Dental Hygiene Basics
Dental Hygiene Basics is a podcast for people who want to become dental hygienists, guiding them through getting into, completing, and graduating from dental hygiene school. Hosted by Dana Paladino, RDH, it offers practical advice on applications, first-semester stress, and exam preparation for the NBDHE/NDHCE. The show also points listeners to tutoring, scholarships, educational resources, and a newsletter. It is aimed at both future and current dental hygiene students who want clear, encouraging support throughout their education and career journey.
Episodes
195: Dannia's Secrets to Success in Dental Hygiene School
Dannia's @danniardh episode was so good, we had to share it again for those who missed this amazing conversation! She talked about her inspiring journey getting into dental hygiene school at the age of 19 as a first-gen college student. Dannia's story is one you don't want to miss! We discussed networking, the costs of hygiene school, and the continuous improvements you can make to be
194: Three Lesions You Should Absolutely Know for Dental Hygiene Clinic AND Boards
Dental hygienists are responsible for scanning each patient for abnormal lesions in the mouth- known as an intraoral exam. To an untrained eye, oral lesions can look very similar, but the way to manage each is very different. In this episode, Dana explains how to distinguish herpetic lesions, aphthous ulcers, and traumatic ulcers by focusing on four practical factors: location, appearance, patient
193: Guest Host Michael Suruy with Liliet Quiroga
Current dental hygiene student and special guest host Michael Suruy from @DHY_Boys sits down with Liliet Quiroga @sparklingsmileslge, RDH, for a conversation about the realities of dental hygiene school and the transition into clinical practice. Liliet's inspiring story of moving to the States at 20 years old without speaking English shows that dental hygiene is a career path possible for anyo
192: Struggling through Preclinic in Dental Hygiene School?
Preclinic is typically the most intimidating class for dental hygiene students in their first semester, but it's also where the habits that shape your clinical career begin. In this episode, Dana talks about practical strategies to approach instrumentation, competencies, and hand skills with realistic expectations, rather than perfectionism. Whether you're struggling in preclinic, preparing for a
191: Consistency Over Perfection in Dental Hygiene School with Brionna Watson, MPA, RDH
Dana sits down with dental hygiene program director Brionna Watson @brionnawatson_, MPA, RDH, Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the Community College of Baltimore County, to discuss what it really takes to thrive in dental hygiene school, from trusting the learning process and developing resilient study habits to understanding why true competence comes from comprehension—not memorization.
190: Dana's Dental Hygiene Story
Dana's path into dental hygiene is more winding than most, with several rejections, moments of self-reflection, and unexpected turns. In this episode, Dana shares her personal journey—from college rejections, career uncertainty, and questioning whether she was pursuing the right profession, to ultimately finding her place in dental hygiene and education. Tune in for practical advice she learned al
189: Shaping Smiles and Minds with Billie Lunt, RDH
Bringing back one of our fav episodes with guest Billie Lunt in case you missed it! Dental hygiene educator and podcast host Billie shares what admissions committees are really looking for, along with practical advice for navigating the transition into dental hygiene school. Billie also shares her #RDHoriginstory and the experience that inspired her career in dentistry. This episode offers thought
188: How to Find Dental Hygiene Scholarships
Applying for scholarships in dental hygiene school sounds like a great way for students to make some quick cash, but it's knowing where to get started that holds them back. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for finding dental hygiene scholarships at the national, state, local, and school levels, along with simple ways to organize applications and make the most of your personal sta
187: Michael Suruy from the DHY Boys on Chasing Success in Dental Hygiene
Michael Suruy, current dental hygiene student and co-host of the DHY Boys podcast, joins Dana to discuss his unconventional path into dental hygiene. With a background in manufacturing and no prior experience in dentistry, Michael shares how he utilized intentional preparation, evidence-based study strategies, and a willingness to adapt to help him be accepted into a competitive dental hygiene pro
186: Are you a Procrastinator? Or a Perfectionist in Disguise?
Are you truly a procrastinator, or is perfectionism keeping you from moving forward? Dana unpacks why last-minute productivity can feel effective but also cause you more stress and decision fatigue. Dental hygiene students who find themselves in a rut of procrastination while preparing for exams and projects should take the time to self-reflect on this. Dana shares a practical framework built arou
185: Build a Dental Hygiene Career That Fits You with Irene Iskander
Finding your dream path in dental hygiene rarely happens immediately after you graduate, but guest Irene Iskander shares how you can get there eventually. In this episode, Irene talks about how her unexpected start in dentistry, the challenges she faced in dental hygiene school, and years of exploring different practice settings ultimately led her to airway dentistry and myofunctional therapy. Dan
184: Design Your Dream Life as a Dental Hygienist
For many aspiring dental hygienists, the goal is clear: get accepted into dental hygiene school, graduate, and start your career. But what happens after that? In this episode, you'll learn why building a fulfilling career starts by thinking beyond admission and boards. Rather than designing your life around a job title, consider what you want your everyday life to look and feel like—and how dental
183: Lessons from a New Grad Dental Hygienist with Emma Yegan
Recent dental hygiene graduate Emma Yegan navigated multiple application cycles to DH school before being accepted on the third try, despite earning her bachelor's in biology and having experience as a dental assistant. She shared all her best tips on improving your dental hygiene school application, overcoming challenges in clinic, and performing well didactically. Emma also shed light on paying
182: I Think I'm Hurting My Patients When I Debride! Help!
If you've ever wondered whether you're being too heavy-handed during instrumentation, you're not alone. In this episode of the Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast, we break down why patient discomfort happens in the dental hygiene chair, how to recognize the origin of patients' pain, and which fundamentals have the greatest impact on patient comfort. You'll learn practical strategies for improving scali
181: How Dental Microscopes Are Changing Patient Education with Kristen King, RDH
Kristen King, RDH and founder of Dental Reveal, shares how unexpected opportunities, strong professional relationships, and a willingness to stay curious shaped her career—from clinical practice across multiple states and countries to building an educational platform that helps dental hygienists integrate oral microbiology and microscopy into patient care. She offers practical advice for the futur
180: How I Explain Periodontal Disease to My Patients
Patient education is one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills developed in dental hygiene school. Dental hygienists will find themselves explaining periodontal disease, treatment recommendations, and providing informed consent in a way patients can understand multiple times a day. Dana breaks down how classroom concepts connect directly to patient care, why treatment acceptance depend
179: Building a Meaningful DH Career with Amber Lovatos, LatinaRDH
Amber Lovatos shares the practical realities of her RDH origin story, from first-generation Mexican American and single teen mom to now a public health dental hygienist, public speaker, author, and engagement manager with Curaprox. Limited access to dental care shaped Amber’s understanding of oral health disparities and drove her desire to give back to her community in Houston, Texas. Amber talks
178: What is Dentinal Hypersensitivity & How Can We Help Our Patients Manage it?
Dentinal hypersensitivity affects a large portion of patients in the dental hygiene chair, and as an RDH (or future RDH!), it is our responsibility to help patients manage it. In this episode, Dana explains what dentinal hypersensitivity is, its various causes, and effective management strategies dental professionals can share with their patients. This episode is sponsored by Curaprox. Learn more
177: Lessons from an RDH New Grad: Nancy Her’s Story
Recent dental hygiene graduate Nancy Her shares her career path from dental assisting and a biology degree to completing an accelerated dental hygiene program and entering clinical practice as an RDH. She and Dana discuss student loans, finding patients for school, accepting constructive feedback, and building confidence during the transition from dental hygiene student to practicing hygienist. Gr
176: A Little Histology Breakdown for the Future RDH
Histology and embryology are often among students' least favorite classes in dental hygiene school, and many struggle to recognize the relevance they have in dental hygiene. As providers who treat disease, dental hygienists must thoroughly understand the development and function of the body's tissues. Dana shares a basic explanation of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in a practical, easy
175: Breaking Dental Hygiene Stereotypes with the DHY Boys
What does it look like to enter a profession where you don't see many people who look like you? In this episode, Dana sits down with the DHY Boys—Madhi, Javi, and Michael, three first-year dental hygiene students navigating the challenges, opportunities, and realities of hygiene school as men in a female-dominated profession. They share their experiences with managing the workload of dental hygien
174: What the Top Dental Hygiene Students Do to Succeed in Dental Hygiene School
Top-performing dental hygiene students don't often get there by relying on natural intelligence- it has more to do with how they approach learning. In this episode, Dana breaks down the habits and mindset shifts commonly seen in successful dental hygiene students- from previewing material before class and using active recall to seeking feedback, setting clinical goals, and reflecting on mistakes w
173: How Dana Schmitt Found Her Place in Dental Hygiene
Career growth in dental hygiene rarely follows a straight line. In this episode, Dana Schmitt, RDH, shares how a sociology degree, nonprofit work in Ecuador, and a later start in dental hygiene helped shape a fulfilling career where she supports dental hygiene students and educators nationwide with Cloud Dentistry. If you're a dental hygiene student or new grad wondering whether you're behind or u
172: Dental Hygiene School Loans- Know Before You Go
Taking out student loans is a reality for many dental hygiene students, but understanding how they work before you borrow can make a significant difference in your future financial situation. Dana is breaking down the basics of federal and private student loans, interest, repayment options, scholarships, and budgeting during dental hygiene school. You'll learn how to evaluate borrowing decisions w
171: Saying Yes to Growth in Dental Hygiene with Melanie Boyd, RDH
Guest Melanie Boyd, BS, RDH, and founder of New Wave Perio, discusses her journey from dental school rejection to building a successful dental hygiene business centered around periodontal endoscopy. She faced challenges in dental hygiene school, navigated self-doubt, learned to accept constructive feedback, pushed herself to explore different career opportunities with her RDH degree, and used all
170: How are You Getting Ready for Dental Hygiene School?
Preparing to start dental hygiene school can look different for everyone. Dana is sharing how you can be ready to embark on this two year jourey by managing your finances, strengthening your study habits, building a support system, and protecting your mental and physical health. She also discusses the most common challenges students face when starting a rigorous dental hygiene program and offers r
169: The Highs and Lows of Dental Hygiene with Tooth Fairy RDH Felicity
Felicity DeLemos, aka Tooth Fairy RDH, joins the podcast to share her path from dental assisting to dental hygiene school, career burnout as a newly graduate, and eventually expanding into entrepreneurship. Felicity shares tips on setting boundaries in school with practical study strategies, time management habits, and the importance of checking in with yourself before burnout takes over. If you’v
168: Don't Make These Personal Statement Mistakes!
What makes one dental hygiene school or scholarship application stand out while another gets overlooked? In this episode, Dana shares the most common personal statement mistakes she sees after reviewing hundreds of dental hygiene school and scholarship applications. You'll learn how to move beyond generic answers, tell a story that reflects who you are, and use AI as a tool without losing your aut
167: Ergonomics and More in Dental Hygiene School with Stephanie Botts, RDH
Guest Stephanie Botts, RDH and certified ergonomic assessment specialist, discusses the realities of chronic pain and career longevity in dental hygiene. Stephanie shares her journey from struggling with instrumentation in dental hygiene school to becoming certified in ergonomics and helping dental professionals prevent musculoskeletal injuries before they become career-limiting. The conversation
166: Professional Etiquette for the Future RDH
If you’ve ever sent a quick email and immediately moved on, this episode may challenge you—in a useful way. Dana walks through how everyday communication habits, especially over email or messaging, shape your professional reputation long before you meet someone in person. For dental hygiene students and early-career clinicians, this isn’t about being overly formal—it’s about being intentional. A c
165: Approaching Hygiene School Graduation with Julianna Page
Dana is talking with dental hygiene student Julianna Page about the realities of returning to school after working in dentistry for over 20 years and what dental hygiene school has been like for her as she nears the end of her last semester. They discuss burnout in accelerated dental hygiene programs, the stress of finding patients, balancing family life, and learning how to ask for support before
164: What I Would Have Done Differently as a Dental Hygiene Educator
One of the most challenging aspects of dental hygiene education is recognizing that your instructors are still learning, too. Dana reflects on the biggest mistakes she made as a dental hygiene educator, from navigating perfectionism and rigid, militant-like academic culture to learning how to support students without losing accountability. This conversation sheds light on the pressure faculty face
163: Life in Dental Hygiene School with Sarah and Julio
Sarah Payne's journey to getting into dental hygiene school is truly motivating! Guest hosts Julio and current dental hygiene student Sarah offer a more accurate picture of how dental hygiene admissions actually work. From changing majors and failing prerequisites to being waitlisted, Sarah ultimately succeeded in gaining admission to a community college dental hygiene program on the first try. He
162: Dana's Favorite Scalers
In this episode, Dana walks through her go-to dental hygiene instruments—the 204S, Barnhart 12, Montana Jack, and the essential 11/12 explorer. She reinforces a key principle for dental hygiene students and new hygienists: once you understand adaptation, angulation, and activation, you’re not memorizing instruments—you’re applying a system. If you’ve been feeling behind in instrumentation skills o
161: AI and Dental Hygiene with Maria Jackson, RDH
AI isn’t replacing dental hygienists—but it is changing how you work day to day for the better. In this episode, Dana talks with Maria Jackson, RDH and owner of Dental AI Solutions, about how tools like voice charting and automated notes are already reducing time pressure in clinical practice. Her path wasn’t straightforward, and her experience highlights a common gap: strong clinicians still need
160: Ignore the Haters
Are you dealing with haters bringing you down in your dental hygiene journey? In this episode, Dana talks honestly about handling discouragement, comparison, and negative feedback while staying grounded in your own goals. This conversation explores imposter syndrome in dental hygiene school, why outside validation can feel so important, and how to stay connected to your “why” when self-doubt shows
159: The Importance of Your Why in Dental Hygiene School with Richard Robinson RDH
Richard Robinson's RDH journey is a reminder that the path into dental hygiene doesn’t always start with a plan—it can start with exposure and a willingness to pivot. In this episode, Richard shares how he entered the dental hygiene profession later in life and built a 3.8 GPA despite undiagnosed dyslexia and test anxiety. His strong study habits, along with a great support system, and managing hi
158: Help! Should I Take a Job in Dental Hygiene School?
Trying to decide if you should work during dental hygiene school isn’t about the job—it’s about whether your current capacity can support it. In this episode, Dana walks through a common question for dental hygiene students: should you take on a job while in dental hygiene school? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some students can balance work and school; others find that adding responsibilitie
157: Hacking Dental Hygiene School with Dr. Tonya Jeffries
Dental hygienist, educator, and author Dr. Tonya Jeffries shares her multifaceted journey of establishing a fulfilling career in dental hygiene, including leadership, mentorship, and innovative tools that empower both students and educators. Her years of experience in education inspired her to write The Dental Hygiene Hack- a guide for students to be successful in dental hygiene school. Find her b
156: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Dental Hygiene School
Have you heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? It's often taught in dental hygiene school in the context of patient care, but in this episode, Dana uses it to demonstrate how you can use it to find out if your foundational needs are being met. Stress, sleep deprivation, financial pressure, chronic pain, burnout, and self-doubt can affect learning, clinical performance, confidence, and even patient
155: Life in Dental Hygiene School with Allison and Julio
Allison Freimuth, a current dental hygiene student, is on this episode with guest host Julio and shares what her path actually looked like when applying—strong grades, limited program options, and a schedule that left little room for downtime. She walks through how her program evaluated applicants using a point-based system, what it meant to apply to only one school, and how timing and preparation
154: To Keep Growing, You Must Keep Going
Imposter syndrome in dental hygiene school—and even early in your dental hygiene career—is often a sign you’re in an active growth season, not falling behind. It means you're challenging yourself to do more than what you thought you were capable of, which you can use to build confidence through action! The goal isn’t to eliminate discomfort because that would mean you're not pushing yourself. Keep
153: Embracing Opportunity as a Dental Hygienist with Whitney Howerton
Dana sits down with Whitney Howerton, RDH, to unpack a career that didn’t follow a straight path. Whitney shares how an initial goal of becoming a dentist shifted into dental hygiene, then evolved into clinical practice, education, industry leadership, and eventually a vice president role within a global dental company. What stands out isn’t a perfectly mapped plan, but a pattern: she stayed engag
152: Dana's Tips for New Grad Dental Hygienists
Starting off as a new grad dental hygienist can feel less like a transition and more like a sudden increase in expectations—on your time, your body, and your decision-making. Dana is sharing all the tips she wishes she had as a new grad hygienist! This episode centers on a simple but often overlooked skill: daily reflection. When you begin to notice your timing, your stress, your pain levels, and
151: Motherhood and Juggling Dental Hygiene School with Brittany Wragg
Brittany Wragg's dental hygiene journey reflects what it looks like to build a career while also managing real-life responsibilities. From entering dentistry with no experience to completing hygiene school as a working mom, she outlines what it takes to stay consistent and achieve long-term goals. If you’re questioning your timeline or capacity to move forward in this profession, this conversation
150: Is Your To-Do List Preventing You From Taking Action in Dental Hygiene School?
There’s a point where your to-do list stops being helpful and starts becoming a quiet source of stress. Many dental hygiene students fall into the pattern of writing detailed to-do lists that feel productive, but don’t consistently lead to action. Dana is sharing practical ways to approach task management more intentionally, including using short, defined time blocks, prioritizing what truly needs
149: Help for the New Grad Hygienist with Kim Augustus
Kim Augustus from Bloom RDH is back again on the podcast and is shedding light on the difficult transition dental hygienists often face after graduating and starting their careers. With several years of experience as an RDH, educator, and career coach, Kim has built a surplus of resources to provide for new grad dental hygienists who feel lost or uncertain in the operatory. She and Dana also discu
148: How to Manage Test-Taking Anxiety in Dental Hygiene School
Unmanaged test anxiety can really be a burden in dental hygiene school and hold you back from the scores you deserve! In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for test-taking anxiety, including how to regulate your nervous system, approach questions with a consistent strategy, and reduce avoidable stress on exam day. You’ll learn how small shifts can improve both focus and performance on
147: Surviving Dental Hygiene School with Chardae Hoskins
Chardae Hoskins, current senior dental hygiene student, talks with guest host Julio about her journey into a competitive dental hygiene program with an average GPA, multiple application cycles, and no prior dental experience. If you're in the dental hygiene application process, this episode is exactly what you need to feel reassured and empowered in your journey!Start here:Get dental hygiene schoo
146: The Cornell Method of Studying
Learn how to use the Cornell note-taking method for your dental hygiene courses to turn long lectures into an active recall system you can actually study from. Instead of rereading or highlighting, you’ll learn how to organize notes into key concepts, build cue-based questions, and summarize material in a way that supports memory for exams like the NBDHE.Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips,
145: All About ADEX with Shayna Overfelt
Shayna Overfelt joins Dana to break down the ADEX dental hygiene exam, including the written portion and clinical manikin components, and what exam day truly looks like so you can replace uncertainty with clarity. You’ll hear how to avoid common mistakes (like relying on poor advice or changing your clinical routine) and why your best strategy is to perform the same way you do on a strong clinic d
144: Stop Wasting Time Reading Your Dental Hygiene Notes!
Do your dental hygiene notes feel like they’re never getting shorter? It’s not a sign you’re behind—it’s a sign you’re still learning how to study effectively in dental hygiene school. This episode, Dana breaks down why detailed notes are necessary at first, and how strong students shift from long explanations to concise memory cues as their understanding deepens. Instead of rereading, focus on ac
143: All Things Dental Hygiene Education with Danni Linton
It’s easy to feel behind in dental hygiene school- the pace is fast and the expectations are high. But that pressure often has more to do with mindset than proficiency. In this episode, Danni Linton shares her path from student to educator and how perfectionism and fear of feedback can hold students back. Learn how to use feedback as a tool to propel you further as a dental hygienist!Start here:Ge
142: Dana's Tips for the Clinical Manikin Exam
Preparing for the dental hygiene clinical manikin exam comes with a lot of pressure, but the goal of the exam is simpler than you may think. The objective is to demonstrate that you are minimally competent and safe to practice as a dental hygienist. In this episode, Dana shares practical dental hygiene instrumentation tips for the clinical exam to help you succeed!Start here:Get dental hygiene sch
141: How Lisa Curbow Built a Career in Special Needs Dentistry
Lisa Curbow, RDH, shares her dental hygiene journey from grocery store work to dental assisting— and how it led her to a long-term career in dental hygiene, including a specialized role in special needs dentistry and hospital coordination. Her story reinforces a steady truth for both dental hygiene students and early-career clinicians: your direction often becomes clear through patient care, not b
140: Help! I Failed My National Board Exam!
In this episode, Dana walks through what to do after an unsuccessful board exam attempt, starting with the first 48 hours—when processing the disappointment matters just as much as planning your next step. Once the initial emotions settle, the real work begins: reviewing your failure report, identifying gaps in foundational dental hygiene knowledge, and shifting from passive review to active recal
139: Jaskiren Explains the Link Between Clinical Practice and Memory Retention
Learning information in dental hygiene school is one thing—retaining it long enough to use it in practice is another. In this episode, Jaskiren explains why connecting classroom knowledge to real clinical experiences is one of the most reliable ways to strengthen memory retention in dental hygiene school. Instead of “learning and dumping” material after exams, students can reinforce concepts by ac
138: Using Visualization to Improve Your Instrumentation Skills
Instrumentation isn't something you simply learn with enough practice. Many dental hygiene students find themselves repeating mistakes without knowing why. In this episode, Dana explores how visualization—a strategy used in sports and supported in dental education—can strengthen the neural pathways behind fine motor skills and improve clinical performance.Struggling on your dental hygiene school j
137: Special Guest Host Julio interviews Cailin Hawn
Not every dental hygienist started their journey with a perfect GPA or a clear path. Guest host Julio talks with current dental hygiene student Cailin Hawn about navigating dental hygiene school prerequisites, competitive admissions, and the realities of clinic and coursework. This episode is a reminder that dental hygiene school is challenging, but with preparation, support, and balance, it’s abs
136: Are You Studying High-Yield Topics in Dental Hygiene School...Or Are You Wasting Time?
Dental hygiene school can make it feel like you need to memorize everything—but not every topic carries the same weight. In this episode, Dana breaks down how to recognize high-yield dental hygiene topics—the concepts that show up repeatedly across classes, impact patient safety, and are commonly tested on exams and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Instead of spreading your s
135: Claire Jeong, Founder of Student RDH, Explains Why Traditional Study Methods Fail
Dental hygiene students assume the key to passing boards is as simple as hitting the textbooks—but that approach often falls short. In this episode, Claire Jeong, founder of Student RDH- a National Boards Prep Company, explains why traditional study methods don’t always work and shares her expertise on what students can do instead. Drawing from her own academic journey and years of helping student
134: Dental Hygiene Boards Prep Without Burnout
Preparing for the dental hygiene national boards can feel overwhelming, especially when you're wondering if you’re even studying the right things. In this episode, Dana walks through a clearer, more effective approach to dental hygiene boards prep that helps you retain information without burning out. Instead of trying to master every detail at once, focus on building a structured study plan that
133: How Aliyah Overcame the Unexpected in Dental Hygiene School
Dana sits down with former dental hygiene student Aliyah to unpack what it really looks like to navigate the unexpected in dental hygiene school. From an unplanned career change, setback in her acceptance, and grieving a family loss during the program, Aliyah shares how preparation, a strong support system, and clear priorities helped her stay grounded without losing track of the ultimate goal- to
132: Study Strategies That Work in Dental Hygiene School When Time Is Tight
When time is limited—and it usually is in dental hygiene school—studying more isn’t the answer. Studying with intention is. In this episode, Dana talks about evidence-based study strategies designed for dental hygiene students juggling full clinic days, coursework, and multiple exams. Focus your efforts where they actually count, without adding pressure or unrealistic expectations.Struggling on yo
131: Part 2: Future RDH and Current Expanded-Functions Dental Assistant, Julio Cesar
Julio Cesar is back for part 2, sharing how his journey of getting into dental hygiene school is going so far. He is being deliberate in his application process by pacing hsi science courses, choosing grades over speed, dropping a class when needed, and building strong relationships with professors. This episode normalizes taking the long route while staying accountable and intentional, especially
130: How Do I Survive Dental Hygiene School Midterms?
Midterms tend to trigger panic-studying and self-doubt. This episode walks through how to prioritize content, manage time realistically, and avoid the common mistakes that make midterms harder than they need to be.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykaj
129: Part 1: Future RDH and Current Expanded-Functions Dental Assistant, Julio Cesar
Julio Cesar, future RDH and current expanded-function dental assistant, is sharing his path to dental hygiene school after thirteen years of experience in dentistry as an assistant! He's always had a passion for dentistry and shares how excited he is to be able to merge his skills as an expanded-function assistant and dental hygienist to provide comprehensive care to his patients in the future. Da
128: The Best Question You Can Ask Yourself in Dental Hygiene School - Why?
To succeed in dental hygiene school, it's important to step away from memorizing the lecture material and focus on the skill of asking why. Dana explains why knowing facts isn’t enough—and how exam questions, clinical reasoning, and long-term retention all depend on understanding cause-and-effect. Here's the tip she gives to students to maximize their comprehension: when studying, practice explain
127: Bethany's Work on the Oral Health Awareness Project
The dental hygiene profession has faced threats to lower standards of care and allow lesser-trained individuals to do our jobs in some states. Bethany has come back on the podcast to explain her role with the Oral Health Awareness Project and how they are addressing legislative threats by educating both the dental community and the public on the depth of hygienists’ education, clinical judgment, a
126: How Does GPA Affect Your Dental Hygiene School Application?
Although your GPA does not define you, it should be used as crucial feedback. It shows how you’re managing coursework, using resources, and adjusting when things don’t go as planned. Admissions committees for dental hygiene programs look closely at GPAs, especially relevant science courses, because it reflects your readiness for their program. Dana shares great tips on how to polish your dental hy
125: How Miranda Pivoted from Dental Hygiene After a Wrist Injury
A hand injury for a dental hygienist can be career-ending, yet many don't have a backup plan in place if it were to happen to them. Miranda Linkous shares how her wrist injury led her to pivot from clinical hygiene into dental sales. It's a refreshing reminder that the skills developed in dental hygiene translate beyond the operatory. If you're interested in learning how she did it, check out this
124: What Classes Do You Need to Apply to Dental Hygiene School?
Consider this episode a check-in with your personal advisor, Dana, for your dental hygiene school prerequisites. Dana walks through the common pre-req courses for dental hygiene programs. There's so much emphasis put on these science courses because they directly prepare you for the intensity of dental hygiene coursework, so they can really make or break your application. Choosing two to three tar
123: KBYG: The Downsides to Dental Hygiene
Do you want the honest truth about dental hygiene—not the sugar-coated version you see on social media? Dana gets into the real downsides of dental hygiene on this episode, including musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain, burnout, lack of autonomy, difficult workplace dynamics, emotional fatigue, and the tough transition from school expectations to real-world practice. It's important to recog
122: Brush with Britt is Back to Talk Finances
Dana welcomes back Britt from Brush with Britt on the podcast to discuss finances for dental hygienists—beyond just the hourly rate. New grads and early-career hygienists often overlook crucial factors when picking a job as a result of putting so much emphasis on their compensation package. Dana and Britt agree that work environment, commute, schedule flexibility, equipment quality, and long-term
121: How to Know If You're Meant to Be a Dental Hygienist (The Nudge, The Knock, The Rhino)
If you’re considering going into dental hygiene, you've probably wondered whether dental hygiene is truly the right path for you. This episode meets that question head-on—without fear-mongering or false promises. Dana walks through what it really means to feel “meant” for a profession, reframing doubt, delays, and detours as common parts of the journey rather than signs of failure. She discusses t
120: Imposter syndrome in Dental Hygiene School
Feeling like you’re barely keeping up in dental hygiene school doesn’t mean you don’t belong—it means you’re in the middle of learning something difficult. Most dental hygiene students who care deeply about doing well experience imposter syndrome at some point, especially when they’re juggling clinic, exams, new skills, and real life all at once. The goal isn’t to silence self-doubt with positivit
119: The Dental Hygiene Mom Who's Done It All: Stacy Weisman
Stacy Weisman's dental hygiene resume is seriously impressive! She has furthered her education in numerous ways since graduating with her associate's degree, taking endless courses and achieving several more credentials. Her dental hygiene experience includes public health, corporate and private dentistry, nutritional counseling, salivary testing, public speaking, and now, myofunctional therapy- a
118: Writing "Plaque Poop" with RDH Kim McCrady
Kim McCrady got started in the field of dentistry over 30 years ago, working her way up as a recall coordinator, dental assistant, and eventually RDH. She later became co-founder of a provider centric support organization, Signature Dental Partners, and, fast-forward to now, is an author of a children's oral health book. Her book, Plaque Poop, provides simplified oral hygiene instructions to child
117: Paula and Kevin's Journeys from Mental Struggles in Dental Hygiene School to Becoming Educators
Kevin Lopez and Paula Chebat join me on the podcast to help shine some positivity on the field of dental hygiene! They're both passionate dental hygiene educators and trainers for the Guided Biofilm Therapy system, doing amazing things with their careers. Despite their impressive accomplishments today, both Paula and Kevin faced significant challenges during their educational journeys, proving tha
116: Megan Koller's Dental Hygiene School Experience
Megan Koller shares her path to becoming a dental hygienist and the sacrifices she made along the way. We discussed her challenges with mental health in dental hygiene school, a topic I think is so important to highlight for incoming and current students. Despite her struggles, she graduated and worked hard to pay off 40k in student loan debt! You can hear her tips on how she was able to accomplis
