A Tale of Two Hygienists

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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.

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Mission
Good intentions matter, but they're only the beginning. Learn why sustainable partnerships, local leadership and education should guide every outreach effort.
July 23, 2026
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Hospital-based dental hygiene is no longer just an idea. Learn how one hygienist helped reduce infections, improve patient outcomes, and create a new model for interdisciplinary...
July 21, 2026
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A dental hygienist and special needs parent shares how curiosity, evidence-based care, and small changes can transform patient experiences.
July 9, 2026
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Mentoring students
Prevention starts long before a patient sits in the chair. Discover how one hygienist is bringing oral health education directly into communities.
July 9, 2026
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Fact v.s. myth
Insights from engineering and clinical perspectives highlight the significance of device physics, proper instrument care, and technique adjustments for effective, safe, and efficient...
June 25, 2026
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Dental implant model held in a clinical setting to represent implant maintenance protocols for hygienists.
Alison Stahl, RDH, breaks down implant maintenance in practical terms—from what to assess at every visit to which instruments and home-care tools deserve a closer look.
June 23, 2026
Cesare Ferrari
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Noel brings the clinical wisdom, Rich brings the engineering perspective, and together they break down the real science behind frequency, amplitude, cavitation, and why turning...
June 18, 2026
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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
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Licensed Dental Hygienist Reviewing Patient Medical History
Amanda Hill joins A Tale of Two Hygienists to discuss Virginia’s dental workforce legislation, the meaning of licensure, and why patient protection must remain at the center of...
May 27, 2026
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Reflection Before Work Professional Confidence
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...
May 20, 2026
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Kevin Lopez joins the podcast to talk about the clinical habits many hygienists quietly lose after graduation—from disclosing and vitals to extraoral exams and patient-centered...
May 13, 2026
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Graduation is just weeks away. Four soon‑to‑be dental hygienists join A Tale of Two Hygienists to share what excites them, what scares them, and what they wish experienced clinicians...
May 6, 2026
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After supporting her father through pancreatic cancer treatment, hygienist Melia Lewis took a closer look at the oral side effects patients face during care. She shares how prevention...
April 29, 2026
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Oral Cancer Screening Patient Communication Dental Hygienist
Oral cancer screening is not just about what you find—it’s about how you communicate it. This conversation shows how language shapes patient action.
April 22, 2026
A Tale of Two Hygienists
Sponsored
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.
April 15, 2026
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Dental Hygienist Neck Palpation Oral Cancer Screening
Risk factors aren’t as reliable as they used to be, and this has real consequences in the operatory. This episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists breaks down where screenings fall...
April 15, 2026
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She had no symptoms and normal labs—but a routine exam caught it anyway. This episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists looks at where extraoral screening actually happens in practice...
April 8, 2026
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oral cancer screening dental hygiene
Most oral cancer screenings are treated as quick intraoral checks, but that approach leaves critical risk indicators unaddressed. This episode outlines what a structured, comprehensive...
April 8, 2026
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Oral Bacteria Colorectal Cancer Connection Dentistry
We talk a lot about the mouth and screening for oral cancer, but how does our work with controlling the mouth’s microbiome impact the risk for other cancers like colorectal cancer...
April 8, 2026
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Dr. Bryan Trump explains why oral pathology is a communication skill that shapes how patients experience care. Here's what to document, how to describe suspicious findings, and...
April 1, 2026
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Dental hygienist and assistant reviewing patient care in operatory, illustrating oral preventive assistant role in practice
The rise of the oral preventive assistant (OPA) is forcing a difficult conversation about scope, value, and control within dental hygiene. Are OPAs a threat, a workaround for ...
March 24, 2026
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Dental Hygiene Legislation Scope Of Practice
Why do dental hygienists in some states practice independently while others face significant restrictions? This episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists examines the structural, cultural...
March 18, 2026
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Dental Hygienist Reflection Career Burnout Growth
After burnout, job loss, and a toxic work environment, one hygienist had to rethink everything about her career. In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Bethany Montoya shares...
March 11, 2026
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Dental Hygienist Mobile Care Direct Access Advocacy
When a patient with Parkinson’s could no longer access care, one hygienist decided the system—not the patient—needed to change. Here’s how that moment led to direct access laws...
March 4, 2026