The Aligned Hygienist

Welcome back to another episode of The Aligned Hygienist! This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. William Moorhead, also known as Dr. Checklists. In this episode, we delve into his insights on managing fearful patients—a topic close to both of our hearts as dental professionals. Dr. Moorhead shares his journey from being an anxious patient himself to becoming a leader in dental technology, med...

In this episode, I dive into the importance of stress management for dental professionals. I share one of the most powerful tools for managing stress--your breath. I discuss how the breath and how you breathe affect your nervous system and, in turn, your stress response. In this episode, I share AND explore Box Breathing with you, an easy breathing exercises you can implement chairside to help red...

In this episode, I delve into one of the most accessible and cost-effective methods to enhance your ergonomics. By utilizing photos and videos, you can revolutionize your posture and ergonomics, gaining a deeper understanding of your habits and posture. This episode shares various ways to use photography to master your ergonomics, alleviate pain, and unlock your full potential in dentistry! If you...

In this episode, you'll hear:  The definition of burnout, how it shows up, and what you need to know as a dental professional The difference between chronic stress and burnout Tangible tools and practices to support stress and beat burnout Introducing... The Align Retreat! Calling all Women in Dentistry--Are you ready to get away? (Details below) The Align Retreat: For women in dentistry read...

Welcome back to another season of The Aligned Hygienist Podcast! Caitlin returns for Season 2 by sharing where she's been, her recent move, and why she took a long break from the podcast. Caitlin weaves her personal story with lessons she's learned along the way that serve as reminders for us as we navigate life's ups and downs.  Disclaimer: This episode includes me vulnerablly shar...

Are you struggling with your ergonomics and posture, or experiencing pain? You'll want to tune into this episode, where Caitlin dives deep into 5 no-no moves when it comes to your ergonomics. This episode is applicable to both dental clinicians and desk workers. Get ready to be inspired to take action on your ergonomics this week at work! In this episode, you'll hear:  Caitlin's sto...

In this episode, you'll hear:  What ergonomics is and what you need to pay attention to Common risk factors for pain and MSDs in dentistry, and how to reduce your risk Practical tips and ideas for better ergonomics and overall well-being Your personal invitation to HygieneWell  RESOURCES: For hygienists who are interested in HygieneWell, learn more here . Use code "Yankee2024" at ch...

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively. 🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in p...

On this episode of The Aligned Hygienist podcast, I talk with the amazing Michelle Strange, RDH. Today's podcast talks about infection control and the importance of understanding infection prevention and incorporating it into offices with a safe team culture to protect ourselves and our patients.  About Michelle:  Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, has more than two decades of dental expertise, beg...

Welcome to the first Wellness Wednesday! On this episode, Caitlin talks about hand and wrist pain for dental professionals. Whether you have hand/wrist pain, discomfort, and tension, or you want to prevent pain, you don't want to miss this episode. Caitlin reviews tools, resources, ergonomic tips, and products to help protect your most valuable asset: your hands!  Product Links to Share: Hand...

On this episode, Britt and I talk about the hygienist shortage including stress, burnout, and other challenges hygienists face. We discuss the importance of continuing education and immersing yourself in a community of dental professionals to continue to learn, grow, and keep your passion for dentistry ignited. Britt Glauz is a California-based dental hygienist with over nine years of experience i...

In this episode, I talk with Kaitlyn Melody about all things practitioner self-care, ergonomic loupes, and building a community of dental support for your journey. Guest Bio: Kaitlyn Melody is a Registered Dental hygienist, Sales Rep for LumaDent, and has a strong interest in ergonomics. She's a back up plan fanatic, has a passion for helping others, traveling, and learning new things. Links...

On this episode, I talk with Cindy Purdy about all things ergonomics, including awareness, creating change, signs vs symptoms of disease, practical things we can do to alleviate or prevent pain, and the Thrive! Ergonomic and Wellness Summit. Cindy Purdy is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist (CEAS) who specializes in improving the health and performance of d...

In this episode, I talk with Cori Jameson-Kuehl of Custom Dental Solutions about all things emotional intelligence, personal growth, and personality tests for team growth.  Guest Bio: Corinne Jameson-Kuehl, RDH, BS has been involved in the business of dentistry for over 20 years. She is an experienced dental business owner with background experiences as a private practice clinician, practice devel...

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist podcast, I chat with Joffree Bunleang, a hygienist and hygiene consultant. We discuss challenges, tips, and insights for hygienists and offices to create better systems, protocols, and team culture.  In this episode, we discuss:  Joffree’s journey as a hygienist to becoming a hygiene consultant The challenges hygienists & dental offices face day to day...

Welcome back to another episode on The Aligned Hygienist Podcast. In this episode, I chat with Kimberly Augustus on hygiene growth and career coaching. We talk about: - The gap between what you learn in school & real-world dentistry - Why getting support is helping - How you can continue to grow in your career - Surrounding yourself with the right people and mentors Did you enjoy this podcast...

Welcome to another episode of The Aligned Hygienist Podcast! This week I chat with Elaine Rodriguez, owner & founder of Dental Laser Integrations and HygieneIntrapreneur. We talk about what it means to be a high-performing hygienist and how to continuously thrive and grow in the dental industry. In this episode we discuss: - What the hygiene intrapreneur & Dental Laser Integrations is - Th...

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively. 🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in p...

Interested in learning more about ergonomic instruments or how to create better efficiency systems in your office? This episode is for you! I got to chat with Brittany Gray, a CDA of 23 years, turned Product and Efficiency Consultant with Zirc Dental. Ready to Marie Condo Your Office? We discuss the importance of creating systems in the op with their Color Method Organization with Zirc Dental Prod...

I had so much fun chatting with Lynda Sherman on this week's episode. In this episode, we talk about environmentally friendly dental products for our patients, and how, as dental professionals, we can make really simple changes in our day-to-day product usage to reduce our waste in the office. Lynda's passionate about reducing waste and our intake of chemicals in the products we use. Che...

Ever feel like you're struggling alone? This is a special episode with Bethany Montoya you won't want to miss. We talk about the importance of mental health, being human and taking care of yourself in dentistry. Bethany's journey as a hygienist, working in a sleep medicine practice, her passion for writing in dentistry, and the importance of growing and networking within your career...

Welcome Melissa Obrotka to the show today. On this episode, we talk about the health of dental hygiene, and what it means to embrace being a Healthcare Hygienist. Melissa shares her story of working in the dental industry for over 25 years, and we talk about minimally invasive therapies, and specifically, Guided Biofilm Therapy, or GBT,  by EMS. Melissa A Obrotka, BA, RDH, has over 25 years of exp...

On this week's episode, Caitlin talks with Tiffany Cavazos, a dental hygienist and founder of The Hygienepreneur. Caitlin and Tiffany talk about creating a thriving hygiene practice, and truly embodying the triple win: patient, hygienist, and dentist/office. Learn new tools and get empowered on this episode of The Aligned Hygienist with Tiffany! Tiffany has been in the dental field for 28 yea...

Caitlin talks with Dr. Karen-Ann Gordon, RDH, and a chiropractic physician. We talk about all things TMD.  Karen-Ann shares her whole-body perspective approach to help ourselves, our families, and our patients overcome TMD.  Our whole body is connected; learn how you can relieve TMD symptoms by getting to the root cause of the issue. Learn more, do better!  Dr. Karen-Ann Gordon DC, RDH is a chirop...

On this episode of The Aligned Hygienist podcast, Caitlin chats with Kevin Lopez. Kevin is a newly graduated RDH who's passionate about uplifting patient care and the dental industry. We talk about navigating the dental world as a new grad, best tips and practices for providing the standard of care & finding employment, and we finish by talking about Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). Whether...