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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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
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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 breaks down where screenings fall short and what needs to change...
April 15, 2026
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She had no symptoms and normal labs—but a routine exam caught it anyway. This episode looks at where extraoral screening actually happens in practice—and where it’s often rushed...
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
purpose in dentistry wind river cares
What happens when a seasoned pediatric dentist leaves private practice and finds renewed purpose serving patients on the Wind River Reservation? Dr. David Johnson joins David ...
Feb. 25, 2026
Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Child Patient
Giving local anesthesia to children can feel intimidating—even for experienced hygienists. In this episode, pediatric clinicians Lindsay Richmond, RDH, and Brittnee Thibault, ...
Feb. 18, 2026
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Pediatric Dentistry Patient Management Tips
Are we still relying on outdated management styles for our youngest patients? Dr. David Johnson joins A Tale of Two Hygienists to discuss the evolution of pediatric dentistry,...
Feb. 13, 2026
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Do you have a "butter knife" in your cassette? Most hygienists struggle to find time for instrument maintenance, leading to hand fatigue and burnished calculus. Discover how Christine...
Feb. 4, 2026
Clinical career alternatives for dental hygienists
When two dental hygiene instructors noticed the unsafe methods behind their students' piercings, they saw an opportunity to apply their clinical expertise to a new field. Discover...
Jan. 28, 2026
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Podcast conversation between dental professionals
Jessica and David talk identity shifts, defining success beyond titles, and the habits that help them stay grounded—plus what they want to learn with the community.
Jan. 21, 2026
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Dental professional using a digital drawing tablet to create artwork for a creative side gig
What happens when a dental hygienist follows her creative instincts instead of silencing them? In this episode, Ashley Kear shares how art, humor, and a low-pressure side gig ...
Jan. 14, 2026
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Mobile Dentistry Public Health Hygiene Shelley Brown
Feeling like a scaling machine? Join Jessica Atkinson, David Torres, and public health trailblazer Shelley Brown as they discuss "career polygamy," the steps to launching a mobile...
Jan. 7, 2026
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Andrew Johnston hosts his final episode and introduces A Tale of Two Hygienists’ new co-hosts for 2026: David Torres, RDH, and Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH. Hear what’s staying...
Dec. 31, 2025
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Synthetic Marijuana Spice K2 Dental Hygiene Podcast
Often marketed as “synthetic marijuana,” drugs like Spice and K2 are unpredictable, dangerous, and increasingly relevant in clinical settings. In this episode of Fast Facts, pharmacolog...
Dec. 22, 2025
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Letting Go Of Regret Starting Fresh Dental Hygienists
Struggling to move past mistakes or missed opportunities from the past year? Andrew Johnston offers five practical reflections to help hygienists quiet self-criticism, reconnect...
Dec. 18, 2025
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Burnout and depression in dental hygiene
Burnout is everywhere—but are we even using the word correctly? Andrew Johnston breaks down what burnout really is (and isn’t), why rest isn’t always the answer, and how to reclaim...
Dec. 13, 2025
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Pregnant patients are often declined routine dental care—but should they be? Katrina Sanders, RDH, breaks down what hygienists need to know about safely and confidently treating...
Dec. 12, 2025