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 health, and how palpation and 3D radiographs can dramatically improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. She also reveals why stainless steel instruments may be damaging implants without clinicians realizing it and shares the essential protocols every hygienist should know when treating implant patients.

From single implants to full-arch fixed prostheses, this conversation challenges outdated approaches to implant care and highlights what modern clinicians need to protect both the implant and the patient.

Guest:

Alison Stahl

alisonstahl@precisionperi-implantacademy.com

What We Discuss:

Why implants are still susceptible to periodontal and systemic disease

Why water flossers are critical for implant maintenance

The importance of palpation and 3D radiographs in implant assessment

How stainless steel instruments can damage implant surfaces

Essential implant maintenance protocols for clinicians

Treatment considerations for single implants and full-arch prostheses

Resources & Links:

Website: https://precisionperi-implantacademy.com/

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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 it means to show up for your patients at the highest level of your profession.

What We Cover:

Why "access to care" can become "babysitting disease" in dentistry

A clarion call for dental hygienists to level up

Virginia's new dental laws: 120-hour assistants and foreign-trained dentists

Why dental hygiene should feel like a therapeutic massage and what that means for patient care

Why patients trust the letters on your scrubs and why licensure matters more than you think

The invisible protections your dental hygienist provides every single appointment

About Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC

Amanda Hill is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author with over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene experience. A sought-after thought leader, she has authored over one hundred articles bringing clarity to some of dentistry's hottest topics. She is the recipient of the Association for Dental Safety's Emerging Infection Control Leader award and serves on the advisory boards of RDH Magazine, Dentistry IQ, and the Association for Dental Safety's Infection Control In Practice Editorial Review Board. Amanda is passionate about making dentistry accurate, accessible, and yes — fun.

Connect With Amanda:

Website: www.amandahillrdh.com

Email: amandahillrdh@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hill-rdh-261167149/

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 hygienists carry into their careers. Billie shares insight on how to step confidently into your role, define your own standards of care, and navigate the complexities of patient relationships and clinical expectations.

Key topics discussed include:

Transforming patient anxiety into health success stories through trust-building and communication

Defining your professional standards and why they matter in everyday practice

The truth behind "practicing dentistry" and what it looks like in real clinical settings

The importance of questioning and aligning your values as a dental hygienist

Bridging the gap between education and real-world expectations

Rather than staying stuck in a student mindset, this episode encourages hygienists to take ownership of their professional identity. Billie offers a thoughtful perspective on how self-awareness, advocacy, and intentional growth can lead to stronger patient outcomes and a more fulfilling career.

This episode is a must-listen for new graduates and seasoned hygienists alike who are ready to elevate their role and confidently advocate for themselves and their patients.

Call to Action

Take time to evaluate your professional standards and values. Identify where you can advocate more effectively for yourself and your patients, and begin making intentional changes in your daily practice.

Connect with Billie Lunt:

Email: happyflossertRDH@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billielunt/