A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

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 patient care.   In this episode, we discuss:   Why psychological safety is essential for effective learning   The difference between "nice" and "kind" feedback   Modeling self-care and growth-oriented leadership   How kindness improves learning, performance, and patient outcomes   Sustainable ways to integrate kindness into rigorous training programs   Connect with Dr. Glenn Canares:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-canares/ Instagram: @oracleofkindness Email: [email protected]   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

Why do so many dental professionals struggle with instrument sharpening, and what impact does it have on patient care, efficiency, and instrument longevity?   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Jennifer Simoncelli, RDH, to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of clinical success: instrument maintenance. Jennifer shares what inspired the development of XpressEdge, how it simplifies the sharpening process compared to traditional methods, and the real-world results practices are seeing after adopting it.   If you've ever wondered whether your instruments are performing at their best, this conversation offers practical insights that every dental team can apply.   In This Episode:   Why instrument sharpening remains a challenge for many clinicians.   The inspiration behind the development of XpressEdge.   How XpressEdge differs from traditional sharpening methods.   Feedback and success stories from practices using the system.   The one thing every dental office should know about instrument maintenance.   Connect with Our Guest:   Jennifer Simoncelli, RDH Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-simoncelli-rdh-64569a54   Contact the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson Email: [email protected]   Dave Torres Email: [email protected]   This episode is brought to you by our friends at Nordent. To learn more about XpressEdge and explore their full range of dental instruments and products, visit www.Nordent.com.

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 looking for better ways to assess clinical competence, this conversation offers practical insights into the future of dental hygiene education.   In This Episode   The challenge that inspired a better approach to student assessment.   How technology helps measure competence beyond traditional grading.   Surprising trends and insights programs have uncovered through their data.   Using objective data while preserving the human side of teaching and mentorship.   Practical advice for educators navigating assessment and accreditation.   The future of educational technology in dental hygiene.   The one metric every dental hygiene program should be tracking.   Connect with Our Guest   Sara Taft Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-taft-08a83476/   Contact the Hosts   Jessica Atkinson Email: [email protected]   Dave Torres Email: [email protected]

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 ingredient percentage alone doesn't determine performance How nanohydroxyapatite quality impacts clinical outcomes The role of crystal size, purity, and manufacturing methods The science behind biomimetic remineralization Why Dr. Jen's team selected premium eggshell-derived nanohydroxyapatite The importance of independent research and laboratory testing How dental professionals can help patients make informed decisions about fluoride-free oral care Key Takeaway When it comes to nanohydroxyapatite, quality matters just as much as concentration. Backed by science, transparency, and clinical research, biomimetic dentistry continues to raise the standard for preventive oral care. Resources: https://drjenoralcare.com/

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 themes from the series that resonate with dental hygienists, the different leadership styles found throughout the books, and the parallels between Darrow's journey and the evolution of the dental hygiene profession. From questioning old systems to inspiring change, this conversation is all about thinking bigger, leading with purpose, and embracing what's possible.   In this episode, you'll hear:   Why Red Rising resonates with dental hygienists   Leadership lessons from the series   How challenging the status quo relates to advancing dental hygiene   How stories can inspire stronger leaders, educators, and advocates   Ashley's perspective on what hygienists can learn from the series   If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a fellow hygienist, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.   Resources: Read Red Rising by Pierce Brown: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/221552/red-rising-by-pierce-brown/   Contact Ashley: [email protected]   Contact the Hosts Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]  

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 long-term impact. Whether you're a student, educator, or practicing clinician, this episode challenges the way we think about giving back.   In this episode, we discuss:   Balancing service, sustainability, and ethics in mission work   Preparing clinicians and students to serve responsibly   The unintended consequences of short-term care models   Building partnerships that prioritize community needs   Cultural humility, patient autonomy, and continuity of care   How mission experiences shape providers personally and professionally   Connect with Dr. John Cutter:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-cutter-d-d-s-256031b/ Email: [email protected]   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

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 a glimpse into the future of the profession and the expanding opportunities available to hygienists beyond traditional practice.   In this episode, we discuss:   How oral health influences overall patient outcomes   The role of dental hygienists in hospital and medical settings   Medical-dental integration and interdisciplinary collaboration   Challenges and opportunities in hospital-based practice   Jenell's journey into integrated healthcare   The future of dental hygiene beyond the traditional dental office   Connect with Jenell Robins:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenell-robins-5541542b8/ Email: [email protected]   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

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 initiatives, this conversation highlights how every dental professional can make a lasting impact beyond the operatory.   In this episode, we discuss:   The connection between community outreach and preventive oral healthcare   Identifying and addressing barriers to oral healthcare access   Building sustainable community partnerships   Reaching underserved and vulnerable populations   The role of education, advocacy, and prevention   Lessons from successful outreach initiatives   How clinicians, educators, and students can get involved in community-based care   The future of access-to-care efforts in dentistry and dental hygiene   Connect with Richard Robinson:   Email: [email protected] Facebook: MY WHY Instagram: @mywhy1st TikTok: @RichardRobinson_RDH   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

In this episode, Tanya Dunlap of Perio Protect sits down with renowned periodontist and researcher Dr. Sam Low to discuss the growing challenge of xerostomia (dry mouth) and innovative approaches to managing it. They explore the science behind Periosciences' new product, Moisyn™, including its KyoTech™ technology, and discuss how combining Moisyn with AO ProVantage® Gel may provide enhanced support for patients suffering from dry mouth.   The conversation covers the importance of saliva quality—not just quantity—the role of minor salivary glands, and how inflammation may contribute to xerostomia symptoms. Dr. Low also shares practical recommendations for incorporating these products into daily patient care protocols.   Resources: perioprotect.com periosciences.com