🎙️ THE UNHINGED HYGIENISTS

Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH: Why Dental Hygienists Need to Stop Asking Permission

What happens when a dental hygienist refuses to accept "because that's the way we've always done it" as an answer?

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH—practicing hygienist, educator, entrepreneur, infection prevention expert, speaker, and owner of an independent dental hygiene practice.

Michelle shares her journey from feeling trapped in traditional hygiene to building a career that spans education, business ownership, infection prevention, travel hygiene, and healthcare advocacy.

We discuss:

✨ Why hygienists feel stuck—and how to break free

✨ The future of independent dental hygiene practices

✨ Why curiosity is the most important skill in healthcare

✨ Dental hygiene licensure frustrations across the United States

✨ Why "that's how we've always done it" is a dangerous mindset

✨ The importance of evidence-based thinking and challenging your own beliefs

✨ How to create change in dentistry without waiting for permission

✨ Why hygienists deserve a stronger voice in shaping the future of the profession

✨ The difference between being a scaler and being a healthcare provider

✨ Patient autonomy, informed refusal, and meeting people where they are

One of our favorite takeaways from Michelle:

"I got tired of asking permission to do the right thing."

If you've ever wondered whether there is more to dental hygiene than simply cleaning teeth, this episode is for you.

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CONNECT WITH MICHELLE STRANGE

📸 Instagram: @michellestrangerdh

🦠 Infection Prevention: @levelupinfectionprevention

🌐 www.michellestrangerdh.com

🌐 www.levelupip.com

🦷 www.smile-logic.com

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🎙️ Connect with The Unhinged Hygienists

🌐 Website: https://theunhingedhygienist.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunhingedhygienists

🌐 Lauren Kennedy, RDH: www.themyocoach.com

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🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday

Have a guest recommendation, topic idea, or want to collaborate with us? We'd love to hear from you.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

✔ Stay curious

✔ Challenge your own assumptions

✔ Progress happens when people ask better questions

✔ Dental hygienists are healthcare providers

✔ The future of dentistry is collaborative

✔ You don't need permission to create change