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

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 dental experiences. This conversation challenges clinicians to rethink accessibility, advocacy, and the future of patient-centered care.

In this episode, we discuss:

Common barriers to oral healthcare for patients with special healthcare needs

Oral health considerations for medically complex and tube-fed patients

Collaborating with caregivers and interdisciplinary healthcare teams

Adapting preventive, therapeutic, and educational approaches

Creating more inclusive and compassionate dental experiences

The role of advocacy in improving access to care

Practical strategies clinicians can implement immediately

Where dental education and healthcare systems can continue to improve

Connect with Candi Kidd:

Email: candicea31@gmail.com

Instagram: @the.sunnysister

Connect with the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

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 people from receiving the care they need. From advocacy and education to real-world outreach initiatives, this conversation highlights how every dental professional can make a lasting impact beyond the operatory.

In this episode, we discuss:

The connection between community outreach and preventive oral healthcare

Identifying and addressing barriers to oral healthcare access

Building sustainable community partnerships

Reaching underserved and vulnerable populations

The role of education, advocacy, and prevention

Lessons from successful outreach initiatives

How clinicians, educators, and students can get involved in community-based care

The future of access-to-care efforts in dentistry and dental hygiene

Connect with Richard Robinson:

Email: mywhy1st@gmail.com

Facebook: MY WHY

Instagram: @mywhy1st

TikTok: @RichardRobinson_RDH

Connect with the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

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 DuraTip, Rich's latest invention manufactured by Parkell. They also discuss practical systems for measuring insert performance, the risks of using ineffective instruments, and how technology continues to evolve to improve clinical care.

The conversation also highlights Parkell's new TurboSensor+360 ultrasonic scaler and the features designed to improve ergonomics, workflow efficiency, and clinical confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why ultrasonic inserts lose efficiency as they wear

The clinical and ethical implications of using worn instruments

What makes DuraTip different from traditional ultrasonic inserts

How to create a system for monitoring insert performance in your practice

The latest innovations in ultrasonic technology and ergonomics

Key features of Parkell's TurboSensor+360 scaler, including Cruise Control and IntelliSense technology.

Links:

https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/ultrasonics/article/55356839/worn-out-work-smarter-not-harder-with-your-ultrasonics-inserts-tips

Contact the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Parkell. Thanks to Parkell for supporting dental professionals with innovative solutions designed to improve clinical performance, efficiency, and ergonomics.

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 devices are designed, while Noel translates the physics into practical applications for today's clinician.

They also discuss common misconceptions about piezo and magnetostrictive units, how worn tips impact performance, and why understanding ultrasonic technology is essential for delivering better patient care.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The difference between frequency, amplitude, and cleaning efficiency

Why ultrasonic scaling is about more than simply turning up the power

Common myths surrounding cavitation and calculus removal

Key differences between piezo and magnetostrictive systems

How tip design, wear, and adaptation affect clinical outcomes

The latest innovations from the Paschkes, including cordless ultrasonics and a patent-pending piezo swivel handpiece.

Connect with Noel:

noel.ultrasonicsplus@gmail.com

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

Contact the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

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 experience and engineering expertise came together to drive product innovation, improve ergonomics, and shape many of the ultrasonic technologies clinicians use today. They also share insights into the invention process, life after retirement, and exciting new technologies currently in development.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How Rich transitioned from military engineering to dentistry

Noel's journey from Johns Hopkins to industry leadership

The clinician-first approach that changed ultrasonic product design

Products and patents that have influenced modern scaling

What's next for the future of ultrasonics

Connect with Noel:

noel.ultrasonicsplus@gmail.com

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

Contact the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com