Ep 18: Being a Male Hygienist & Navigating Non-Traditional Career Paths

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Rafael, a dental hygienist who has navigated non-traditional roles in dental hygiene, from working in DSOs to coaching other hygienists. Rafael shares his journey, how his role as a hygiene coach makes an impact, and the challenges and opportunities he has faced as a male in the industry. If you're curious about non-traditional hygiene roles or what it's like to be a male in a female-dominated industry, don't miss this episode! About Rafael:Rafael has over 32 years of experience in the dental field. He began his career in both hospital settings and private practice, and for the past 21 years, he has worked with dental group practices. During this time, he has played a key role in developing and implementing the organization's dental hygiene standards of care. These standards encompass periodontal therapy, effective communication, efficient hygiene scheduling, enhanced patient care, and the development of dental hygiene teams. Rafael is deeply committed to supporting the growth of the hygiene program, advancing individual hygienists' skills, and elevating the value of the profession. His coaching and training have guided hundreds of practices to achieve their goals, including improvements in leadership, teamwork, organizational systems, patient care, service quality, verbal skills, and overall patient outcomes. Rafael is also the founder of Mr. RDH, a platform created to connect male hygienists globally, allowing them to network, discuss, and influence issues that affect men in the dental hygiene profession. The platform highlights the contributions of male hygienists in both clinical and administrative roles, showcasing their impact on the field.To Connect With Rafael:Mr. RDH Facebook GroupEmail: [email protected]: 781-606-2130To watch on YouTube, click hereTimestamps:00:00 - How Rafael Worked in Non-Traditional Settings5:40 - His Role at a DSO8:25 - What is a Hygiene Coach?15:15 - Working For Private Practice vs. DSO's18:40 - Being a Male Hygienist22:48 - Pros & Cons of Being a Male Hygienist26:22 - Creating His Community for Male Hygienists30:32 - His Advice for Hygienists31:57 - How to Reach RafaelSend me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Click here for Christmas In July Sale!(code: POLISH150 FOR $150 off cordless polishers)  To connect with me: 🦷Polished Posture Club➡️Instagram💻My Website📨Email: [email protected] 💌Newsletter signup