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/

In this episode of Fast Facts Ask the Expert, Dr. Jen discusses the science behind nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and why not all fluoride-free formulations are created equal. Learn why concentration, crystal quality, and science-backed formulation matter when it comes to enamel protection and oral health.

For more information or to schedule a CE for your team, visit: Dr. Jen Oral Care

In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Kevin Lopez to unpack the gap between clinical education and real-world dental hygiene practice. Kevin shares honest insights from his experience, highlighting what truly matters once you step outside the classroom and into patient care.

What We Talked About:

Why disclosing is non-negotiable in dental hygiene practice and its impact on patient outcomes

Understanding vitals, liability, and staying within your scope of practice

The realities of transitioning from clinic to real-world settings

Why you don't need a 4.0 GPA to become a skilled and effective clinician

Key Takeaways:

Clinical training lays the foundation, but real growth happens when hygienists apply those skills in practice. Prioritizing patient education tools like disclosing, understanding legal responsibilities, and building confidence matter more than perfection in academics.

Call to Action:

Stay committed to improving your clinical skills and understanding your professional responsibilities. Focus on delivering quality patient care, continue learning beyond graduation, and connect with professionals who can help guide your journey.

Resources/Links:

Email: kevin@kevstalksteeth.com

Website: https://www.kevstalksteeth.com/

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

In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson dive into the real concerns and experiences of graduating dental hygienists as they transition from school into the professional world. This candid conversation highlights the emotional and professional challenges new hygienists face, along with practical insights to help them navigate this pivotal stage of their careers.

What We Talked About:

First job anxiety and the pressure of entering the workforce

Why hygienists must stay actively involved in their careers beyond graduation

Adjusting to life after school and building confidence in clinical practice

How life-changing events and personal growth shape career paths

Key Takeaways:

Graduating hygienists are not alone in their worries. Staying connected to the profession, seeking mentorship, and continuing education are critical to long-term success and fulfillment. Embracing change and remaining adaptable can make all the difference in building a rewarding career.

Call to Action:

If you're a new or soon-to-be dental hygienist, stay engaged with your professional community. Continue learning, ask questions, and seek out support systems that help you grow. Don't let early career fears hold you back from pursuing opportunities.

Resources:

Emails:

Kalea Woodyatt: kalea.woodyatt@utahtech.edu

Claire Zufelt:

Claire.zufelt@utahtech.edu

Abigail Vogel:

Abby.vogel@utahtech.edu

Haydn Bush:

Haydn.mcmillan@utahtech.edu

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Melia Lewis, MEd, to discuss the critical role dental hygienists play in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Drawing from her personal experience with her father's cancer diagnosis, Melia brings a deeply meaningful perspective to the conversation. She highlights the emotional and clinical impact of cancer care, and how dental hygienists can become essential advocates and providers within a patient's healthcare journey.

Key topics discussed include:

* Melia's personal journey navigating her father's cancer diagnosis and how it shaped her professional perspective.

*Whether dental hygiene should be more formally integrated into oncology care.

*The importance of resilience and understanding why the work hygienists do truly matters.

*Common oral side effects experienced by cancer patients and how to recognize them.

*How hygienists can tailor appointments to better support patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Rather than viewing care as routine, this episode challenges listeners to approach each patient—especially those facing serious health conditions—with intention, empathy, and clinical adaptability. Melia offers insight into how hygienists can elevate their role and make a meaningful difference during some of their patients' most vulnerable moments.

This episode is a must-listen for hygienists who want to expand their understanding of patient-centered care and play a more active role in supporting individuals through complex health challenges.

Call to Action:

Take time to deepen your understanding of how systemic health conditions, like cancer, impact oral health. Look for opportunities to adapt your care approach and advocate for patients who may need more personalized support.

Connect with Melia Lewis:

Email: melia@hygieneedge.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melia-lewis/

In this episode, Alyssa Aberle shares her powerful personal journey through a patient diagnosis, surgery, and tongue reconstruction, offering a perspective that deeply resonates with dental professionals. The conversation emphasizes the critical role hygienists play in early detection of oral cancer and why cutting corners is never an option when it comes to patient care.

Alyssa, along with David and Jessica, dives into practical strategies for oral cancer screenings, including how to communicate findings with confidence and compassion. They also discuss when and how to refer patients to specialists, ensuring the best possible outcomes. A key highlight is the discussion around effective screening scripts and the importance of the 10–14 day rule in monitoring suspicious lesions.

What We Talked About:

Alyssa's personal experience with her patients diagnosis, surgery, and tongue reconstruction

The responsibility of dental professionals to thoroughly screen for oral cancer

Why you should never cut corners during exams

How to confidently refer patients and choose the right specialist

Verbiage and scripts that build trust during oral cancer screenings

Understanding and applying the 10–14 day rule

Call to Action:

This episode is designed to empower dental hygienists to take ownership of their role in patient care. By listening, you'll gain the confidence, language, and clinical mindset needed to perform thorough screenings and advocate for your patients' health.

Resources and Links:

Connect with Alyssa: linktr.ee/alyssardh

alyssa.aberle@gmail.com

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson welcome renowned speaker and dental educator Jo-Anne Jones for an impactful conversation titled "Oral Cancer Screening: Stepping Fully Into Your Role."

Jo-Anne shares deeply personal and professional insights that challenge clinicians to recognize the true life-saving potential of routine dental visits. Through powerful storytelling and clinical expertise, she highlights the urgency of early detection—especially in the face of rising HPV-related cancers—and encourages hygienists to fully embrace their role in comprehensive screenings.

From explaining the intraoral "triangle of death" to demonstrating proper neck palpation techniques, Jo-Anne provides practical, actionable strategies clinicians can implement immediately. She also reflects on how a personal crisis shaped her mission in dentistry and reinforces why every screening appointment should be treated as an opportunity to save a life.

This episode is both inspiring and educational, equipping dental professionals with the knowledge and confidence to elevate their oral cancer screening protocols and patient care.

"What We Talked About (From Jo-Anne's Perspective)"

Why Jo-Anne is passionate about saving lives—HPV, rising cancers, and one family's loss

How Jo-Anne approaches the intraoral "triangle of death" exam

How a personal crisis launched Jo-Anne's mission in dentistry

Why Jo-Anne believes this is a life-saving appointment

How Jo-Anne performs proper neck palpation

Simple screening steps Jo-Anne recommends hygienists start today

Why Jo-Anne uses screening tools in clinical practice

Call to Action

If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who are committed to improving patient care and early detection.

Resources:

HPV Talking Points Resource: www.rdhu.ca/hpvtalkingpointsresource

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjlifeandtimes/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-anne-jones-88a2266/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jo.anne.jones.626106/