What can a bestselling science fiction novel teach dental hygienists about leadership, advocacy, and challenging the status quo?

In this special episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Ashley Kear (featured in Episode 521, From Dental Chair to Design Dreams: Ashley Kear on Building an Etsy Shop) for an out-of-the-box conversation about why Red Rising by Pierce Brown has become such a meaningful story for leadership and professional growth.

Together, they explore the themes from the series that resonate with dental hygienists, the different leadership styles found throughout the books, and the parallels between Darrow's journey and the evolution of the dental hygiene profession. From questioning old systems to inspiring change, this conversation is all about thinking bigger, leading with purpose, and embracing what's possible.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Why Red Rising resonates with dental hygienists

Leadership lessons from the series

How challenging the status quo relates to advancing dental hygiene

How stories can inspire stronger leaders, educators, and advocates

Ashley's perspective on what hygienists can learn from the series

If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a fellow hygienist, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Resources:

Read Red Rising by Pierce Brown: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/221552/red-rising-by-pierce-brown/

Contact Ashley:

Amoorerdh@gmail.com

Contact the Hosts

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

Mission trips have the power to change lives—but only when they're built on ethics, sustainability, and partnership.

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Dr. John Cutter for an honest conversation about the responsibilities that come with providing care in underserved communities. Together, they explore how clinicians can move beyond short-term solutions, build meaningful community partnerships, and approach service with cultural humility and a commitment to long-term impact. Whether you're a student, educator, or practicing clinician, this episode challenges the way we think about giving back.

In this episode, we discuss:

Balancing service, sustainability, and ethics in mission work

Preparing clinicians and students to serve responsibly

The unintended consequences of short-term care models

Building partnerships that prioritize community needs

Cultural humility, patient autonomy, and continuity of care

How mission experiences shape providers personally and professionally

Connect with Dr. John Cutter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-cutter-d-d-s-256031b/

Email: jmcutterdds@gmail.com

Connect with the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

What if some of the most important work dental hygienists can do happens outside the dental office?

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Jenell Robins to explore the growing role of dental hygienists in hospital and medical settings. Jenell shares her journey into medical-dental integration, the impact oral health has on overall patient outcomes, and why collaboration across healthcare disciplines is becoming more important than ever. This conversation offers a glimpse into the future of the profession and the expanding opportunities available to hygienists beyond traditional practice.

In this episode, we discuss:

How oral health influences overall patient outcomes

The role of dental hygienists in hospital and medical settings

Medical-dental integration and interdisciplinary collaboration

Challenges and opportunities in hospital-based practice

Jenell's journey into integrated healthcare

The future of dental hygiene beyond the traditional dental office

Connect with Jenell Robins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenell-robins-5541542b8/

Email: jenellrobins@yahoo.com

Connect with the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com