:00) you   Tiffanie (21:04) Listen to me when I save. This is how I personally have saved time and built stronger relationships very quickly with my patients in office and watched and trained practices to do it forever. So build that protocol and you guys, doctors, that protocol of information, the triage that we're gathering, it's based on the information that you want.   when you're gonna sit down and talk to that patient. What are the questions you are going to ask that patient that they can gather, your support team can gather the information ahead of time and give it to you, saving you that time and you can jump into relationship and diagnosis. What are those things that you want to know? Allow them to build that intake form, that triage form.   team members, support the doctor in utilizing that form, and support the whole team in scheduling properly based off that triage, and that's gonna be huge for you. And if you schedule optimally, you know what you're scheduling for, you guys, can probably even pop in some same day treatment very frequently, very often because you're already prepped. As a dental assistant, Kristy, there were so many times where I'd see an emergency, and I'm like, or I'd see an emergency of a patient that had been in and had a...   filling or a crown or whatever diagnosed on that tooth already. So I already had a pack ready to go so that when Doc confirmed what that treatment was, even a new patient saying this is my pain, like as a dental assistant, I'm like, okay, these are probably the two, three things that he's potentially diagnosing. Let me have these things prepped and ready for quick grab in case we can move forward with treatment today. And then I'm talking to my patient about that. Like, gosh, you know what?   Typically when I see this, I already know, I know what the options are, right? Typically when we see this, I usually see doctors say things like this.   I'm preheating and prepping that patient for what the doctor may come in and say. Again, doctors building that relationship. That's that co-diagnosis space. And dental assistants, do not do yourselves the disservice of thinking that you can't do that. It is not just for hygiene. Hygienists cannot diagnose. You cannot diagnose. But both of your positions can co-diagnose and support the patient and the doctor in moving forward with treatment.   So triage, make sure you've got something really easy for them to utilize. Implement it, get your hand off straight, you guys. Probably practice them, I love role playing those. And work to maximize your time by utilizing these systems, but also by saying, hey, let's get your whole mouth taken a look at today. We don't have to do everything, I don't even have to show you everything. I just need to know what's going on there and get a treatment plan so that we can move forward. I digress.   And I think, Kristy, I really feel like all of those spaces go straight back to the first conversation we had today of really opening up that communication and making those changes for the team, but also for the patients. And one thing I want to highlight before we finish, something I loved doing as a dental assistant for my, especially for my emergency patients, but any patients, something I loved doing, you guys, was really saying like, gosh, I know that this is rough for you, or know you've got, you know, this is   this might be overwhelming for you. But I want to highlight some things that are going really well. Two, one, you're here. You walked through my front doors. And my patients with the highest anxiety would cry when I would say that. I would say you're here, you're here with me. I'm not going to let you down. And I'm going to be here for the long haul. So number one, you're here. Number two, you're ready to take a proactive step. And again, I'm here for you. So just   Again, that relationship, being in relationship and Kristy, that goes back to like acknowledging. That's hard for a lot of patients walking through that door. It's hard. And when they're scared, gosh, I've had patients that they're like, no, I haven't been to the dentist since I was 12 and they're 42. I'm like, well, congratulations, here we are. And you've still got a lot of teeth in your mouth after 30 years. Like that's huge. So let's take a look. But Kristy.   I think we've given them a ton of information on how to maximize a limited exam appointment. What do you feel like if they could take one step today? Doctor might be listening to this, maybe it's Saturday or Tuesday night. What's one thing that our doctors listening today can do to get this process started for their practice?   Kristy (25:37) Yeah, again, going back to what you said, really dialing into those questions and also, know, doctors remembering back when they very first started, they welcomed a lot of a limited exams, right? Like we wanted them. We used to cheer when we'd have them because we knew it was putting something in the chair and more than likely they had other things going on. So challenging them to kind of reframe it and look at it in that direction.   The other thing with doctors too, for limited, maybe when they come to morning huddle, they scan the schedule and see if I had to have an emergency today, where's the best time to put it? Because that's the other thing too, Tiff, when people call in and front office doesn't know where to put it and then they put them on hold forever because they gotta find somebody, identify those times, go through your questions that you would ask. And honestly, I also say doctors,   I know this is hard for you because you walk in the room and you kind of take charge, but be the guest in the room. Acknowledge the patient is sitting there. It'd be weird if you didn't, but then quickly turn to your assistant and let them hand off to you. Give them that space to do that. And like you said, it truly will save time because patient doesn't have to repeat themselves. And for the team members, you don't have to be afraid of leaving anything out. All you have to say is, hey,   May I share with Dr. Smith everything that we talked about, right? And then turn to the patient. Was there anything that I forgot or anything you want to add? Then you don't ever have to be afraid. You can feel confident. And if they speak more, so be it. You know what I mean? But those would be my tips there.   Tiffanie (27:23) Yeah, I love it. And I think we wrap on that. So go do those things. Go create the best process possible for your patients and for your team. If it's working for your team, it works for your patients and your flow is great. And guess what? We hit goals and patients are happy and satisfied and teams happy. So go do all the things you guys. Thank you so much for listening. Kristy, thank you so much for being here and letting me surprise you and put you in the spotlight for so many things. So thank you for that. And you guys.   As always, drop us a five star review, let us know if this was great information, how much you loved it, and allow others to find it as well. Share with your friends, your coworkers, your doctors, if your team member's here, and doctors with your team members if you're a doctor here. So share with everyone, we wanna make sure that these protocols really get put into place, and if you need help with any of it, Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. We are always here to help, and just so you know, when those do come in, I said it before, they do come to us consultants, so you are getting actual information, reliable.   And we are here to help. So thank you everyone and go have a great rest of your day.  

Your hygienists are vital for the success of your practice — and you can help them measure their impact! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt brings back Ariel Juday, one of ACT's amazing coaches, to share five KPIs that will help improve efficiency, patient care, and even increase job satisfaction. To learn which metrics your hygienists should track for the health of your patients and practice, listen to Episode 891 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Ariel:Send Ariel an email: ariel@actdental.com Follow Ariel on ACT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdentalSend the ACT Team your questions: info@actdental.com Send Courtney an email to learn more about ACT: courtney@actdental.com More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT's BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT's BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT's To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 891: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosSign up for ACT's BPA to watch Katrina Sanders's Hygiene Exam Essentials Part 1: https://join.actdental.com/users/sign_in?post_login_redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.actdental.com%2Fc%2Fvideo-recordings%2Fkatrina-sanders-hygiene-exam-essentials-part-1-innovations-in-periodontics#emailSign up for ACT's BPA to watch Katrina Sanders's Hygiene Exam Essentials Part 2:...

What if your mouthwash were as harmful as a floor cleaner? Join Late Boomers Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington as they dive into the surprising world of oral health with Heather Paul, a certified biological dental hygienist and founder of Simply Silver Mouthwash. Heather's eye-opening journey began with her daughter's health issues, leading her to question traditional dentistry's hidden dangers. She believes that root canals, and mercury fillings disrupt your body's balance and that commercial oral care products undermine your immune system. Heather shares natural alternatives like colloidal silver and coconut oil, and introduces myofunctional therapy to improve mouth function and prevent diseases shares natural alternatives like colloidal silver and coconut oil, and introduces myofunctional therapy to improve mouth function and prevent diseases. Plus, learn about the shocking links between oral health and systemic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's. Don't miss Heather's insights from her book, Dentistry Made Easy, and find out how to reclaim your oral health for overall wellness. Tune in now!Heather Paul's Bio:Heather the Hygienist is a certified biological dental hygienist, registered dental hygienist, and orofacial myofunctional therapist with 30 years of experience. Originally from farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin, she moved to Florida in the 1980s. Her parents, with their love for natural living, inspired her wellness journey, which deepened when one of her twin daughters faced serious health issues, including food allergies. In 2010, Heather began investigating the chemicals in commercial products, fueling her commitment to healthier alternatives.Driven to offer patients the cleanest, most effective oral care, Heather created Simply Silver Mouthwash, Toothpaste, and Breath Spray. She is also the author of Dentistry Made Easy: The Consumer's Guide to Oral Health and Smart Choices and a children's book, Dorothy and the Tale of the Lost Tooth. A public speaker, practicing clinician, and personal dental consultant, Heather balances her professional life with being a wife and mother to twin daughters. She lives in Tampa, FL, where she enjoys family time and the beach.Special Offer: LATEBLOOMERS20 for 20% off total order to my website www.simplysilvermouthwash.comConnect with Heather:Website: www.simplysilvermouthwash.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimplySilverMouthwashFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplysilvermouthwash1Instagram: @simplysilvermouthwashTikTok: @heatherthehygienist1X: @ourhygienistThank you for listening. Please check out @lateboomers on Instagram and our website lateboomers.us. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to watch it or listen to more of our episodes, you will find Late Boomers on your favorite podcast platform and on our new YouTube Late Boomers Podcast Channel. We hope we have inspired you and we look forward to your becoming a member of our Late Boomers family of subscribers.

If you've been struggling to find (and keep) great dental hygienists lately, you're not alone. In this episode, Jeff talks about the hygienist shortage that's hitting practices hard in 2025. We'll explore what's behind it—from burnout and post-pandemic career shifts to fewer grads coming out of hygiene programs. Plus, we'll share real-world tips on how to navigate the hiring crunch, keep your current team happy, and plan for the future.  MGE Power Program - https://www.mgeonline.com/power-program 

Hygienists and periodontists have different roles in a practice. But that doesn't mean hygienists aren't as smart! In this episode of Clinical Edge Fridays, Kirk Behrendt shares their recent Master Class by Katrina Sanders, The Dental WINEgenist, to test your knowledge and skills in diagnosing various cases. Are you smarter than a periodontist? To find out, listen to Episode 879 of The Best Practices Show!Learn More About Katrina:Give Katrina a call: (612) 345-1150Send Katrina an email: info@katrinasanders.com Join Katrina on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDentalWINEgenistFollow Katrina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenistLearn more on Katrina's website: https://katrinasanders.comRegister for Katrina's Oral-Systemic Myth course (August 1, 2025): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-oral-systemic-myth-august-1-2025-tickets-1267455015069More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:Subscribe to The Best Practices Show: https://the-best-practices-show.captivate.fm/listenJoin The Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpaDownload ACT's BPA app on the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/best-practices-association/id6738960360Download ACT's BPA app on the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actdental.join&hl=en_USJoin ACT's To The Top Study Club: https://www.actdental.com/tttSee the ACT Dental/BPA Live Event Schedule: https://www.actdental.com/eventGet The Best Practices Magazine for free: https://www.actdental.com/magazinePlease leave us a review on the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-practices-show-with-kirk-behrendt/id1223838218Episode Resources:Watch the video version of Episode 879: https://www.youtube.com/@actdental/videosMain Takeaways:Periodontal disease has been on the rise in recent decades.Understand and master each segment of the ADPIE process of care.Become a partner with patients in preventing and managing inflammation.Hygienists play a critical role in reducing the number of adults with periodontitis.Snippets:0:00 Introduction.2:22 Katrina's background and upcoming...

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 391  HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak DESCRIPTION Peter and Craig discuss dental practice financial management, covering investment psychology, tax implications, and liquidity needs. They explore how dentists can optimize discretionary funds, manage investment risks, and consider practice expansion. The conversation highlights dentists' unique economic position, allowing calculated risk-taking while maintaining stability. They also examine hygienists' role in practice growth, financial expansion strategies, and the importance of understanding cash flow and enterprise value.   TAKEAWAYS Investments should be evaluated based on their potential to grow the practice. Taxes are often the largest expense in a dentist's life. Liquidity is crucial for financial security and peace of mind. Understanding the tax code can help dentists minimize their tax burden. The dental profession offers stability and consistent income opportunities. The role of hygienists is crucial for practice growth. Evaluating expansion opportunities requires careful financial analysis. Understanding cash flow is essential for sustainable growth. Investing in your practice is often the best financial decision. Psychological barriers can hinder investment decisions. Dentists should focus on building wealth through their practices. Networking and education are vital for financial success. The Bulletproof Summit offers valuable insights for dental professionals. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:11 The Psychology of Investments in Dentistry 05:59 Understanding Taxes as a Major Expense 09:06 The Importance of Liquidity and Financial Security 12:02 Risk and Opportunity in Dentistry 15:02 Evaluating Practice Expansion vs. External Investments 20:41 The Role of Hygienists in Practice Growth 24:50 Financial Strategies for Practice Growth 27:29 Understanding Cash Flow and Returns 32:05 Investing in Your Practice vs. Other Assets 38:56 Preparing for the Future: The Bulletproof Summit   REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Mastermind  

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

Dental practice owners across the country are facing a critical challenge: how to continue growing when hygienists seem impossible to find. This shortage creates a frustrating bottleneck - you've got the new patients flowing in, your clinical skills are sharp, your systems are solid, but without adequate hygiene capacity, your practice hits a growth ceiling that feels impenetrable.The mathematics behind this problem are straightforward but concerning. A full-time hygienist seeing seven patients daily for four days weekly can accommodate 672 patients on a six-month recall schedule. For practices bringing in 80-100 new patients monthly with strong reappointment rates, a single hygienist reaches capacity within just eight months. This reality forces practice owners to make difficult decisions about resource allocation.Beyond simply raising compensation to attract scarce hygiene talent (though that may be necessary), savvy practice owners are deploying creative solutions: becoming more selective about recalls and building robust ASAP lists; extending recall intervals beyond the traditional six months for appropriate patients; restructuring patient flow to route new patients directly through doctor exams with same-day dentistry opportunities; and implementing assisted hygiene models to increase capacity. Each approach has merits and challenges, but combining these strategies can help practices continue growing despite staffing limitations.Remember that transparency with patients about industry-wide staffing challenges helps manage expectations, and consider that new patients often represent a population with greater immediate treatment needs than established patients who already receive regular care. By implementing these five practical solutions, you can continue growing your practice, serving your community effectively, and maintaining the profitability that supports your ideal lifestyle.Ready to implement systems that create freedom and profitability in your practice? Visit dentalpracticheroes.com to learn more about our training programs designed specifically for practice owners who want more time off while maintaining exceptional income.Text us your feedback! (please note: we cannot respond through this channel))Check out www.relevanceonlinemarketing.com if you want to get the same great marketing results as Dr. Etch. Mention DPH and get your first month FREE!Take Control of Your Practice and Your Life I help dentists take more time off while making more money through systematization, team empowerment, and creating leadership teams. Join the DPH Hero Collective and get the tools, training, and support you need to transform your practice: Team and Doctor Training for every aspect of Practice Management Comprehensive Training: Boost profit, efficiency, and team engagement. Live Q&A Sessions: Get personalized help when you need it most. Supportive Community: Connect with practice owners on the same journey. Editable Systems & Protocols: Standardize your operations effortlessly. Ready to build a practice that works for you? Visit www.DentalPracticeHeroes.com to learn more.

This week I interviewed Heather Paul, also known as Heather the Hygienist. She is a Certified Dental Hygienist, Author of Dentistry Made Easy and The Great Tooth Deception and Owner of Simply Silver Mouthwash.We discussed why the mouth is actually the gateway to whole-body wellness along with:- Debunking Dental Myths- Practical Oral HealthTips- Natural solutions for maintaining a healthy mouth- Heather's fluoride-free, alcohol-free oral care lineand much, much more!Connect with Heather:https://www.simplysilvermouthwash.com/If you love the Get Lean Eat Clean Podcast, we'd love for you to subscribe, rate, and give a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Until next time!Links:Interested in Upgrading your Mitochondria, Improving Energy and Sleep! Check out Troscriptions: https://bit.ly/4ik5kK5Use Discount Code for 10% OFF: EATCLEAN----Watch Get Lean Eat Clean podcast video episodes on YouTube!YouTube.com/@briangryn3680-----How to Take Simple Steps to Reclaim the Body, Energy, and Strength You Had 10-15 Years Ago Using My Stepladder System:https://www.stepladdersystem.com/----B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel:The Best Protein on The Planet! Available in Two Delicious Flavors: Vanilla Bean and Cocoa BeanUse Coupon Code glec10off for 10% off your order!https://a.co/d/731gssV----My favorite health bars with clean ingredients!https://www.eatprima.com/BRIAN6816310% OFF with this link!| Listen to the Get Lean Eat Clean Podcast |►Apple Podcasts | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-lean-eat-clean/id1540391210►Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/0QmJzYZsdV6tUNbDxaPJjS| Connect with Brian |►Website | https://www.briangryn.com►Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bdgryn►Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/getleanandeatclean►Twitter | https://twitter.com/grynnerwinnerRead less

Alan was joined by the incomparable Melissa Obrotka, also known as "The Badass Hygienist!" They recorded this conversation live at the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. The episode dives deep into Melissa's journey in dental hygiene, her passion for progressive care, and her insights on the current state and future of the profession. Melissa shares the story behind her "Badass Hygienist" nickname, stemming from her proactive approach to improving patient care and her willingness to advocate for better technology and techniques. She recounts her experience transitioning to a periodontal prosthetics practice and the steep learning curve involved in maintaining complex implant cases as well as how she discovered "Guided Biofilm Therapy" (or GBT) a techniqu that she now teaches and uses clinically. Dr. Mead and Melissa also tackle some of the challenging issues facing dentistry today, including the hygiene shortage and potential solutions, the complexities of insurance-driven care, and the need for better communication and understanding between dentists and hygienists. Melissa offers her perspective on how hygienists can move beyond "polishing a paycheck" and embrace a more therapeutic and patient-centered approach. Some links from the show: itsthebadasshygienist (Melissa's Instagram) Guided Biofilm Therapy from EMS Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy" 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! -- 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 “VERYDENTAL10” you'll get another 10% off 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!  

Kiera reminds dentists to prioritize wellness and support in their day-to-day. Episode resources: Sign up for Dental A-Team's Virtual Summit 2025! Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: Kiera Dent (00:01.006) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera and happy National Dentist Day. I felt like today would be such a great day for us to highlight how we can support dentists on mental health, wellness, and excellence on National Dentist Day because I believe that dentistry can be a lonely profession. I believe that I've seen so many dentists feel alone and isolated like they're on their own island. And so today I just wanted to highlight and celebrate.   how much dentists do and also how dentists can help themselves, but also how your team can help support our doctors that do so much for us. So today, you guys, honestly, dentists face unique challenges. And so today I just wanted to have it be a powerful reminder that prioritizing wellness and support in our profession is necessary. It's needed. It's such a lonely profession in so many ways, if we choose. And I don't want us to choose that. I want us to choose a vibrant, a happy, a fulfilling   space in dentistry. And that's honestly what Dental A Team is about. We created this podcast to positively impact the world of dentistry. Our mission is to truly impact the world in the greatest way possible. And we do that through expert consulting for dentists and teams. And so really helping you see that there's two sides to this coin. There's ways that we can see that it's a lonely field and we can also see that it's a very fulfilling field. And so today I just really hope that you take some tips from today. I'll give you three simple steps of how we're able to really take care of ourselves through self-care.   through mental health and also team collaboration in dentistry. I'm really a big proponent of mental health, especially in dentistry. And so today I just wanted to walk you through, you guys know the Dental A team, we're here to support you. We have consultants that are truly in every position in the dental practice. We come into your practices. We coach you virtually. We help you. are your advocates in dentistry. We're your advocates in business. We're your advocates for having the life on your terms.   Like I've said many times, life is my passion, dentistry is my platform and helping you truly be the fulfilled dentist that you were created to be. I love focusing on you as a person, on your profitability of your practice and then on systems and team development for your practice and really making that be an achievable piece for you. And so today, you guys, I do believe that there is a balance needed between professional success and personal wellness. And I don't believe that it has to be one or the other, it's an and. And so really giving you some quick tips today.   Kiera Dent (02:19.418) of some concise value-packed information that hopefully will be able to help you as we celebrate National Dentist Day. So number one, step one is to prioritize mental health and stress management. And I think the word prioritize in choosing that I am someone who does prioritize mental health and stress management. There've been studies that have been done that show that the workforce used to be one where it was more physical labor and so really taking care of our bodies. And now we've moved into this space where it's a very mental   world where so much of it is in the mental cognitive constantly running and it never shuts off. And I believe for dentists you have the mental where it never shuts off, but you also have the physical exhaustion of truly doing dentistry all day long and your bodies and making sure you've got the ergonomics. so being able to have that mental health and stress management where we have some shutoff time, where we do build the muscle of our brain. I remember I was in therapy and I said like, I can go and I can work out, but what can I do for my mind? And that's where we   we start to create the, if you will, the workout or the, the mental strength building through meditation and through silence and through some of that downtime shut off to allow ourselves to actually have that calm, have that space. so some key strategies for better mental health are mindfulness and stress relief practices like meditation. I'm a big believer. I read Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. So if you're interested in a book, I love some tacticals for you.   That wouldn't really help me see how I could have a miracle morning of meditation, journaling, taking some time for me. And I really would encourage you to schedule 10 minutes a day or even just one minute a day for you to have mindfulness and reflection starting today. Do yourself a favor. It's National Dentist Day. Buy yourself the gift, the gift of time, the gift of mental clarity, the gift of   of really taking care and honoring yourself. And for me, I was able to do a shift of, like to honor my body. This incredible body that does so much for me is where my mental health journey started and to relieve the stress. So whatever it is for you, for me, it's hiking, it's being outside. So I love to meditate and I love to go for a morning walk to give my brain a shower. So whatever it is for you, giving yourself the gift, because if we can take care of ourselves, then we're able to give in support to so many others. And so dentists really,   Kiera Dent (04:35.662) being aware that you have the physical demands and you also have the emotional cognitive demands that are on you. And so having that, I also believe sometimes having a therapist can actually be a great thing for you within this mental health and stress management strategy that you create. And then also there's other things of joining communities of like-minded people like you. I believe that really can help and that's something I'm very passionate about. That's why we're bringing our dentists together because so many times as a consultant, I hear hundreds of offices.   and they have the same issues and the same concerns just colored in a little bit different way. so bringing our doctors together in person through our masterminds and through our in-person events really is a great way for our doctors to feel the support to say, I'm not alone. And when I hear dentists who have connected say, Kiera, I'm so grateful to know I'm not the only one. I think that can also boost that. So I would encourage you to schedule one minute to 10 minutes of just you time through meditation.   through stress relief, we're off the phones, we're off the screens, we're not listening to things, we're not trying to solve the problems of the world, but we just take that moment and reflect starting today. Step two is team members. This is for team members of how you can support your dentist. I do believe that teams, can really support our doctors by champion for them, helping our doctors get out on time, doing things for our doctors so that way we can...   Let them have the as much as we can take off their shoulders. So having our room set up and ready to go when doctors come in, so they're not looking for it. Hygienist calibrating. So that way your doctors have consistent exams. So when they walk in, they're able to get in, have a great exam and leave the room. Office managers, what your doctor asks you being really mindful and intentional to take notes and to follow up and to come back to your doctor. So they're not having to have the mental stress of trying to remember all the things they've asked for, but you proactively being on top of that.   Also making sure we're hitting our production goals and our profitability goals and our billing and keeping that AR down. I think are some really great ways to help support our doctor. And then also scheduling a schedule that's realistic for that doctor to be able to get through and not have to be superhuman and be in like five rooms at a different time or all at the same time. To me, that feels so unfair for that doctor. We expect so many things from our dentists. so teams, feel really being proactive on how we can help our doctor look to see because   Kiera Dent (06:53.912) Your doctor, as an owner, can tell you, is constantly thinking of ways that they can help make you happier too. And so if we can be a yin and yang team together where we're all looking out for how can we help each other. But those are some quick tips, I think, from doctors and from owners and from CEOs that I've heard that if team members would just rally in those little areas, typically the things that cause the most stress for our doctors are unproductive schedules. working and not making money.   not collecting and not having that 98 % collections and then also team morale and problems. And then there's a million other things, but I think those things really are some, some clutch things for teams to support. so teams also, I would encourage you check in with your doctor, especially office managers. You're the one closest ask your doctor, Hey, how are you doing? And what can I do to alleviate stress for you? Because I want to remind you, there's so much weight that none of our teams can see.   When I was a team member, didn't realize how much weight was on my doctor and my owner that I couldn't see. so really like seeing that weight that we don't even know and lifting in these little ways, I think can really help. And doctors, going to encourage you to ask for the help. I know we think as CEOs and owners, we're expected to do it all and have all the answers and you're a doctor. And what I will tell you is that's a great way to be lonely, overwhelmed and come unraveled versus there is another alternative that I'd love to offer as a perspective where you can actually have a team that supports you, that trusts you.   that rallies around you that wants you to be the best that you can possibly be and really truly creating that type of a culture that allows freedom, allows creativity, that allows fulfillment rather than being completely like smothered by your practice and feeling like you have to do it all. Both are available to you and I might encourage that today you actually choose this path and a great way for this is have a team meeting.   to discuss that every ways that our team can lift and maybe say, hey, this could really help me out if you could do X and each of us brings only one thing for one person. So not one person is getting 75 different things, but we're being intentional and cognitive of that. But how can we lift that burden? And a lot of times those burdens aren't even known. And so speaking up and having a team where we're collective with this, because the reality is most of us can take on one little piece that would actually chip away the burden of somebody that's very heavy. And then step three is,   Kiera Dent (09:05.73) I believe committing to lifelong learning and professional growth can also really help and this ties into a community. But finding ways to stay inspired, finding ways to get excited about what you're doing in dentistry rather than the day in day out mundane. And so finding ways where we can have continuous growth, we can find ways to stay engaged. I know for me, I accidentally got to a spot where I got disengaged. I lost the passion. I lost my why. I lost, why am I even doing this? I love what I do, but I'm stagnant.   And it was because I wasn't growing, I wasn't evolving. And so go to CE courses, schedule one in that really gets you excited. What do you really want to learn this year? What's kind of a pain point for me this year? It's marketing. And I'm super jazzed, even though it sounds daunting to me, but I'm super excited to learn the ins and outs of marketing, to take on AI courses, to figure out how I can incorporate that into the consulting company and then bring it also to our dental practices. But something that's going to engage me. I really have found that a lot of our doctors and myself included as a CEO,   getting in a community or a mastermind group with professionals, like where you can talk to them about these issues, you can be with them. I learned so much in person and that's why Dental A Team has brought in person to the table, to the scenes in 2025. I know when people have little kids or family agreement arrangements, it can be tricky, but I want to just remind you it's about a day and a half, at least that's Dental A Teams. It's a day and a half where you leave the practice, you leave your family.   and you go and you energize and you fill your cup. So then you're able to give to all these people so much more. And I think we, oftentimes make it bigger than it really is. It's a day and a half. So I'm giving up three days max of time to fuel my soul. And I think when we remind ourselves that we're worth that, but that's something essential. That's as essential as eating and having oxygen, at least for my soul and for me as a CEO and for a lot of the dentists that I consult and that our team consult, that's the equivalent of oxygen. And so really being able to have that of having a peer group,   And then really for yourself, just like, what do you want to evolve and to grow into set one or two of those that really just juices your life and gets you excited. I found that doctors, when they've joined groups, so a lot of our consulting clients, we have about a hundred clients and this year I'm excited. We're definitely going to be bringing on at least 200 and we've done it in a way where it will still feel very intimate, very small because I hate going into groups where I feel like I'm just one of the crowd. so   Kiera Dent (11:25.156) keeping it to where you feel very connected, very tethered, but also being able to expand our reach to more practices and to get more people connected. That's something I'm super jazzed about. And what I found is when dentists come together, when they see each other, when they meet with each other, their happiness goes up, their productivity goes up, their stress goes down, their team engagement goes up, because we don't just do this for doctors. We actually bring your office manager or a leader in person for you, because I found that that was the hardest thing. I go, get all excited about CE,   then I have no one to implement with me. And so not having that be the problem for you, but bringing you together. So productivity goes up, happiness goes up, stress goes down, team engagement goes up and ease comes into place and having friends. was like, gosh, it's like six wins right there. Just by being a part of something professional that stimulates you have a community of like-minded people for you. So like I said, three ways to do it are one, prioritize your mental health and set aside time to meditate, to do something for your mental wellness and stress management.   Number two is have a team that supports you and surrounds you and make sure that you are supported as a dentist and also dentists, you're asking for that help, not just burying yourself. And number three is having a support group and CE that energizes you and jazzes you and makes you so excited to continue and to be engaged are three great ways for you to be able to celebrate your mental health, your wellness and your fulfillment. This is truly the zone where you're gonna be able to have long-term success. We're not playing for the short game.   We're playing for the long game. We're playing for you to be fulfilled and happy for long-term success. And so I want you guys to know that I'm here. DM me, ask for help, reach out. If you want to come join us in person, I'd love to have you. These are some things that we can do. I'm happy to share with you my favorite meditation that I do, whatever I can do. So DM me for any tips. The Dental A Team, we're on Instagram, we're on all the platforms, we're on LinkedIn. You can message me directly.   And then also subscribe for more Leadership Insights where we celebrate you. We help you be a successful, thriving dentist and team. And if this can be a support for you, if you need one-on-one help or you're like, it would really help if I just had a coach in my corner, reach out. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com This is what we do. This is what we're experts at. And this is our passion. It's your success is our passion. And that's what we're here for. And as always, thanks for listening and I'll catch you next time on The Dental A Team Podcast.

Kiera and Britt continue their conversation from episode 958, Hiring Hygienists in Today's Economy, by discussing the shifting landscape of hygiene. This includes the pros and cons of assisted hygiene, shortened appointments, practices without hygienists, and more. Episode resources: Sign up for Dental A-Team's Virtual Summit 2025! Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: Kiera Dent (00:00.73) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera and the one and only Brittany Stone coming back for part two of our hygiene conversation. welcome back. How are you?   Britt (00:09.332) It's always fun when you start off with my full name, so I'm like, alright, let's go!   Kiera Dent (00:12.304) It is funny. You do range from Britney, Britt, like no BS Britt to B. B has recently come in. How do you feel about just B? I hope it comes across as like nice, but then I realized like, B could be taken wrong. So I never say the, hey B.   Britt (00:28.75) You're not the only one. I'm fine with it because it's easy and I'm like shoot you grew up with the initials BS like what are you gonna do?   Kiera Dent (00:37.904) Well, I never want to like sometimes when I call you and I'm like, hey B and I'm like, I hope it lands as like, like love. Yeah. Yeah. It's not meant for any other letters. But Britt and I, if you didn't listen to our other podcasts, Britt and I were chatting shop about how to hide like hire hygienists in today's economy. And with Britt bringing a hygiene perspective, if you don't know, Britt used to be hygienist.   Britt (00:46.83) It's Brett. stands for Brett.   Britt (00:52.748) Yeah.   Kiera Dent (01:07.3) Great. How long has it been since you graduated from a hygiene school? Let's just give people your scene.   Britt (01:10.05) Kiera.   You're gonna age me a little bit here.   Kiera Dent (01:16.162) Okay, don't feel age. The only reason I asked for it, so before you answer, just know my reasoning so you don't have to answer. I was just thinking because I wanted people to know you've been in the field for like enough time to give weight to your answers. But maybe we don't need to do that. Maybe it's been there for longer than five years. Shut, I didn't even know. All right, well, you have been in it for a long time.   Britt (01:31.512) That's fine. Eighteen, Kiera, eighteen.   Britt (01:40.378) I'll say this, was a young graduate from high school, so I'll give you that. That pushed me a year ahead, but 07 is when I graduated, so this year we'll make it 18.   Kiera Dent (01:49.111) No way.   Kiera Dent (01:52.996) Dang girl, I didn't even know. Okay, so Britt really has a lot of weight and you did hygiene for, and then Britt went from hygiene to then office management of a pretty large DSO and then came consulting and now does consulting and operations. So.   Britt (02:06.38) Yeah, I did full-time hygiene for a decade. So I'm like a solid, five full-time, full-time, 40 hours for a decade.   Kiera Dent (02:09.21) Did you really?   Wow. Man, I really like there's some moments that I just see you as a hygienist. Like I can just picture you walking up with your like, it's not a swagger, but you have a can't that you definitely walk. And I can see you walking up, getting your patient. Hey B, how's your swagger? But.   Britt (02:28.11) You can call it swagger, I'll take swagger. don't know what else to   Kiera Dent (02:35.736) Yeah, so I'm like, just, could imagine you being a hygienist sometimes, but then you're like, Britt the consultant, Britt operations, Britt, my yin and yang. So anyway, well, that's fun. That's a fun. Okay. So to give Britt credit, she did hygiene for a decade. I won't say anything about loops, Britt. We will not discuss that on this episode. We will.   Britt (02:56.238) I mean, I just changed myself a little bit. you know, we talk about it. I would have to know if I was a full-time clinical, for sure.   Kiera Dent (03:01.752) Of course. Yeah, of course. I know you would. You don't, you stay very current. I do appreciate that you stay very current with hygiene. You attend hygiene CE all the time. So what we were talking about in the last episode that this would be part two of was we talked about kind of like, do we, how do we work with the compensation pieces of hygiene? And then talking about it from a business standpoint and a doctor standpoint and a hygienist standpoint.   and really bringing those two perspectives to the table, which is what the podcast has been built to do is bring different perspectives. And something I just want to reiterate today, if you missed the last one is that the things Britt and I talk about today are going to be perspectives and never meant to weaponize. So doctors, can't weaponize it against hygienists and hygienists, can't weaponize it against doctors. And so really just setting the stage today of let's have an open conversation around where are we at the dynamics. there's no.   there's no like hiding the fact that it has been hard to hire hygienists since COVID. It's it we thought that it would probably be four years, maybe five years before the hygiene shortage caught up. I still think it's in like massive catch up time, then you tack in inflation on it. So raise like the amount people are coming out asking from school, but I, I mean, I don't really want to ask, but I am going to ask I'm sure hygiene has been like   attempting field to go back into. I'm like, you work at Dental A Team but you've got hygiene over there. And it just keeps like getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I think if I was in your shoes, I might just contemplate it here and there, especially on days when it maybe isn't your favorite day at Dental A Team, which is hopefully like one and every moon. I know what happens. We just had it like a week ago.   Britt (04:31.822) Everybody's got a day there right like it happens but I Mean here's the I I love hygiene and I left it loving it so like that's the thing is I and I'm like I still go back I still double from time to time, but I'm going back full-time I The things that are appealing right hygienist know what do I love? It's like   Pretty predictable, right? Like you got a job, 100 % predictable, but my hours I'm gonna work, I know my schedule. If I can get the doctor to work with me, I can manage running on time. like, and then when I'm done at the end of the day, I go home and I don't have to take it. Like there's nothing for me to do outside of the office other than like learning stuff, but there's nothing to do outside. like, those are the, we know that those are the perks of hygiene.   Kiera Dent (05:02.692) That does fit you so much, Britt. The stability, the...   Britt (05:29.23) and that's part of why I loved it is because of those reasons. Do I debate going back? I don't know. I enjoy what I do now. It's different, right? Like you grow and you morph into different things and it's fun to take the next step. And can I go back to it? Sure. Would it be different? 100%.   Kiera Dent (05:47.888) Hahaha   fair. I was just curious because I mean, like I know I've looked at what I want to go back into management, what I want to go run a regional, what I want to run a DSO. And for me, there was like a lot of fun in it. There's a lot of fun in being in a system. But I think I agree with you. I feel like I have morphed and evolved into things that I really enjoy. Like I really enjoy the creativity aspect. Do I sometimes wish, Britt, like sometimes I do miss the like, go in, just like you know your day.   You don't have to like be thinking and creating nonstop and you leave at the end of the day and like, we're done, we're done versus here. Ideas will continue to, I mean, I saw you last night. You're building a whole spreadsheet, which is fun, but it never shuts off unlike at the dental office. So different, different times. But what we were wanting to chat about is we talked about compensation on the last one. And now it's coming into how can offices kind of like did a really great job of like paying your junior.   Britt (06:33.269) Yeah, yeah.   Kiera Dent (06:46.692) like fresh out of school and it's based on skill set, not based on longevity or tenure. Then we morphed into talking about what do we do for base versus commission if offices can't afford it and different ways to navigate that. And so I wanted to just kind of finish up that conversation with a few other ideas of what's hygiene's take as a landscape of assisted hygiene and shortened appointments. Because as we were discussing on the last episode,   it's kind of coming to this like necessity and survival mode for practices of like, hey, we're like running such a high number up for hygienists. So what this is truly called is innovation and things are changing and shifting and adapting due to the nature of lower reimbursement rates of insurance, inflation has come up, there's a hygiene crunch. So hygienists are coming up as a higher paid profession than what they were even four or five years ago. And so it's kind of like, well, what do we do?   what about assisted hygiene? What about shortened appointments so that way we can have more appointments? And again, I'm not here to advocate for it. I'm just saying like, this is the reality of what doctors are thinking of. And it's the thinking of this. They're also thinking of do I bring a doctor and instead of hiring a hygienist, they're thinking of do I do a hygiene less practice? So I'm just curious, let's talk assisted hygiene first, give me kind of a hygiene perspective on because I don't I don't know how it feels as a hygienist. So you get to speak, I know every hygienist is different, but like just what you hear from colleagues in your perspective.   Britt (07:59.361) Huh.   Britt (08:06.85) heterogeneous is different and I feel like it's a it's one of those polarizing things that I think there's people that love it and either you love it or you're not really a fan of it I feel like so that's like the that's the I don't see a lot of in between or it's like sure I'll do it for a little while while we hire like even I would do it maybe for a little bit while we hire someone but it's it's not my jam I can't say that I love it when it comes to   Kiera Dent (08:31.738) Tell me why, why don't you like it? Like what is it about assisted hygiene just from a hygienist perspective that's almost like a grind for you that you're like, I'll do it for a little bit. Cause I hear that all the time, like I'll do it for little bit. Like what is it from a hygienist perspective that makes that a bit trickier?   Britt (08:46.446) I think the piece that makes it tricky is like you're just, I don't know, probably part of why we get into what we do is like the one-on-one with patients and interacting with them and being able to ensure like from kind of beginning to end, right? The team has an impact, but I'm...   I'm giving them a good experience from beginning to end that doesn't feel rushed, that doesn't feel jumbled. And so I think that's for me personally, and I think some other hygienists, it feels like, great, I'm popping in, I'm in their mouth pretty much the whole time that I'm in there, and then I'm popping out and going on to the next one. I don't think it has to be exactly like that, but I think that's how it can feel from the hygiene side. I think having a really good assistant can make it much more doable. I think how you schedule it, how stack that.   Assisted hygienist can definitely make a difference on how much time you've got to interact. like, do hygienists, we like a little bit of control. I don't know, probably. And so it's just like, I know I've reviewed the things. I think that's probably the difference between hygienist and doctor is I'm not leaving it to an assistant to review medical history or ask the questions or hear what's going on and gathering it. Like I get to do that from beginning to end when I'm.   Kiera Dent (09:41.411) Yeah.   Britt (10:00.332) So it's just a little different when you've got the assisted hygiene in there.   Kiera Dent (10:03.834) So, and I'm also curious, like, I've never really scaled teeth for real. I mean, I kinda, in Utah, as an assistant, I was supposed to be able to profite, and I'm like, I don't even know what I'm supposed to do. There was one time I pretended to scale because my hygienist was late, so I just like, I didn't even actually really touch their teeth. just, you know, like, did a little tap, tap, tap, waiting for this dang hygienist to come, and I was like, yeah, we'll just like get started. I didn't do a darn thing. So I don't actually know what it feels like to scale that much. I'm curious, like, on a body.   Britt (10:18.744) you   Kiera Dent (10:33.622) Does it like hurt your hands? Does it, is it exhausting to just go because you don't really get any break or reprieve? You're just going nonstop. I'm just curious or to like the ultrasonics and things like that now help that make it easier for you. I don't really know the mechanics of that.   Britt (10:48.994) So yeah, scaling time, like absolutely. Does technology help? Yes, I'm a big fan. I will say it. Polish first. Polish first. If you're not polishing first, you're spending a lot of time on stuff that you don't have to be spending time on. And I'm a big fan of ultrasonic or piezo. I will use it on pretty much everyone. Like even my kids because they got a lot of plaque and I can polish and I can get a lot done with that that doesn't sound or feel the same as scaling. And so I'm a big fan of it.   Kiera Dent (11:06.117) Mm-hmm.   Britt (11:18.636) And then so like So there's a lot you can do to help minimize it But that's the piece of doing assisted hygiene usually it's if I've got an assistant if they can polish right they're doing They're doing all the easy stuff and so it is me just doing what's the stuff that I only I can do? Pia's own hand skill, right? And so like it's more of that every day and it does hygienist need dentist hygienist assistance, right? We all need to take care of our bodies because it's   It is a more physically taxing job than people think that it is. And so taking care of yourself, making sure you're doing some stretches. And so, yeah, it is a little bit more physically taxing to do assistive tithing, but it's a lot better than it used to be because we got a lot better tools than we used to have.   Kiera Dent (12:02.607) Right. Okay. So that actually helps. And so I'm curious, like, let's just throw out a scenario. And Britt, this week, I mean, we talked to offices about this in our consulting where, so let's say a hygienist, I'm going to use really easy numbers because I don't want to get wild. Let's say a hygienist is $30 an hour, which some of you are laughing at me. I know that's not even in the realm of your hygienist. I'm very aware of this. I also don't want to throw ranges out there intentionally on the. Exactly. There's also a reason I'm not throwing high ranges out there because I don't want to set standards that are not.   Britt (12:24.366) a bit apathetic.   Kiera Dent (12:31.056) Realistic for your area. I feel like 30 is a safe number for me So if I'm hiring a hygienist at 30 and I bring on another hygienist for 30 That would be $60 an hour that I'm paying of compensation for it Well in this area if my hygienist is 30 odds are I could probably get an assistant for between like 17 to 20 realistically if my hygienist is only at 30 I think that that's like a fair number probably more like 15 in that area, but let's say you're there at 20 just for easy math I've got $30 for hygiene. I've got $20 for an assistant   I actually have $10 of extra, if you're following my math, $10 of extra that's not being paid. Britt, what are your thoughts of if an office takes that $10 and even if they pay a hygienist say 35 an hour during assisted hygiene time versus just 30, does that actually make any difference for a hygienist? I know some can do more. Some it's gonna be like, you're paid 30, now I'm paying you 40 during your assisted hygiene days. Tell me like how that is from an office standpoint.   because there's obviously different compensation amounts we're going to be doing. And from a hygienist standpoint, does that feel better? Does that make it easier? Is that like, sure, I'll take on a couple assisted hygiene days. I'm always pro don't run assisted hygiene every single day. I think that does burn your hygienist out. Usually if I recommend it, it's either for a day or a half a day for a hygienist, but trying to make it, but like, is that necessary, Britt, from your perspective from hygiene?   Britt (13:50.786) mean, yes, some degree of compensation difference 100 % if you're running assisted hygiene. I know on the last episode we talked about a base plus commission. I like that even for assisted hygiene because, if we're doing assisted hygiene, we should be producing more. And so again, I do like that model because it naturally adjusts things and compensates accordingly. So yes, I do think there should be some sort of compensation that's more on those days. And I do like it when it's   Kiera Dent (14:01.775) Mm-hmm.   Kiera Dent (14:11.972) Mm-hmm.   Britt (14:20.494) Base Plus Commission. Now I've got some, I've had one client where it's nice when you have a group of hygienists. I do love an office with a few. And they did, they rotated an assisted hygiene day through all of them. And they were like fighting over who got the assisted hygiene day. Like they wanted it, right? Like, and it's because yeah, they make more on those days and they were compensated based on their production was a part of it. And so they loved having those days to get a little bit more of a boost. And it was almost like   Kiera Dent (14:34.743) They do!   Britt (14:46.862) when we don't need it anymore what's going to happen because they all like getting that little bit of extra income coming from.   Kiera Dent (14:53.368) And so how do you even win over a team to do it? Because I agree, and I actually hear that more than I hear the opposite. I hear more hygienists actually enjoy it more than they thought they would. I hear a lot of them figure it out, especially when that's not my everyday. think if they had to do it every day, it'd be a little bit more taxing. But think about it. You've got four hygienists. We add an extra column of hygiene four days a week. We've literally brought in a whole extra hygienist without bringing a hygienist on. So I think it's a very creative way to do it. But how do I even like?   package this, you know I look at in sales terms, like how do I even like convince a team that this is a great idea to trial it out rather than just the resistance of hygienist saying no, just like you said, no, I want my patient care. I want to own over this. Like I want A to Z. I hear all the time we're going to have the patient care. It's going to be disrupted. And I'm like, well, it can be, or it could actually be more awesome. How do you win a team over to even be open to trying it?   Britt (15:47.084) Yeah, I think it depends on the office scenario, right? Like what's the reason, what's the why that we're doing it? And I'm a big fan of like, hey, let's try it first, right? Like I'm not saying you have to do it forever. I'm not saying you have to do it every day, but like, let's try it and let's figure out a system that feels comfortable and meets our like standard of care that we want to provide. So let's start easy, let's work through it, let's train up an assistant. do think.   Cystid Hygiene needs one of your best assistants to be helping in Cystid Hygiene to make it run smooth and give those patients that great experience. And so let's work through the system and see how it goes. like, yeah, it's going to be compensated. If I've got a hygienist who's a gunner and likes to run and does not like to stop, then that's usually my first one. Then I'm like, great, let's team up. Let's get that figured out and see how it goes first. And then word can kind of spread because usually they'll do really well.   Kiera Dent (16:14.681) I agree.   Kiera Dent (16:34.448) Hmm.   Britt (16:42.062) And so yeah, sometimes it's a personality thing, right? Some will love it, some will struggle a little bit. Sometimes there's people that like are gonna be your ones to help you figure it out. And some are like, well, once I see someone else do it and like, oh, that's not so bad. All right, then I'll go ahead and do it. So I think depending on the reason why, I think trying it first, I agree with you, not an everyday thing. It can even be like start with half a day and see how it goes and just start to figure out to find the rhythm of it.   Because I think when you find the rhythm of it and you're like, yeah, that works really well, then it's like, OK, like we can do more of this. And I think it can run.   Kiera Dent (17:18.276) And I'm really grateful that you shared about the office that you have, that they all want it and they enjoy it because I think that that actually can be the reality of what can happen from it. And I'm really big when you roll it out, agreed. Having not a great assistant really will actually make this harder. So do not go and hire a brand new fresh off the street assistant that does not know what they're doing, can't take great x-rays, can't move through because hygienist having someone that they trust that they can lean on, that they know is going to do a great job.   If they can polish, that's a great way for them to be able to use it. And then really also another big piece are no new patients, no SRP, no perio maintenance put in that. It's really just pro fees because that's gonna make it so much cleaner for them to be able to run this effectively. And you're running it on the half an hour. And then doctors, you have to be very strategic when you go in for exams. And doctors, you cannot be late on assisted hygiene because that will throw your whole hygiene. Like it's a domino and it will be good part.   Britt (18:12.302) That's the quickest way to take your hygienist off when you're asking them to do assisted hygiene. 100%. That's the way. That's the way to do it.   Kiera Dent (18:15.44) And that's not like, we'll be there, we'll be there. It's like, you've got to get up and jump. But that's also with hygienists too, making sure that we're giving our doctors enough time. Like I try to ask hygienists to give a 30 minute window of exam time where a doctor could come in. So that way doctors can find the end time of prep, come and get their exams done and keep everybody on schedule. So hygienists plug there, try really hard because I know there's some hygienists who love to alert right at the end of the appointment. And then they're fresh when doctor doesn't come in.   Well, like let's notify when they could come in. Like let's take our x-rays the first 15 minutes and then try to get doctors out at that. I try to have them out. Please do.   Britt (18:51.934) I'll one-up you a little bit on that as soon as diagnostics are done. As soon as my diagnostics are done and they've got x-rays, they've got period charting photos, I'm letting them know. Come at any time. I'm happy to have you. And of course, there's a bunch of plaque that's gonna make it more difficult once I've got that done, but I'm gonna notify them. at any time.   Kiera Dent (19:04.856) Yes.   Kiera Dent (19:12.536) And then doctors, I try to have you out at the quarter to the hour, meaning like you're not walking into the exam, you're walking out of the exam. So that allows hygienists to polish floss, wrap up, get everything done, get the patient out, flip the room and get their next patient back on time. So I think that that's something that before I maybe rolled out assisted hygiene doctors, I might take that on with the hygiene team. Like let's get really good on our exams. Let's calibrate those exams up so they can be more efficient. Let's do the, I have a better.   I haven't told you my new acronym. It's not iCrap. So if you've been listening to me, I have a new one. It's called iCreep. So it's iCreep when you come in that's introduction, compliment, recap, and then a personal note. And if hygienist can get really good at that handoff when doctors come in or assistance, and then doctors are really good on their NDTR, so wrapping up your treatment plans, that's gonna really help that synergy. And then also maybe doing what would doctor do to diagnose and to help tee up treatment. I think that that can just...   Again, we're all working together to make those exams as efficient as possible while also giving the best patient care. But I creep, that's my new one. It's not I, Sierra. It is, I creep. Someone was like, creep, and I was like, amazing. I wish it could be CPR. I've been working to figure out different letter and words. So to be determined, but okay, let's like, go ahead.   Britt (20:16.11) It's a step better. It's a step better than the last one.   Britt (20:28.014) Real quick, one more thing on the exams, because with a really good assistant on exams, the other thing I think about, and that for me as a hygienist I care about as well, is making sure treatment is teed up really well.   Kiera Dent (20:40.675) of greed.   Britt (20:41.59) Patients aren't having to repeat themselves and get frustrated and then not wanting to get treatment done just because they feel like they're not being listened to. So that communication piece and having an assistant who's really strong who can relay that information to doctor if they're the ones that are going to be in there for the exam and make sure that it's teed up really well for the doctor and they can speak to it is huge because that's, I don't want to, you know, rob Peter to pay Paul, right? I don't want to.   have not so great exams and not close as much treatment by adding an assisted hygiene, I'd rather leave it and get really good exams and really good case acceptance. Overall as a business, that's gonna help me a little bit more. So just making sure that again, that assistance key, really quality exams for your patients, even though you're working assisted hygiene, make sure that experience is stellar and 100 % can be done. It just takes a really good team to work together with a hygienist and assistant.   Kiera Dent (21:35.0) Yeah, that's a great point because you can have forms where the hygienist can document it in there because people are in opposite rooms. But getting a good role and a good synergy is going to make this so much better for setting this up for success. And I think the answer is I actually don't think hygienists hate assisted hygiene as much. think it's there's quite a few little like tick boxes that if you can check them off, have a good assistant have good exams.   have doctors in and out on time, have the assistant really, really solid with being able to tee up the treatment and close the cases, have someone that has a similar vibe to the hygiene team that cares about these patients a ton. I think if you can check those boxes, and then you also compensate higher. There's so many little pieces that everybody's super excited about to do it, but I think if you're missing any of those six, it does not feel as good to try. okay.   Britt (22:14.701) Mm-hmm.   Britt (22:24.022) Yeah, and patients are used to working with two people, right? So that's even, it's like, yeah, it's one more person in the mix, but on the doctor's side, there's two of you. So having an assistant with hygiene, isn't that big of a deal? Seeing the same two faces every time, like they'll be fine with it. Cause I know that can be a concern. I'm like, they're used to having two people on the doctor's side.   Kiera Dent (22:41.104) I see the same. I'm like, just because we're not used to it doesn't mean it's odd for the patient. I tell doctors when you're onboarding an associate, I'm like, you can assist each other. And I know that feels weird to you, to the patient, they're used to someone else in there. To hygienist, they're used to people switching rooms. it's not something, if we're not weird about it, your patient won't be weird about it. But I think we feel very awkward because we feel uncomfortable. But just not projecting that onto your patient. Cause I don't think it's as much as you might think it is. So, okay,   Britt (23:10.316) And ender fun for assisted hygiene, I always have someone to pair your chart for me. So I'll take that as a win.   Kiera Dent (23:15.28) True, that is a big win. mean, truth, you're not having to call for it. Okay, the hot topic of shorter appointment times. I'm talking, I've heard 50 minute appointments, 45 minute appointments. Is this doable, Britt? And I think I'm gonna know your answer, I also, like come from both, come from hygiene, Britt, and operations, Britt. Bring both of those Brits to the table and you answer. I'm curious.   Britt (23:40.11) And I'll say this, I have worked in offices with all of the above, right? So I've done all of the above.   Kiera Dent (23:44.42) came. Her bigade you guys have idea. Good thing we plugged that at the beginning.   Britt (23:49.038) So all are doable. I think there's a couple of things that make a difference when it comes to shortening appointments, depending on what type of experience you want them to have, right? That's an important part to consider for doctors. Depending on our pay or mix, what we need to do in order to the business running, that's something to consider. And then also how efficient we are.   Kiera Dent (24:11.376) true.   Britt (24:17.07) as a team and like doctor doing exams, right? That's an important piece of it. And then another one is our patient base slash how good are we at keeping them healthy and not giving ourselves a lot of work every single time our patients come in. If you know what I'm saying, those bloody profusers, they're a lot of work. So if I'm treating period appropriately, I'm educating my patients, they're coming in regularly.   Kiera Dent (24:30.85) you   Kiera Dent (24:36.089) I do.   Britt (24:42.734) We all know those are patients that are a lot easier to see and more efficient most of the time. And yeah, there's gonna be even working on shorter appointment times, there's gonna be some. Like you know that person that's like an advanced period patient and I'm like, I cannot in my right moral standing do that in 45 minutes, it's gonna be an hour. There's gotta be some of that liberty where needed.   Kiera Dent (25:03.888) Yeah, I agree. So I think the hard thing of switching appointment times is I do think it becomes an all model because for me to shift it, it feels like a daunting project to shift from 60 minutes to 45 minutes. Now I'm moving everything up. My exam times don't hit at the same time anymore. Things just are moving all around. that's a huge jump.   Britt (25:18.99) Mm-hmm.   Britt (25:29.804) And 60 to 45 is a big jump. I wouldn't go that far if we're going to play around with times. Maybe you could go from 60 to 50. Most offices are running on 10 minute increments. So you can make that shift. And it's just you've got to be really on point to run that efficiently, because the quality's still got to be there. It's just we've got to be able to run really efficiently.   Kiera Dent (25:45.208) I agree.   Britt (25:57.944) And I'll add this, and depending on what I was expected within that appointment as well, right? If we want the hygienist to be super comprehensive, we want them to get scans done, we want them to collect a lot of information for us, like, I map it out, right? That takes me two minutes, that takes me three minutes. Like, what's reasonable in an appointment for us to get done by the minute mapped out and then make your decision?   Kiera Dent (26:11.002) Mm-hmm.   Kiera Dent (26:19.652) I think that that's a wise and don't go for your fastest hygienist and don't go for your slowest hygienist. Let's find that middle ground of what's reasonable between the two because you do have some. mean, Britt and I, can even hear in our, the way we talk, we've got different tempos. mean, but you can guess who's a little bit faster and who's a little bit slower between me and Britt. And sometimes it's really good. Like Britt slowing me down and me speeding her up. And I think Britt and I would both agree that a happy medium between the two of us is the right spot to be, which is usually where we end just in   Britt (26:33.752) huh.   Britt (26:41.87) Mm-hmm.   Britt (26:48.814) Yeah. And a team working together really well, right? Especially when I was working on 45 and 50 minutes. I mean, we had a fantastic clinical coordinator, right? So if my next patient was here and there was a room to be had even for a few minutes to get x-rays done, and someone was available, they were getting those x-rays done and getting it started. So it's a different tempo and pace you run on. And it does take full team support. It's not going to be like, oh, well, they're early. Oh, they're here. We have space to see them.   Kiera Dent (26:49.561) in decisions.   Britt (27:18.058) start getting them taken care of so that it helps your team members out and we get them out as efficiently as possible.   Kiera Dent (27:24.464) So that's a good point because then it becomes, it's not just the hygienist. Cause I think 60 minutes is kind of like hygiene does their own thing. We want them to do everything on shorter appointment times. We are trying to get more, more bodies in and out. But I did the math and it's like, if I'm going from 60 to 50, I'm getting 10 extra minutes per appointment. That's going to give me 80 minutes in a day, but that's not enough for me to get two extra appointments unless I do a 50 minute plus an additional like 30 minute. And so I would ask the question, Britt, and I don't know if   Britt (27:32.897) Mm-hmm.   Kiera Dent (27:53.36) you run the numbers or not on it. I mean, I haven't, so that's why I'm asking. But if I've got a hygiene team that does take ortho scans for us when we do ortho, I've got a hygiene team who's taking CBCTs for implants and we're teeing it up for all on X cases. If they're looking for sleep and we're doing snore tests on them, does it really make sense to get me one more hygiene patient for hygiene? Or does it make sense to look to optimize the additional services? Now I get like, we might be trying to get   because I'm like, well, what's the reason we're doing it? If we're trying to shorten the appointment times because we have too many patients, maybe it's worth looking at our fees. But if we're trying to get more patients in to optimize our hygienist pay, to be able to pay them and compensate for the amount of production they're doing. And I know a lot of offices don't pay hygienists for those scans. Like if you do a night guard scan or you do an ortho scan, it goes to the doctor, which I understand because the doctor is going to need to do a lot. But I'm just curious, like to me, it makes a little bit more sense, possibly.   If my hygienist have 60 minutes, I'm already there, why don't I try to optimize and maximize that appointment, paying them maybe a little bit of these scans that I want to be done so that way they can hit their production number, but it benefits the office on a bigger scale. What are your thoughts on that, Britt?   Britt (29:05.61) where I think it comes back to what type of experience, what type of office, what's your vision. It comes back to ultimately write any business. It comes back to the volume value question. By cutting time, we're choosing volume. By using that time better, we're choosing value.   Kiera Dent (29:20.208) Mm-hmm.   Britt (29:26.318) It's going to be a personal preference. I'm not going to say there's a right or wrong answer in that because there's a lot of factors depending on kind of what your payer mix is like. I definitely have some areas that even for me, I tried to move that culture of the area, if I tried to move that patient at the speed that I need for a 45 minute appointment, they are not going to love it. Even though I might be the most pleasant human being they've ever interacted with because the pace that they run is a little bit slower, right? And so...   Kiera Dent (29:50.916) Yeah.   Britt (29:56.334) right when I was running 45 minutes, we were right outside of DC. Those people don't want to be there that long. Right. And they were, you know, demographic was easy for us to run them through. And so they didn't mind the fast pace and we still connected, but we were able to run like that. So I think it comes back to overall experience on what you want to have. and there's no right or wrong, but I love making more use of the time we have, which is where I think hygienist functioning to the   the height of their capability, right? If you can use laser and that's something your office wants to bring in, great. That's something that can be an adjunct service that adds to the production. You know, what can you do for the patient? I think not only on the hygiene side, but that's where I think it really is a team to where what can I do in scans, in pictures, in educating patients about treatment options, talking to them about what do they really value? What do they really want? Are there cosmetic things that they're looking for?   Kiera Dent (30:29.232) Mm-hmm.   Britt (30:53.24) There's a lot you can do and I think that's for hygienists to realize if we do well overall, right, everybody wins. So when we're able to get where we need to production collection wise as an office overall, it makes it easier for us to say, yeah, that time is useful. We're making good use of it on the hygiene side. Let's keep our appointments at 60 minutes. Or if it's like, hey, we're not, we either need to do that and get things up or.   we're going to have to evaluate and make some decisions because sometimes there's just business decisions that need to be made and we need to figure out how to adapt and innovate.   Kiera Dent (31:28.324) Yeah, right. That was such an insightful piece. And as you were talking, I just thought, I hope offices are listening because I think that this is just a really good, like, this is where we, have to get into the, are we doing this? What are additional pieces rather than just the like quick surface level decision? Because I think there's so many pieces below it. Like you said, demographics, DC, 45 minutes makes a ton of sense. Those people are faster in and out. They're younger population. Like it's an easier model to roll that.   Britt (31:56.268) Mm-hmm.   Kiera Dent (31:56.396) versus maybe let's say some areas in Arizona, like you might not have a same, you might have it like in Scottsdale Tempe, but if we're going a little further out to maybe some of those senior centers, that's not an ideal model for maybe an older population base. So really like you said, and I think like volume versus value, and I don't think it's the value that we're bringing to the patient. It's the value of are we doing ortho? Are we adding these adjunct services to it? You obviously add value to your patients, but are we doing a lot of people?   or are we doing less people but more extensive? That's gonna be a clinical or a business decision and also a clinical decision and also a cultural decision of what you ultimately want your practice to be. But I get it, you gotta make these decisions, you gotta make the business run. I would just caution, don't make the quick decision because I think there's multi-layers below each of them to really consider. So hygiene Britt, thanks for coming today. Any last thoughts you've got as we wrap up? Assisted hygiene, shorter appointments, I think they are really good perspectives to bring.   Britt (32:55.822) I think my last thing I like that you said, right, don't make the quick decision, evaluate it. And I think even hygienist, right, it's easy for us as team members, I do the same thing, right? I can see my world and what it's gonna impact for me, but I understand there's more behind it than just my view. And so really taking a good look overall and seeing what's gonna be the best decision. And yeah, how we're functioning now might make us think that we need to make this decision, but maybe we can keep running and function a little different to where we don't have to make that change.   Kiera Dent (33:25.52) I think it's a really good perspective. if you guys are in this debacle, we're speaking to your souls. This is what we love to do with our practices is really weigh the pros and cons and help the office make the best decision for their practice, not just a decision and really thinking through the, all the different pieces and then executing and getting your whole team on board, helping the team see the pieces so you can really be successful. So reach out if we can help. Hello@TheDentalATeam.com thanks for being with me today. I appreciate it.   Britt (33:53.196) Yeah, thanks for having me.   Kiera Dent (33:54.648) Of course, and for all of you listening, thanks for listening. And we'll catch you next time on the Dental A Team Podcast.