Let purple reign: Unleashing the full potential of dental hygiene

Dental hygiene is evolving beyond routine preventive care. By embracing clinical expertise, autonomy, leadership, and evidence-based practice, hygienists can expand their impact...

Podcast Partners

Beyond fraud: The ethical decisions dental hygienists make every day

RDH Magazine Podcast

A 3d rendering of scattered leptin molecules and adipocyte or fat cell, illustrating their role in metabolism and energy regulation

Patient Care

Adipokines as immunometabolic bridges: Linking obesity susceptibility, periodontal disease, hypertension, and systemic health

patient lying in a dental chair getting an x-ray taken

Patient Care

Clinical Tips: 5 hacks that make every dental x-ray better

woman looking upward with one finger on the side of her face, thinking

Patient Care

Be a “HIGHgienist,” not a “LOWgienist”

Podcasts

Podcast Partners

Why oral-systemic health needs better science communication

RDH Magazine Podcast

Inspiration

More than a clinical hygienist: Finding your value beyond the operatory

A Tale of Two Hygienists

Personal Wellness

How dental hygiene educators can build a healthier academic culture

A Tale of Two Hygienists

All Episodes

RDH Magazine

Volume 46, Issue 6 (August/September 2026)

Digital Edition

Videos

Sponsored

How to make iTero scanning part of the hygiene workflow

Think there’s no room for scanning in an already-packed hygiene appointment? Tammy Stager, RDH, shares realistic ways to build the technology into your workflow and patient conversation...

Sept. 1, 2026

Sponsored

Philips Sonicare Introduces AI-Powered Brushing for Better Coverage and Confidence

This year, Philips Sonicare entered a new era of oral healthcare with the complete relaunch of its power toothbrush portfolio. The refreshed lineup delivers personalized solutions...

Aug. 28, 2026

Sponsored

Air polishing: A more efficient way to remove biofilm

Linda Albowicz, BS, RDH, clinical education manager of HuFriedyGroup, talks about the latest in air polishing technology: the PWR Air with TAP.

Aug. 26, 2026

Sponsored

Introducing the Boge Precision Duo

Discover the Boge Precision Duo™, PDT's latest innovation designed to help clinicians achieve exceptional precision, efficiency, and ergonomics. Hear from Dr. Emily Boge and PDT...

Aug. 6, 2026

Patient Care

1429380550900854___resized_mainimage1280x720

Sponsored

Breaking the Cycle: Why Dental Professionals Hold the Key to Preventing Childhood Suffering

A veteran hygienist's case study of severe early childhood caries shows how gaps in parent education perpetuate preventable disease, and why prevention deserves the same urgency...

Sept. 1, 2026

hygienist placing her hand on a patient's shoulder in a caring manner

Patient Care

The chair is a checkpoint: How dental hygienists can be a real part of suicide prevention

Dental hygienists see patients regularly and often build the trust that makes difficult conversations possible. Learn how recognizing warning signs, using QPR, and connecting ...

Aug. 31, 2026

a toothbrush and mouthwash against a backdrop of leaves

Patient Care

Oxidative stress in the oral cavity: Can antioxidant-rich oral care support oral wellness?

Can antioxidant-rich oral care complement traditional plaque control? Current research examines oil pulling, botanical ingredients, and their potential role in supporting a healthier...

Aug. 31, 2026

Why airway assessment belongs in the hygiene appiontment

Podcast Partners

Why airway screening belongs in the hygiene appointment

RDH Magazine Podcast

Dental hygienists already assess patients from head to toe. Adding an airway component may help close an important gap between oral and medical care.

Aug. 25, 2026

Ergonomics

a gloved hand holding two dental hygiene instruments

Ergonomics

When sharp instruments aren’t enough

Hand fatigue isn't always caused by dull instruments. Grip force, handle design, and ergonomics all influence muscle strain during scaling. Find out how reducing unnecessary gripping...

Aug. 14, 2026

Instruments/Handpieces

Why hygienists still need hand instruments in the age of ultrasonics

A Tale of Two Hygienists

Emily Boge joins Jessica Atkinson and David Torres for a frank conversation about hand instrumentation, ultrasonics, assessment, calibration, and why “thorough” should never mean...

June 10, 2026

6897327497647176___resized_mainimage1280x720

Sponsored

The Pediatric Orthodontic Window: What Dental Hygienists Need to Know

Early orthodontic problems are hiding in plain sight, and dental hygienists hold the key. Learn how to spot the signs, counsel families with confidence, and become the bridge ...

May 1, 2026

5595810832231635___resized_mainimage1280x720

Sponsored

Sensory-informed care in dentistry: Improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes

Sensory processing differences affect how patients experience the dental environment. Learn how small adjustments in communication, environment, and pacing can improve comfort...

April 8, 2026

Infection Control

Sponsored

Before the gloves go on: How glove retrieval influences cross-contamination

This article explores how glove retrieval methods, dispenser placement, and emerging packaging designs may help strengthen operatory asepsis as practices refine their infection...

June 10, 2026

Infection Control

Are you making these top 5 infection control mistakes?

Learn how rapid room turnover impacts infection control, highlighting key areas such as item reuse, sterilization protocols, and waterline testing to prevent cross-contamination...

Jan. 28, 2026

Sterilization

Raising the standard: A hygienist’s journey with dental instrument cassettes

Implementing dental instrument cassettes can elevate safety, efficiency, and patient trust. See how one hygienist’s journey shows the lasting impact on workflow and clinical excellence...

Oct. 6, 2025

Whooping cough is on the rise in the US. Here's what health-care workers can do to prevent and treat it.

Infection Control

Whooping cough surges in US: How to protect yourself and others

Whooping cough cases are rising sharply in the US—making prevention, vaccination, and precautions critical.

Sept. 17, 2025

Pathology

Pathology

When the gloves come off: What natural disasters teach us about being health-care professionals

Disasters test more than infrastructure—they test clinical judgment. This article explores the portable clinical competencies that help dental hygienists recognize disease, support...

Aug. 24, 2026

Pathology

The view from the dental chair: Why learning to look outside the mouth matters

Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to identify suspicious skin changes during routine head and neck exams. Improve patient care by recognizing high-risk areas, supporting...

Aug. 18, 2026

Periodontitis

Gigantol: A potential antivirulence strategy against P. gingivalis

Could the future of periodontal therapy involve disarming pathogens rather than simply killing them? Early research on gigantol suggests a possible antivirulence strategy against...

Aug. 4, 2026

Podcast Partners

From airway to alveolar bone: Expanding the dental hygienist's role

RDH Magazine Podcast

Airway health, hormonal changes, and bone health may be more connected than dental hygienists realize. Kristin Evans explains why these systemic patterns matter in the operatory...

July 28, 2026

Career & Profession

Career & Profession

Do dental hygienists need an NPI number?

What's an NPI number, and when is one required? Shelley Brown, RDH, breaks down everything you need to know and what prompted her to obtain one herself.

Sept. 2, 2026

Career & Profession

Structural load: Business models, power, and professional control

As dentistry becomes increasingly shaped by consolidation, private equity, and reimbursement pressures, many hygienists are questioning how business priorities influence patient...

Aug. 24, 2026

Career & Profession

Dear RDH: Am I taking too long on routine procedures?

This RDH is worried she is spending too much time on appointments, but wants to ensure her work is accurate and thorough. What should she do? Kimberly Augustus, RDH, weighs in...

Aug. 19, 2026

Career & Profession

One year out: A survival guide for the first-year RDH

This hygienist offers a rundown on what to expect during your first year in the op, including challenges you may not have anticipated. Here's how to thrive as a new RDH.

Aug. 18, 2026

Learning Resources

Sponsored

RDH Solutions Lab: Hands Up, Glove Up: Choosing the Right Gloves for You

Join our webinar to explore glove materials, allergy mitigation, and ergonomic design strategies that enhance safety and performance. Register now to elevate your PPE expertise...

March 6, 2026

White Papers

Download: Postpandemic infection control: Is your team following best practices?

Download this e-book with exclusive content to help ensure your dental team is following the latest in IC best practices.

Dec. 20, 2024

White Papers

Download: All about hydroxyapatite with Anne O. Rice

Download this exclusive e-book for a deep dive into the benefits of hydroxyapatite with DH expert Anne O. Rice.

Dec. 19, 2024

White Papers

Download: The 411 on career development in 2024

Download this exclusive e-book with tips from experts on how to grow your career in dental hygiene.

Dec. 19, 2024

Let purple reign: Unleashing the full potential of dental hygiene

Beyond fraud: The ethical decisions dental hygienists make every day

Adipokines as immunometabolic bridges: Linking obesity susceptibility, periodontal disease, hypertension, and systemic health

Clinical Tips: 5 hacks that make every dental x-ray better

Be a “HIGHgienist,” not a “LOWgienist”

Trending

The view from the dental chair: Why learning to look outside the mouth matters

What one parking ticket taught me about dentistry

Clinical Tips: 5 hacks that make every dental x-ray better

Podcasts

Why oral-systemic health needs better science communication

More than a clinical hygienist: Finding your value beyond the operatory

How dental hygiene educators can build a healthier academic culture

RDH Magazine

Videos

How to make iTero scanning part of the hygiene workflow

Philips Sonicare Introduces AI-Powered Brushing for Better Coverage and Confidence

Air polishing: A more efficient way to remove biofilm

Introducing the Boge Precision Duo

Patient Care

Breaking the Cycle: Why Dental Professionals Hold the Key to Preventing Childhood Suffering

The chair is a checkpoint: How dental hygienists can be a real part of suicide prevention

Oxidative stress in the oral cavity: Can antioxidant-rich oral care support oral wellness?

Why airway screening belongs in the hygiene appointment

Ergonomics

When sharp instruments aren’t enough

Why hygienists still need hand instruments in the age of ultrasonics

The Pediatric Orthodontic Window: What Dental Hygienists Need to Know

Sensory-informed care in dentistry: Improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes

Infection Control

Before the gloves go on: How glove retrieval influences cross-contamination

Are you making these top 5 infection control mistakes?

Raising the standard: A hygienist’s journey with dental instrument cassettes

Whooping cough surges in US: How to protect yourself and others

Pathology

When the gloves come off: What natural disasters teach us about being health-care professionals

The view from the dental chair: Why learning to look outside the mouth matters

Gigantol: A potential antivirulence strategy against P. gingivalis

From airway to alveolar bone: Expanding the dental hygienist's role

Career & Profession

Do dental hygienists need an NPI number?

Structural load: Business models, power, and professional control

Dear RDH: Am I taking too long on routine procedures?

One year out: A survival guide for the first-year RDH

Learning Resources

RDH Solutions Lab: Hands Up, Glove Up: Choosing the Right Gloves for You

Download: Postpandemic infection control: Is your team following best practices?

Download: All about hydroxyapatite with Anne O. Rice

Download: The 411 on career development in 2024