Is irrigation worth the time—and which solutions actually work? In this Ask the Expert episode, Katrina Sanders clarifies the evidence, the indications, and the clinical nuances hygienists need to know.
This episode breaks down how to determine when irrigation is warranted, which solutions to use, and how to integrate it effectively into periodontal therapy. Sanders covers indications such as inflammation, bleeding, and pocket depth, and explains how different irrigants—chlorhexidine, essential oils, and oxygenating solutions—perform in clinical practice.
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.
A clinical dental hygienist, author and international speaker, Katrina is passionate about elevating the dental profession by creating an undeniable movement that educates, encourages, and empowers the profession to rise in its power. Known as the “Dental WINEgenist™,” she pairs her desire for excellence in the dental industry with her knowledge and passion for wine. She is the Clinical Liaison for Hygiene Excellence at AZPerio, founder of Sanders Board Preparatory and has been published in various publications including RDH Magazine and Dental Academy of Continuing Dental Education. Recently, Katrina proudly received the University of Minnesota Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2024 Sunstar Award of Distinction. @TheDentalWINEgenist [email protected].
