A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Candi Kidd, RDH, BSDH, MEd, to discuss the unique challenges patients with special healthcare needs face when accessing oral healthcare. From medically complex and tube-fed patients to collaborating with caregivers and healthcare teams, Candi shares practical strategies for creating more inclusive, compassionate, and effective d...

What if the biggest challenge in oral healthcare isn't clinical knowledge—but access?   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Richard Robinson, BS, RDH, to discuss how community outreach is transforming preventive oral healthcare. Richard shares what it takes to build sustainable partnerships, reach underserved populations, and remove the barriers that prevent...

In this special bonus episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Noel and Richard Paschke, better known as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics, for a deep dive into ultrasonic insert performance, wear, and innovation.   The Paschkes explore why all ultrasonic tips wear over time, how worn inserts impact patient outcomes and clinician efficiency, and the engineering principles behind D...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Noel and Richard Paschke, better known as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics.   Together, they break down the science behind ultrasonic instrumentation, separating fact from fiction on topics like frequency, amplitude, cavitation, cleaning efficiency, and clinical technique. Rich shares an engineer's perspective on how ultrasonic dev...

Jessica and Dave sit down with Noel and Richard Paschke—known throughout dentistry as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics.   Noel, a pioneering dental hygienist, educator, inventor, and industry leader, joins her husband Rich, an ultrasonic engineer and innovator, to share the story behind their partnership and the impact they've had on ultrasonic scaling technology.   Together, they discuss how clinical exp...

In this episode, Tanya Dunlap of Perio Protect sits down with renowned periodontist and researcher Dr. Sam Low to discuss the growing challenge of xerostomia (dry mouth) and innovative approaches to managing it. They explore the science behind Periosciences' new product, Moisyn™, including its KyoTech™ technology, and discuss how combining Moisyn with AO ProVantage® Gel may provide enhanced suppor...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Dr. Emily Boge to explore the evolving balance between ultrasonic technology and hand instrumentation in modern dental hygiene.   We dive into why ultrasonics are powerful tools — but not magic wands — and why mastering hand instrumentation remains essential for effective patient care. We look into a humbling calibration st...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with implant maintenance expert Alison Stahl to unpack the hidden risks surrounding dental implants — and why successful implant therapy requires far more than simply placing the implant.   Alison explains why implants remain vulnerable to periodontal and systemic disease, why water flossers are essential for long-term implant...

About This Episode: What does it really mean to hold a dental hygiene license? In this episode, Dave and Jessica sit down with Amanda Hill — speaker, consultant, award-winning author,to unpack what licensure truly represents for dental hygienists. This is not a conversation about paperwork and renewal fees. It is a candid, thought-provoking discussion about responsibility, public trust, and what i...

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 to practicing professional—and what it really means to advocate for yourself in today's dental hygiene landscape.   The conversation dives into the gap between school and real-world practice, challenging the mindset many hy...

In this episode of Fast Facts Ask the Expert, Dr. Jen discusses the science behind nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and why not all fluoride-free formulations are created equal. Learn why concentration, crystal quality, and science-backed formulation matter when it comes to enamel protection and oral health. For more information or to schedule a CE for your team, visit: Dr. Jen Oral Care

In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Kevin Lopez to unpack the gap between clinical education and real-world dental hygiene practice. Kevin shares honest insights from his experience, highlighting what truly matters once you step outside the classroom and into patient care.   What We Talked About:   Why disclosing is non-negotiable in dental hygiene practice and its imp...

In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson dive into the real concerns and experiences of graduating dental hygienists as they transition from school into the professional world. This candid conversation highlights the emotional and professional challenges new hygienists face, along with practical insights to help them navigate this pivotal stage of their careers.   What We Talked About:  ...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Melia Lewis, MEd, to discuss the critical role dental hygienists play in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment.   Drawing from her personal experience with her father's cancer diagnosis, Melia brings a deeply meaningful perspective to the conversation. She highlights the emotional and cl...

In this episode, Alyssa Aberle shares her powerful personal journey through a patient diagnosis, surgery, and tongue reconstruction, offering a perspective that deeply resonates with dental professionals. The conversation emphasizes the critical role hygienists play in early detection of oral cancer and why cutting corners is never an option when it comes to patient care.   Alyssa, along with Davi...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson welcome renowned speaker and dental educator Jo-Anne Jones for an impactful conversation titled "Oral Cancer Screening: Stepping Fully Into Your Role."   Jo-Anne shares deeply personal and professional insights that challenge clinicians to recognize the true life-saving potential of routine dental visits. Throu...

Fluoride conversations don't have to feel uncomfortable. 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.   Jen shares how hygienists can confidently address common patient concerns, simplify their messaging, and create more effective chairside conversations.   We also explore h...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and David sit down with dental hygienist Angeli Walton to share her powerful story of recognizing early signs of a thyroid condition—within herself. What began as clinical awareness quickly turned into a deeply personal journey, as Angeli navigated the unexpected shift from provider to patient.   Angeli reflects on how her training helped her no...

Dry mouth isn't just uncomfortable—it can impact sleep, swallowing, oral health, and overall quality of life. In this TIPisode, we learn about Moisyn, a unique solution designed to provide lasting moisture and relief for patients dealing with xerostomia. Unlike traditional products that offer only temporary relief, Moisyn uses a mucoadhesive, moisture-retentive technology to help keep the oral env...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with oral pathologist Dr. Bryan Trump to discuss the important role dental professionals play in identifying abnormalities and knowing when to refer patients to a specialist. Dr. Trump shares valuable insight into what clinicians might be missing during routine exams and how to strengthen their confide...

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Joffree Bunleang to unpack one of the most challenging realities in professional advocacy—what happens when legislation doesn't go the way you hoped?   The conversation centers around Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs) and the evolving landscape of dental practice. Joffree brings clarity to what OP...

Legislation impacts your daily practice more than most clinicians realize. In this episode, we sit down with Derik J. Sven to break down what truly drives change in dental hygiene policy — and what doesn't.   Derik shares insight into the realities behind dental care standards, the ongoing fight for hygienist autonomy, and the complex supervision structures that shape scope of practice across the...

Tooth sensitivity can make everyday things—like drinking cold water or even getting a routine cleaning—uncomfortable for patients. In this TIPisode, Dr. Marc Geissberger shares his experience beta testing ReminGel, a professional-strength remineralizing gel from PerioProtect designed to reduce sensitivity and support enamel health. Marc Geissberger DDS, MA shares how patients in his practice used...

Advocacy can feel exhausting — especially in a profession that already demands so much emotionally and physically. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Bethany Montoya, MBA, BAS, RDH to talk about how to stand up for yourself, your patients, and your profession without sacrificing your well-being.   Bethany shares her personal journey through challenge, change, and growth — and how embracing...

In this episode, we sit down with Danyelle Evans to explore her path from an invested clinician to becoming a state and national advocate for oral health and access to prevention.     Danyelle shares the moment that shifted her perspective from frustration to action: caring for a patient who could no longer continue treatment in a traditional brick-and-mortar dental office. Watching him lose acces...