PODCAST · science
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
by Jessica Atkinson, RDH and David Torres CRDH
We created A Tale of Two Hygienists in 2015 because we are passionate about helping our fellow clinicians be the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally. We Interview experts in their fields to provide better care for our patients while promoting the joys of being a dental hygienist.
Episodes
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560 From Data to Decisions: Assessment & Diagnosis in Dental Hygiene
Assessment and diagnosis are at the heart of patient-centered dental hygiene care. In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave are joined by JoAnn Gurenlian, Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, and Darlene Swigart to explore how dental hygienists can move beyond simply collecting patient…
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559 Standards of Care: Why Dental Hygiene Must Own Its Professional Framework
JoAnn Gurenlian joins Jessica and Dave for a practical conversation about the purpose, evolution, and everyday importance of the Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice. From understanding the difference between standards of care and scope of practice to applying professional standards in...
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558 Bone Health, Hormones, and the Clinician Behind the Care
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...
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Net32 Podcast Chat- Periodontal Communication and Seed Planting- guiding a path to health
Jessica and Dave welcome Dr. Pamela Ray to discuss how hygienists can improve periodontal communication, help patients take ownership of their disease, and guide them toward informed decisions about their health. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Net32. What We Talked About:...
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557 Changing the Paradigm for Treating TMD
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect millions of patients, yet they remain widely misunderstood. In this episode, Jessica and Dave explore a new way of thinking about TMD with Dr. Anthony Urbanek. After 36 years of performing TMJ surgery, Dr. Urbanek stopped and began researching the disease…
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Treat the Biology, Not Just the Symptoms: Personalized Home Care for Dental Hygiene Patients Sponsored by Perio Protect
In this tipisode, Amanda Hill - RDH explores the importance of biology-driven home care recommendations and why a one-size-fits-all approach may not meet every patient's needs. From chronic inflammation and acute healing to xerostomia and remineralization, Amanda discusses how hygienists can…
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Solventum Podcast Chat- Give your orthodontic patients a clear advantage with Solventum™ Clinpro™ Clear
Orthodontic treatment can make oral hygiene more challenging, with brackets and aligner attachments creating areas where biofilm can accumulate and contribute to demineralization and white spot lesions. This episode was brought to you by our friends at Solventum. In this episode, Jessica Atkinson...
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556 The Endoscope: Seeing What We've Been Missing in Dental Hygiene
Jessica and Dave welcome Judy Carroll, RDH, Founder and Clinical Director of PerioPeak Innovations, to discuss how periodontal endoscopy is changing the way hygienists assess and treat periodontal disease. With 36 years of clinical experience, Judy shares her expertise on: How periodontal…
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555 From Wear Facets to Wellness: The Hygienist's Role in Airway Health
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...
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554 AI in Dental Hygiene: Tool, Threat, or Teammate?
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…
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553 High Standards, Human Teaching: Rethinking Rigor in Dental Hygiene Education
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,...
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552 Teaching Is Clinical Work Too: Preventing Burnout in Dental Hygiene Educators
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...
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551 Kindness in Education: Teaching the Whole Person
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…
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Nordent Podcast-Chat: The sharpening Mistake Costing Dental Practices Time and Money.
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...
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550 Tracking What Matters: Measuring Student Competence for CODA Accreditation
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…
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Not All 10% Nanohydroxyapatite Toothpastes Are Created Equal
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...
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549 Why Every Hygienist Should Read "Red Rising"
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...
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548 Mission Trips: When Good Intentions Meet Ethical Responsibility
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...
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547 Beyond the Dental Chair: Oral Health in Hospital and Medical Settings
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…
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546 Meeting the Oral Health Needs of Patients With Special Needs
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…
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545 Access Is Built, Not Given: Community Outreach as Preventive Care
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…
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Parkell Podcast-Chat: Clinical Innovation with DuraTip – Using Ultrasonics Well: Efficiency, Ergonomics, and Patient Comfort
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...
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544 The Science -How Ultrasonics Actually Work: Amplitude, Frequency, and Cleaning Efficiency
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,...
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543 The Origin Story- Mr. & Mrs. Ultrasonics: How the Paschkes Changed the Way We Scale
Jessica and Dave sit down with Noel and Richard Paschke—known throughout dentistry as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics. Noel, a pioneering dental hygienist, educator, inventor, and industry leader, joins her husband Rich, an ultrasonic engineer and innovator, to share the story behind their partnership…
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Why Dry Mouth Is More Than Just a Lack of Saliva: New Insights into Xerostomia Care
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...
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542 The Art of the Stroke: Hand Instrumentation in Dental Hygiene
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Dr. Emily Boge to explore the evolving balance between ultrasonic technology and hand instrumentation in modern dental hygiene. We dive into why ultrasonics are powerful tools — but not magic wands — and why mastering hand...
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541 Implant Instrumentation: Preserving the Implant While Treating the Patient — From Single Implants to Full-Arch Fixed Prostheses
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with implant maintenance expert Alison Stahl to unpack the hidden risks surrounding dental implants — and why successful implant therapy requires far more than simply placing the implant. Alison explains why implants remain...
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540 More Than a Credential: The Responsibility, Trust, and Purpose Behind Licensure
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...
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539 You're Not a Student Anymore — Advocating for Yourself as a Professional
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...
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Not All Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Is Created Equal
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…
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538 Clinic Isn't the Real World — But It Wasn't Useless Either
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...
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537 What We're Actually Worried About: Graduating Hygienists Speak
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...
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536 Caring for the Cancer Patient
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Melia Lewis, MEd, to discuss the critical role dental hygienists play in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment. Drawing from her personal experience with her father's cancer diagnosis,...
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535 What Do You Say? Oral Cancer Screening Verbiage That Builds Trust
In this episode, Alyssa Aberle shares her powerful personal journey through a patient diagnosis, surgery, and tongue reconstruction, offering a perspective that deeply resonates with dental professionals. The conversation emphasizes the critical role hygienists play in early detection of oral...
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534 Oral Cancer Screening: Stepping Fully Into Your Role
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson welcome renowned speaker and dental educator Jo-Anne Jones for an impactful conversation titled "Oral Cancer Screening: Stepping Fully Into Your Role." Jo-Anne shares deeply personal and professional insights...
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Solventum Podcast Chat -Focus on the fluoride facts: Talking with patients about Clinpro™ Clear
Fluoride conversations don't have to feel uncomfortable. In this Bonus episode, we're joined by Jen Post, RDH, MDH, FADHA, to discuss practical strategies for improving patient communication and increasing fluoride acceptance. Jen shares how hygienists can confidently address common patient...
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533 When the Provider Becomes the Patient: An RDH's Early Detection of Thyroid Cancer
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and David sit down with dental hygienist Angeli Walton to share her powerful story of recognizing early signs of a thyroid condition—within herself. What began as clinical awareness quickly turned into a deeply personal journey, as Angeli...
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Dry Mouth Relief That Actually Lasts
Dry mouth isn't just uncomfortable—it can impact sleep, swallowing, oral health, and overall quality of life. In this TIPisode, we learn about Moisyn, a unique solution designed to provide lasting moisture and relief for patients dealing with xerostomia. Unlike traditional products that offer…
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532 What We're Missing: An Oral Pathologist on Red Flags, Referrals, and Reality
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with oral pathologist Dr. Bryan Trump to discuss the important role dental professionals play in identifying abnormalities and knowing when to refer patients to a specialist. Dr. Trump shares valuable...
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531 When Advocacy Doesn't Win: How to Respond When Legislation Goes the Other Way
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Joffree Bunleang to unpack one of the most challenging realities in professional advocacy—what happens when legislation doesn't go the way you hoped? The conversation centers around Oral…
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530 Legislation 101 for Hygienists: What Actually Moves the Needle
Legislation impacts your daily practice more than most clinicians realize. In this episode, we sit down with Derik J. Sven to break down what truly drives change in dental hygiene policy — and what doesn't. Derik shares insight into the realities behind dental care standards, the ongoing fight…
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Comfort, Confidence & Stronger Smiles
Tooth sensitivity can make everyday things—like drinking cold water or even getting a routine cleaning—uncomfortable for patients. In this TIPisode, Dr. Marc Geissberger shares his experience beta testing ReminGel, a professional-strength remineralizing gel from PerioProtect designed to reduce...
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529 Advocating for Yourself Without Burning Out
Advocacy can feel exhausting — especially in a profession that already demands so much emotionally and physically. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Bethany Montoya, MBA, BAS, RDH to talk about how to stand up for yourself, your patients, and your profession without sacrificing your...
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528 From Complaining to Constructive: Turning Frustration Into Advocacy
In this episode, we sit down with Danyelle Evans to explore her path from an invested clinician to becoming a state and national advocate for oral health and access to prevention. Danyelle shares the moment that shifted her perspective from frustration to action: caring for a patient who could no...
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527 Practicing With Purpose: Lessons From the Wind River Reservation
Dr. Johnson returns to the podcast to share a powerful and often-overlooked perspective on tribal dentistry, career fulfillment, and why passion truly matters in dentistry. This conversation goes beyond clinical techniques and dives into purpose, opportunity, and loving the work you do. 🦷 What...
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526 Pediatric Medical Emergencies & Anesthesia: Prepared, Not Panicked
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, hosts Jessica Atkinson and David Torres sit down with Brittnee Thibault and Lindsay Richmond—two hygienists who graduated with no pediatric local anesthetic practice in school and went on to become confident clinicians providing local anesthesia for...
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525 Choosing Pediatrics: Training, Practice, and the Art of Caring for Kids
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Johnson, a dedicated pediatric dentist (pedodontist), to explore what makes pediatric dentistry truly unique—and why it's about so much more than just teeth. From mastering parent communication to handling unexpected holiday emergencies, Dr. Johnson shares...
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524 Why Sharpening Matters: Instrument Care with Christine Jeffs
In this episode, we sit down with Christine Jeffs, co-founder of Acuti Sharpening, to talk about why sharpening isn't optional—it's essential. Christine shares how she got started in the sharpening business and how Acuti Sharpening came to life alongside co-founder Melia Lewis, RDH. We unpack the...
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523 From Dental Hygiene to Glam: The Story Behind Glam Studio
In this episode, we introduce The Pros at Glam Studio and the passion behind their work. As licensed dental hygienists with decades of experience, they share how they combine dental hygiene and aesthetics to help clients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We talk about their approach to safe,...
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522 The Co-Host Compatibility Test
In this episode, we welcome our new co-host, Jessica and David with a fun, question-based game to get to know each other on (and off) the mic. Instead of a formal intro, we dive into stories, laughs, and a few unexpected answers. We talk about how this co-hosting partnership came together, what...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We created A Tale of Two Hygienists in 2015 because we are passionate about helping our fellow clinicians be the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally. We Interview experts in their fields to provide better care for our patients while promoting the joys of being a dental hygienist.
HOSTED BY
Jessica Atkinson, RDH and David Torres CRDH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast have?
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast about?
We created A Tale of Two Hygienists in 2015 because we are passionate about helping our fellow clinicians be the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally. We Interview experts in their fields to provide better care for our patients while promoting the joys of being a dental...
How often does A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast release new episodes?
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast?
You can listen to A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast?
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast is created and hosted by Jessica Atkinson, RDH and David Torres CRDH.
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