A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Shelley Brown to talk about what happens when creativity, clinical care, and advocacy collide. Shelley shares the story behind her "side gig," Homebound Smiles, and how a simple idea grew into meaningful work serving patients who often fall through the cracks of traditional care models. We explore what it really takes to build a full professional life—without burn...

The end of an era as Andrew hangs up the mic as host of A Tale of Two Hygienists after more than 10 years. But this isn't a sad day, it's a day to celebrate as we welcome in the two new co-hosts for 2026.. but you have to listen to find out who it is!

Spice/K2 is incredibly problematic. Not only is it unhealthy, it's also inconsistent and regularly laced with unknown additives and other drugs. Listen to Tom Viola as he explains the main concerns with this recreational drug! Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing  TomViola@tomviola.com , visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmac...

We go through different phases of our life and sometimes we are very healthy and sometimes we aren't. Unfortunately, we humans judge books by covers - we think thin is health and heavy is not. In this episode with Machell Hoover she reminds us of what health really looks like, what her journey has been, and how to partner with the right providers to get exactly what your body needs to be healthy....

What to see an alarming stat? 77% of OBGYNs report that their pregnant patients are declined routine dental care. There is plenty of stigma and misunderstanding swirling about in the dental community regarding pregnant patients, so give this episode with Katrina Sanders as she shares 8 important tips for treating pregnant patients! Resources: More   Fast Facts:  https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.co...

Have you ever been in that weird in-between spot where you are in holiday mode but still have work but want the year to be over for a reset but still need to process the happenings of the previous 12 months? Of course you have, and many of us have been in that exact spot! In this episode we take a proactive approach to making 2026 just that much better with 5 steps you can start today! Resources:...

In this episode, we dive into the concept of burnout. Burnout has turned into a massive industry buzzword and quite frankly, its mostly misused. Additionally, the solutions that have been given to beat burnout are often addressing something that isn't getting to the root of the problem. Give this episode a listen to see where you stand on the topic! Resources https://news.mit.edu/2024/most-work-is...

Listen in to this week's episode with Katrina Sanders as she explains when a patient TRULY needs scaling and root planing! Resources: More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website:  https://www.katrinasanders.com   Katrina Sanders Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/  

Episode Overview In this thought-provoking episode,  Tim Ives  joins the show for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of dental hygienists, the ongoing challenges in oral health, and the importance of behavior change and communication in achieving better patient outcomes. The discussion delves into dental education, interprofessional collaboration, measuring success in hygiene, and innov...

Episode Overview This episode is a recording of a CE-Caliber presentation led by Tanya Dunlap , Vice President of Clinical and Business Development, and research liaison for Perio Protect.  Key Topics Covered Chronic Oral Infections & Systemic Health: Tanya Dunlap  explains why chronic oral infections are not just a local problem, but can affect overall health—especially for patients with conditio...

Welcome back to another insightful episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists! This week,  Andrew Johnston  is joined by none other than Dr. Alan Mead—podcaster, dentist, mentor, and community builder. Dr. Mead shares how the dental podcasting landscape has evolved over the years, what it takes to maintain endurance in dentistry, and how the profession continues to change. Highlights from This Episode: P...

Episode Summary: This tipisode from "A Tale of Two Hygienists" features  Dr. Sadie , a periodontist from Maryland, sharing insights on the implementation of Perio Protect in her multi-specialty practice. Hosted by  Tanya Dunlap , the conversation delves into the evolution of Perio Protect's role in patient care, how its usage has expanded across multiple locations, and the impact on patients' outc...

Episode Summary In this episode,  Andrew Johnston  welcomes long-time friend and hygiene industry leader  Sarah Thiel  back to the show. As one of Andrew's final episodes, the two reflect on their years of friendship, the evolution of dental industry networking, and the incredible journey and impact of CE Zoom—Sarah's unique platform for tracking and managing continuing education (CE) requirements...

Episode Summary: In this special bonus episode brought to you in partnership with TheraBreath, Andrew Johnston  sits down with  Melissa Calhoun for an in-depth discussion about all things toothpaste—why it's more than just a routine product, how active ingredients play a crucial role, and why switching up your toothpaste based on patient needs really matters. They dive into the evidence-based appr...

Episode Summary: In this engaging throwback episode, Andrew and guest co-host Brittany catch up with Dr. James Younger to talk all things temping in the dentistry. As temping continues to grow in popularity, especially following shifts during the pandemic, this episode is a practical guide and deep dive for early-career professionals and anyone considering a more flexible career path in dentistry....

Episode Highlights: Networking & Power Networking: Dr. Chris Salierno returns for an in-depth conversation on building meaningful professional relationships in dentistry. He offers his insights into "power networking," stressing the importance of showing up, saying yes to opportunities, and making deposits before making withdrawals. Learn how he identifies red flags in networking and why intention...

Episode Overview In this special, nostalgia-fueled episode, Andrew takes a look back at meaningful conversations from prior episodes, bringing in crucial advice for dental professionals and hygienists that's just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from Tom Viola...

Tom Viola is BACK and he is talking about bath salts... and we are not talking about Dr Teal's epsom salts. Tom shares a little bit of the background of what they are, where they originated, and the difficulties of testing for them. Don't miss this 6 minute episode!

Are we on the brink of a mass retirement of dental hygienists? Are hygienists really all that unhappy and what are the drivers that factor into job satisfaction? Rather than guessing, we have Thalia Diedrick on the show who comes with the answers directly from the dental audience! Resources: https://gotu.com/state-of-work/ Thalia@joingotu.com cassidy@joingotu.com

We always talk to our patients about how to remove plaque, apply medicaments, and review systemic factors. What if its easier than all of that? What happens when we simply change our diet instead? Katrina Sanders explains how we can get healthier through diet alone in this short Ask The Experts segment!   Resources: Baumgartner, S., Imfeld, T., Schicht, O., Rath, C., Persson, R., Persson, G.: The...

Leadership is about failure and experience. In this part 2, we pick up where we left off with Dr. Pam Maragliano and Dr. David Rice as they give expert advice to those looking to succeed in this dental world in which we live. This episode is not to be missed!!

Drs Pam Maragliano and David Rice bring the heat in this crossover episode with the Dentistry Unmasked Podcast. Both of these doctors, having experienced low employee turnover and highly successful practices, have found the secret sauce. As they look around, it seems almost unreal how many other practices continue to struggle. Join us in this conversation and hopefully fix or sidestep some of thes...

What are the non-clinical AI tools that are out there and are they here to stay? Many practices are scared of change, many simply just do not want to change.... but will the practices of insurance companies force the issue? Are we overreacting about the usefulness of AI in dentistry? Teresa Duncan joins the show to give us some perspective! Resources: https://www.odysseymgmt.com/ Nobody Told Me Th...

It's scary when life events mandate that you completely change your life and lifestyle. In this episode we hear from Brooke Crouch who spent time in the corporate world for several years, only to find herself headed back to the operatory... and she loves it! Be sure to reach out if you are finding yourself in similar situations! Resources brookecrouchdentalconsulting@gmail.com

Do our patients huff glue? If so, what should we expect? Let's find out on this short episode from Tom Viola! Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing  TomViola@tomviola.com , visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified