A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

35:05

558 Bone Health, Hormones, and the Clinician Behind...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/09/30

Every patient who sits in our chair brings more than just a mouth with them. Hormones, bone health, medications, and life stage can all influence what we see clinically. In this episode, Jessica and Dave explore the connection between hormonal changes, bone health, and oral health—and why dental hygienists play an important role in recognizing the clues, starting conversations, and helping patients get the care they need. What We Talked About: How hormones and bone health influence oral health

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31:43

555 From Wear Facets to Wellness: The Hygienist's...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/09/09

On this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with a dental professional who has spent more than 20 years in hygiene and noticed a recurring problem: patients whose bruxism and wear patterns pointed to possible airway issues were being referred for sleep evaluations, but too often never completed the process. That frustration led to the creation of Orasom Health, a platform designed to help dental teams support patients from the first airway red flags in the dental chair

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33:01

554 AI in Dental Hygiene: Tool, Threat, or Teammate?

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/09/02

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in dentistry and dental hygiene. From clinical decision-making to education and patient care, the conversation examines where AI can help, where it creates new challenges, and why human judgment remains essential. In this episode we talked about: How AI is currently being used in dentistry and dental hygiene Opportunities AI may create for clinicians, educators, students,

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34:25

553 High Standards, Human Teaching: Rethinking Rigor...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/08/26

What if true rigor in education isn't about making learning harder—but making it more meaningful? In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Marion Manski, MS, RDH, to reflect on a distinguished career in dental hygiene education. As she prepares for retirement, Marion shares how her philosophy of teaching has evolved, why high standards and compassion can coexist, and what today's educators can do to help students succeed without losing sight of their humanity.

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34:24

552 Teaching Is Clinical Work Too: Preventing Burnout...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/08/19

What if the biggest challenge facing dental hygiene education isn't recruitment or curriculum—but burnout? In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Jasmin Haley for a conversation about the emotional and professional demands of teaching. Together, they explore why educating future clinicians is a form of clinical work in itself, how burnout quietly develops, and what educators and institutions can do to build more sustainable careers. Whether you're a seasoned

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35:02

551 Kindness in Education: Teaching the Whole Person

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/08/12

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Dr. Glenn Canares, DDS, MSD, to explore how psychological safety transforms learning environments, why there's a critical difference between being nice and being kind, and how Hygienist and educators can challenge learners while fostering growth. Glenn shares practical strategies for modeling self-care, delivering meaningful feedback, and creating sustainable, high-performing educational cultures that ultimately improve

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34:58

550 Tracking What Matters: Measuring Student...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/08/05

What if the way we measure competence in dental hygiene education is missing the bigger picture? In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Sara Taft to explore how data can transform dental hygiene education. From simplifying accreditation to uncovering meaningful trends in student performance, Sara shares how technology is helping educators move beyond compliance and toward truly understanding student growth. Whether you're preparing for CODA accreditation or

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04:26

Not All 10% Nanohydroxyapatite Toothpastes Are...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/08/04

In this episode, Dr. Jen explains why nanohydroxyapatite should never be viewed as a commodity ingredient. From crystal size and purity to manufacturing processes and mineral composition, numerous factors influence how effectively a formulation supports enamel remineralization. She also discusses the importance of evidence-based product development, transparency in fluoride-free oral care, and why dental professionals should look beyond the label when making recommendations. In This Episode Why

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32:12

549 Why Every Hygienist Should Read "Red Rising"

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/07/29

What can a bestselling science fiction novel teach dental hygienists about leadership, advocacy, and challenging the status quo? In this special episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Ashley Kear (featured in Episode 521, From Dental Chair to Design Dreams: Ashley Kear on Building an Etsy Shop) for an out-of-the-box conversation about why Red Rising by Pierce Brown has become such a meaningful story for leadership and professional growth. Together, they explore the

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35:19

548 Mission Trips: When Good Intentions Meet Ethical...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/07/22

Mission trips have the power to change lives—but only when they're built on ethics, sustainability, and partnership. In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Dr. John Cutter for an honest conversation about the responsibilities that come with providing care in underserved communities. Together, they explore how clinicians can move beyond short-term solutions, build meaningful community partnerships, and approach service with cultural humility and a commitment to

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35:07

547 Beyond the Dental Chair: Oral Health in Hospital...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/07/15

What if some of the most important work dental hygienists can do happens outside the dental office? In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Jenell Robins to explore the growing role of dental hygienists in hospital and medical settings. Jenell shares her journey into medical-dental integration, the impact oral health has on overall patient outcomes, and why collaboration across healthcare disciplines is becoming more important than ever. This conversation offers

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32:27

546 Meeting the Oral Health Needs of Patients With...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/07/08

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Candi Kidd, RDH, BSDH, MEd, to discuss the unique challenges patients with special healthcare needs face when accessing oral healthcare. From medically complex and tube-fed patients to collaborating with caregivers and healthcare teams, Candi shares practical strategies for creating more inclusive, compassionate, and effective dental experiences. This conversation challenges clinicians to rethink accessibility, advocacy, and the

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32:35

545 Access Is Built, Not Given: Community Outreach as...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/07/01

What if the biggest challenge in oral healthcare isn't clinical knowledge—but access? In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Richard Robinson, BS, RDH, to discuss how community outreach is transforming preventive oral healthcare. Richard shares what it takes to build sustainable partnerships, reach underserved populations, and remove the barriers that prevent people from receiving the care they need. From advocacy and education to real-world outreach

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34:02

Parkell Podcast-Chat: Clinical Innovation with...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/06/27

In this special bonus episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Noel and Richard Paschke, better known as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics, for a deep dive into ultrasonic insert performance, wear, and innovation. The Paschkes explore why all ultrasonic tips wear over time, how worn inserts impact patient outcomes and clinician efficiency, and the engineering principles behind DuraTip, Rich's latest invention manufactured by Parkell. They also discuss practical systems for

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39:08

544 The Science -How Ultrasonics Actually Work:...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/06/24

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Noel and Richard Paschke, better known as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics. Together, they break down the science behind ultrasonic instrumentation, separating fact from fiction on topics like frequency, amplitude, cavitation, cleaning efficiency, and clinical technique. Rich shares an engineer's perspective on how ultrasonic devices are designed, while Noel translates the physics into practical applications for today's clinician

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32:28

540 More Than a Credential: The Responsibility,...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/05/27

About This Episode: What does it really mean to hold a dental hygiene license? In this episode, Dave and Jessica sit down with Amanda Hill — speaker, consultant, award-winning author,to unpack what licensure truly represents for dental hygienists. This is not a conversation about paperwork and renewal fees. It is a candid, thought-provoking discussion about responsibility, public trust, and what it means to show up for your patients at the highest level of your profession. What We Cover: Why

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31:15

539 You're Not a Student Anymore — Advocating for...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/05/20

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Billie Lunt, RDH, BA, MSDH, to explore the pivotal transition from student to practicing professional—and what it really means to advocate for yourself in today's dental hygiene landscape. The conversation dives into the gap between school and real-world practice, challenging the mindset many hygienists carry into their careers. Billie shares insight on how to step confidently into your role,

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04:04

Not All Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Is Created Equal

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/05/16

In this episode of Fast Facts Ask the Expert, Dr. Jen discusses the science behind nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and why not all fluoride-free formulations are created equal. Learn why concentration, crystal quality, and science-backed formulation matter when it comes to enamel protection and oral health. For more information or to schedule a CE for your team, visit: Dr. Jen Oral Care

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35:38

538 Clinic Isn't the Real World — But It Wasn't...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/05/13

In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Kevin Lopez to unpack the gap between clinical education and real-world dental hygiene practice. Kevin shares honest insights from his experience, highlighting what truly matters once you step outside the classroom and into patient care. What We Talked About: Why disclosing is non-negotiable in dental hygiene practice and its impact on patient outcomes Understanding vitals, liability, and staying within your scope of practice

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37:14

537 What We're Actually Worried About: Graduating...

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast ·

2026/05/06

In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson dive into the real concerns and experiences of graduating dental hygienists as they transition from school into the professional world. This candid conversation highlights the emotional and professional challenges new hygienists face, along with practical insights to help them navigate this pivotal stage of their careers. What We Talked About: First job anxiety and the pressure of entering the workforce Why hygienists must stay actively

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