A Tale of Two Hygienists welcomes new co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson
This episode marks a milestone for A Tale of Two Hygienists. Host Andrew Johnston signs off after more than a decade behind the mic and officially introduces the show's new cohosts: David Torres and Jessica Atkinson.
Together, they talk about what they want the show to feel like moving forward: a place that remains grounded in education, but also creates space for connection, validation, and the kind of conversations that help listeners "leave better" and show up differently in practice the very next day.
You'll also hear early ideas for the next season-especially a focus on interviewing dental hygienists who are building side gigs/side hustles and using their expertise in new ways, plus plans to make the podcast more interactive through listener feedback and outreach.
In this episode, you'll hear:
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Andrew's final sign-off and what's next for him behind the scenes
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Meet the new cohosts: David Torres and Jessica Atkinson
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The vision for 2026: education-first, community-driven, and more interactive
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Why "side gigs" and real-life application will be a major theme going forward
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Topics the new hosts are excited to tackle, including standards of care, classifications, and oral cancer screening conversations
About the Author
Andrew Johnston, RDH
Andrew Johnston, RDH, is your everyday hygienist who is passionate about sharing education and knowledge to others. Practicing in Washington State since 2009, Andrew enjoys utilizing his full scope of practice through traditional and restorative procedures on any given day—still working in the operatory 40-plus hours each week. In 2015, he started the wildly popular dental hygiene podcast A Tale of Two Hygienists with his cofounder Michelle Strange. Because of the podcast's success, they were able to begin a new chapter in dental audio content with The Dental Podcast Network, which consists of 10 short-format shows on different dental topics airing each day of the work week.
Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH
Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH, is the COO of Hygiene Edge and an assistant professor of dental hygiene at Utah Tech University. She has been in the dental field for 23 years with experience in the front office, dental assisting, hygiene, and education. Jessica has presented nationally and internationally, is the recipient of the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Element Award and the Utah Tech College of Health Sciences Outstanding Service Award, is a past president of the Utah Dental Hygienists’ Association, and a member of the ADHA.
David Torres, CRDH
David Torres, CRDH, cohost of A Tale of Two Hygienists, is an experienced dental hygienist with over a decade of clinical expertise, specializing in patient education, preventive care, and the integration of modern dental technologies. Known for his passion for teaching, campus recruiting, and coaching, David is dedicated to elevating patient experiences while helping dental professionals improve efficiency, workflow, and long-term success.