A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Net32 Podcast Chat- Periodontal Communication and Seed Planting- guiding a path to health Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

Jessica and Dave welcome Dr. Pamela Ray to discuss how hygienists can improve periodontal communication, help patients take ownership of their disease, and guide them toward informed decisions about their health.

This episode was brought to you by our friends at Net32.

What We Talked About:

Overcoming barriers to periodontal treatment acceptance.

Using the oral-systemic connection to motivate patients.

Effective language and communication strategies.

Strengthening communication with periodontists, physicians, and referral sources.

Handling patients who delay or decline treatment.

Practical tips for creating meaningful conversations that lead to action.

Call to Action:

Find your passion while practicing patient care.

Guest: Dr. Pamela Ray — drpamelaray@gmail.com

Hosts: Jessica and Dave — jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com | Dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

557 Changing the Paradigm for Treating TMD Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect millions of patients, yet they remain widely misunderstood.

In this episode, Jessica and Dave explore a new way of thinking about TMD with Dr. Anthony Urbanek. After 36 years of performing TMJ surgery, Dr. Urbanek stopped and began researching the disease to better understand its causes and develop a nonsurgical approach.

What We Talked About:

Why the traditional TMD treatment paradigm needs to change

Common myths and misconceptions about TMD

The connection between occlusion, muscles, joints, inflammation, and symptoms

Why hygienists can be the first line of defense in TMD screening

Early recognition and practical screening strategies

Conservative, evidence-based approaches to TMD management

Helping patients understand their condition and treatment options

Where TMD research and treatment are headed

The big takeaway: The old paradigm treats symptoms. The new paradigm starts by understanding the disease.

Resources:

www.urbanektmj.com

https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/view/urbanek-tmj-device-is-designed-to-relieve-the-inflammation-that-causes-temporomandibular-disorder

https://www.dentaleconomics.com/science-tech/article/14299097/taking-the-bite-out-of-tmd

https://hub.dentalentrepreneur.com/podcasts/the-future-of-dentistry/episodes/2148166983

Contact Guest:

tony@tmjservices.net

https://www.facebook.com/TMJServicesofBrentwood

https://www.instagram.com/TMJServicesofBrentwood/

Contact the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

Treat the Biology, Not Just the Symptoms: Personalized Home Care for Dental Hygiene Patients Sponsored by Perio Protect Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

In this tipisode, Amanda Hill - RDH explores the importance of biology-driven home care recommendations and why a one-size-fits-all approach may not meet every patient's needs.

From chronic inflammation and acute healing to xerostomia and remineralization, Amanda discusses how hygienists can match home care products to each patient's unique biology. She highlights the important role of saliva in oral health and shares strategies for supporting patients during the many months between dental hygiene visits.

The takeaway: Assess first, choose products second, and build a home care protocol around what the patient's biology actually needs.

Download the free Perio Protect and Periosciences treatment protocol for guidance on what to use, when to use it, and how to layer therapies.

Solventum Podcast Chat- Give your orthodontic patients a clear advantage with Solventum™ Clinpro™ Clear Sep 19, 2026

Show notes

Orthodontic treatment can make oral hygiene more challenging, with brackets and aligner attachments creating areas where biofilm can accumulate and contribute to demineralization and white spot lesions.

This episode was brought to you by our friends at Solventum.

In this episode, Jessica Atkinson and Dave Torres discuss the role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention and how Solventum™ Clinpro™ Clear can help protect enamel while fitting seamlessly into clinical workflows.

What We Talked About

Why brackets and aligner attachments make oral hygiene more difficult.

The impact of biofilm and demineralization during orthodontic treatment.

The role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention.

How Clinpro™ Clear can migrate around brackets and attachments to reach high-risk areas.

Its fast-acting, 15-minute eat-and-drink time.

Its self-contained design for simple chairside application.

How Clinpro™ Clear can support both patient experience and practice workflow.

Resources:

https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/f/b5005503000/

https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/mmmspinco/clinpro-clear-brochure-ds-rps-enpdf

Contact the Hosts

Jessica Atkinson

jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres

dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

556 The Endoscope: Seeing What We've Been Missing in Dental Hygiene Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Jessica and Dave welcome Judy Carroll, RDH, Founder and Clinical Director of PerioPeak Innovations, to discuss how periodontal endoscopy is changing the way hygienists assess and treat periodontal disease.

With 36 years of clinical experience, Judy shares her expertise on:

How periodontal endoscopy works and its evolution in hygiene.

How visualization can improve clinical decision-making and calculus detection.

The connection between endoscopy, biofilm management, and periodontal outcomes.

Common misconceptions, barriers, and training considerations.

The future of visualization technology in periodontal care.

More affordable, hygiene-focused approaches for treating teeth traditionally considered hopeless.

Learn more about Judy's work and periodontal endoscopy at www.periopeak.com and connect with @periopeak on social media.

Resources

www.periopeak.com

www.facebook.com/periopeak/

linkedin.com/in/periopeak/

@periopeak

Guest: Judy Carroll, RDH | vision@periopeak.com

Hosts: Jessica and Dave | jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com | dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

555 From Wear Facets to Wellness: The Hygienist's Role in Airway Health Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with a dental professional who has spent more than 20 years in hygiene and noticed a recurring problem: patients whose bruxism and wear patterns pointed to possible airway issues were being referred for sleep evaluations, but too often never completed the process.

That frustration led to the creation of Orasom Health, a platform designed to help dental teams support patients from the first airway red flags in the dental chair through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

What We Talked About

How hygienists are uniquely positioned to recognize oral signs that may point to airway dysfunction.

Why patients so often fall through the cracks after being referred for a sleep evaluation.

How dental teams can better support patients throughout the journey from screening to diagnosis and treatment.

The important role hygienists can play in identifying potential airway concerns early.

The personal, unexpected journey that sparked this mission — beginning not through dentistry, but with an unfortunate near-death experience that changed the guest's life and set this work in motion.

The Big Takeaway

Airway health doesn't have to stop at a referral. Dental hygienists are often on the frontline of identifying potential warning signs, giving them a unique opportunity to help patients take the next step toward answers and treatment.

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylee706/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puz8YoY2_To

Contact the Hosts:

Jessica: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

554 AI in Dental Hygiene: Tool, Threat, or Teammate? Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in dentistry and dental hygiene. From clinical decision-making to education and patient care, the conversation examines where AI can help, where it creates new challenges, and why human judgment remains essential.

In this episode we talked about:

How AI is currently being used in dentistry and dental hygiene

Opportunities AI may create for clinicians, educators, students, and patients

Concerns surrounding ethics, overreliance, accuracy, privacy, and critical thinking

Whether AI should be viewed as a tool, a threat, or a collaborative teammate

The importance of human judgment, empathy, and patient connection in an increasingly digital environment

How educators can prepare students for AI-integrated practice settings

Practical ways clinicians can use AI responsibly and effectively

What the future of AI in dental hygiene might realistically look like

Resources:

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

Instagram: @saltcityhygi

Pearl: www.hellopearl.com

Pearl Case Studies and Guides: https://hellopearl.com/case-studies-guides

Contact the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

553 High Standards, Human Teaching: Rethinking Rigor in Dental Hygiene Education Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

What if true rigor in education isn't about making learning harder—but making it more meaningful?

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Marion Manski, MS, RDH, to reflect on a distinguished career in dental hygiene education. As she prepares for retirement, Marion shares how her philosophy of teaching has evolved, why high standards and compassion can coexist, and what today's educators can do to help students succeed without losing sight of their humanity.

This conversation is a thoughtful look at leadership, mentorship, and the lasting impact educators have on the future of the profession.

In This Episode:

How Marion's teaching philosophy has evolved over the years.

What academic rigor really means in today's educational environment.

Balancing high expectations with student support and empathy.

Advice for new dental hygiene educators entering academia.

Reflections on a career of teaching, mentorship, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Connect with Our Guest:

Marion Manski, MS, RDH

Email: manskimc@vcu.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-manski-ms-rdh-839b0571/

Contact the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson

Email: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres

Email: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

552 Teaching Is Clinical Work Too: Preventing Burnout in Dental Hygiene Educators Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

What if the biggest challenge facing dental hygiene education isn't recruitment or curriculum—but burnout?

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Jasmin Haley for a conversation about the emotional and professional demands of teaching. Together, they explore why educating future clinicians is a form of clinical work in itself, how burnout quietly develops, and what educators and institutions can do to build more sustainable careers.

Whether you're a seasoned faculty member or just beginning your journey in academia, this episode offers practical strategies for protecting your well-being while continuing to make a lasting impact.

In This Episode

The unique causes of burnout among dental hygiene educators.

Why teaching is both clinical and emotional labor.

Balancing teaching, service, scholarship, and personal well-being.

Setting boundaries and creating sustainable workloads.

Recognizing the early warning signs of burnout.

Practical strategies for maintaining passion and purpose in education.

How academic institutions can better support faculty wellness and retention.

Advice for new educators entering academia.

Redefining success and productivity in an academic career.

Connect with Our Guest

Jasmin Haley

Email: info@beyondtheprophy.com

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

Contact the Hosts

Jessica Atkinson

Email: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com

Dave Torres

Email: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

551 Kindness in Education: Teaching the Whole Person Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Dr. Glenn Canares, DDS, MSD, to explore how psychological safety transforms learning environments, why there's a critical difference between being nice and being kind, and how Hygienist and educators can challenge learners while fostering growth. Glenn shares practical strategies for modeling self-care, delivering meaningful feedback, and creating sustainable, high-performing educational cultures that ultimately improve patient care.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why psychological safety is essential for effective learning

The difference between "nice" and "kind" feedback

Modeling self-care and growth-oriented leadership

How kindness improves learning, performance, and patient outcomes

Sustainable ways to integrate kindness into rigorous training programs

Connect with Dr. Glenn Canares:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-canares/

Instagram: @oracleofkindness

Email: glenn@oracleofkindness.com

Connect with the Hosts:

Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com