A Tale of Two Hygienists

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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From dental hygiene school to leadership, teaching, and retirement, Marion Manski shares the mentors and lessons that shaped her career.
Aug. 26, 2026
What happens when the people teaching the next generation of hygienists are running on empty? One educator shares practical ways to build a healthier academic culture.
Aug. 26, 2026
What if kindness in education isn't about making everyone comfortable? Dr. Glenn Canares explains why real kindness can require honesty, boundaries, and uncomfortable conversations...
Aug. 12, 2026
Dental hygiene education is packed with clinical skills, critical thinking, communication, and patient care. Sara Taft explains why proving competency matters, and why graduation...
Aug. 12, 2026
From insurance frustrations to leadership lessons, this discussion uncovers why Red Rising resonates so deeply with dental hygienists looking to create positive change.
Aug. 11, 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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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dental-hygiene-new-graduates
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
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
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
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
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
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