In defense of the cheese

Spencer Johnson published Who Moved My Cheese? in 1998. The book explored how people respond to change. In short, the message was that life is constantly evolving, and when we embrace change with a positive outlook, we often move closer to happiness. A recent example is the groundswell of dental hygienists in Nevada who embraced the opportunity to reverse a decision that impacted their profession.

My own life has been a series of continual changes, and to be honest, I haven’t always greeted new directions with a smile. What I’ve learned is that when change is introduced, acknowledged, and openly discussed—instead of being demanded—it’s more likely to be accepted and lead to a positive outcome. Flexibility tends to foster greater acceptance.

Amid all the changes in dental hygiene, I see unity. We’ve grown restless, and we’ve found strength in raising our voices across multiple platforms. The ADA challenges our profession weekly, while the AGD continues to affirm our value. We were never invited to the table to explore solutions, but a group still tried to move our cheese by issuing a demand. When did quality patient care become negotiable?

Adding to this rapidly shifting landscape is the rise of AI, which promises to make our roles easier. Many are excited. Some are anxious, fearing replacement.

So where do we go from here as we learn to navigate these changes? This month, Derek Sven brings us part three of his six-part series on autonomy. In this installment, he explores the economic impact of change. Be sure to read the full series and educate yourself so that when the opportunity arises to speak up, your voice is ready and strong.

In the dental office, AI will enhance our decision-making processes by bringing consistency to diagnostics. This month, Melissa Turner shares her insights on how AI is already working behind the scenes through digital radiographs, chart transcription, and virtual therapeutic reality. Embracing dental AI doesn’t mean losing the human hygienist’s touch. It means amplifying your skills.

Change is constant, but if we’re proactive, we can help steer that change in ways that benefit us personally, professionally, and—most importantly—for the patients who deserve the highest quality care.

In solidarity,

Jackie Sanders, MBA, RDH

Editor's note: This article appeared in the July 2025 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.