A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Latest Episodes:

513 Do You Still Love Taking Perio-Focused CEs? with Sarah Thiel Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Episode Summary

In this episode, Andrew Johnston welcomes long-time friend and hygiene industry leader Sarah Thiel back to the show. As one of Andrew's final episodes, the two reflect on their years of friendship, the evolution of dental industry networking, and the incredible journey and impact of CE Zoom—Sarah's unique platform for tracking and managing continuing education (CE) requirements across all 50 states.

Listeners get an inside look at how Sarah Thiel and her team keep up with the constantly shifting requirements of CE, the challenges of regulatory compliance, and what it means to truly support clinicians in their licensing journeys. The episode also explores hot topics in dental CE—including oral pathology, vaping, local anesthesia, substance abuse, and perio trends—plus stories from the frontlines of regulatory changes and audits.

Key Topics Discussed

The Evolution of CE Zoom:
Sarah Thiel
shares how CE Zoom went from a simple CE tracker to a comprehensive platform serving every dental license type and, now, other industries requiring CE.
Navigating Audits & Regulations: Hear how CE requirements are more complex than most professionals realize, and why real-time tracking and board-specific courses matter.
Networking & Relationship Building:
Sarah Thiel
talks about the authentic approach to networking—why helping others comes first, and how most of her professional connections (and successful matchmaking) happen in relaxed, informal settings.
Hot Topics in CE: The episode spotlights recent and perennial favorite courses among dental professionals—oral pathology, vaping, local anesthesia updates, substance abuse, perio, and instrumentation.
Behind the Scenes Managing Compliance: The intricate process of following every dental board's changes—thanks to Sarah's team, especially Melissa, who attends and reviews every board meeting to keep users ahead of the curve.
Stories from the Field: Listen for a cautionary tale about regulatory changes and how CE Zoom went to bat for a clinician caught in a timing loophole—highlighting why trusting experts matters.

Memorable Quotes

"You don't know what you don't know... until you're audited and realize the rules have changed." –
Sarah Thiel
"Sarah's made that crossover from dental friend to real-life friend." –
Andrew Johnston
"I just love meeting people and figuring out ways to help them—business comes after." –
Sarah Thiel
"The dental boards don't care if you almost met the requirements—you have to get it exactly right." –
Sarah Thiel

Resources & Links

CE Zoom: cezoom.com
Contact Sarah & the Team: Email help@cezoom.com for questions or support.
A Tale of Two Hygienists: Stay updated by following the show on social media and subscribing to the newsletter.

Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe for more insightful conversations and updates as the podcast transitions to its next era.

Toothpaste: The Most Power Prescription We Don't Have To Write with Melissa Calhoun! **Bonus** Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

Episode Summary: In this special bonus episode brought to you in partnership with TheraBreath, Andrew Johnston sits down with Melissa Calhoun for an in-depth discussion about all things toothpaste—why it's more than just a routine product, how active ingredients play a crucial role, and why switching up your toothpaste based on patient needs really matters. They dive into the evidence-based approach to oral hygiene recommendations, spotlighting TheraBreath's new line of toothpastes and what sets them apart.

What You'll Learn:

Why toothpaste is a "powerful prescription" we don't need to write
The importance of asking patients about what toothpaste they use
Key active ingredients in toothpaste and how they help with sensitivity, caries, and overall oral health
Why flavors matter and the growing trend for milder toothpastes

Melissa Calhoun's dental hygiene education and professional background
A deep dive into TheraBreath's new toothpaste lineup: Healthy Gums, Deep Clean, and Whitening
How TheraBreath products pair well together and why they're beneficial for a wide range of patients

Mentioned in this episode:

TheraBreath's widely loved mouth rinses and new toothpaste formulas
Free sample program: Visit hygienesquad.com/therabreath to sign up for samples for your office
CE resources on toothpaste ingredients from Church & Dwight

Special Thanks: Thanks to TheraBreath for making this episode possible. Big shoutout to Melissa Calhoun for sharing her expertise and passion for oral health.

Connect with Us: Follow, subscribe, and share your feedback! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter on the website

512 Is Temping Making a Comeback? Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Episode Summary:

In this engaging throwback episode, Andrew and guest co-host Brittany catch up with Dr. James Younger to talk all things temping in the dentistry. As temping continues to grow in popularity, especially following shifts during the pandemic, this episode is a practical guide and deep dive for early-career professionals and anyone considering a more flexible career path in dentistry.

Key Topics Covered:

Why Temping is Growing:
James Younger
discusses how both new grads and seasoned professionals are increasingly choosing temp shifts for flexibility, empowerment, and financial reasons.
Finding Your "Work Home": The importance of prioritizing workplace culture and respect over purely financial incentives.
Transparency in Temping: TempStars' unique system provides office reviews, equipment ratings, and infection control compliance, so temps know exactly what they're walking into.
Regional Trends: A look at how temping, demand, and office culture differ from state to state and between the US and Canada.
Dental Assistants & Hygienists: Debunking the myth that temp assistants are less committed, and how temping is becoming a lifestyle choice for many.
Expanded Functions & Office Matching: Updates on TempStars' expansion into the US and how technology is improving matches between offices and dental professionals based on detailed qualifications.
Impact of AI: The potential for artificial intelligence in making better matches and improving dental workflows.
Advice to New Grads: Why gaining a broad perspective by temping early in your career helps you find the right office fit without long-term limitations or strings attached.

Must-Listen Moments:

James Younger
shares data-backed insights on what offices are doing to create better environments—and how TempStars uses reviews to ensure transparency and quality.
Recommendations for graduates on how to explore multiple offices and make informed decisions about where to settle, with no exclusivity or hidden costs.
Lively discussion about the evolution of infectious control protocols post-COVID and their ongoing importance.

More Resources:

Explore TempStars: tempstars.com – Free for professionals to sign up and start browsing opportunities.
Don't miss previous tipisodes with Dr.
James Younger
: Topics include temping done right, how to request a raise, permission-based care, and unique pathways in dental careers.

Quotes:

"You have to be cautious about chasing just the next dollar. Life is too short." – James Younger

"There's a proper way to treat people, and that's aligned now with good business for keeping and retaining great team members." – James Younger

Interested in temping or finding your perfect dental work home? Check out TempStars and connect with thousands of offices and professionals nationwide.

Don't forget to visit RDH Under One Roof (rdhunderoneroof.com) for networking and education in dental hygiene!

Thanks for listening! Share this episode with a friend who might be considering a new path in dentistry, and tune in next week for more great conversations.

511 Is Clinical Excellence in Dentistry Transferable? with Dr. Chris Salierno! Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Episode Highlights:

Networking & Power Networking: Dr. Chris Salierno returns for an in-depth conversation on building meaningful professional relationships in dentistry. He offers his insights into "power networking," stressing the importance of showing up, saying yes to opportunities, and making deposits before making withdrawals. Learn how he identifies red flags in networking and why intentional relationship-building leads to lasting success.
Clinical Excellence: Andrew and Dr. Salierno discuss the idea that the path to clinical excellence is not always linear. The conversation encourages grabbing knowledge from various sources—networking, colleagues, and even dental influencers—to continually improve patient care. Dr. Salierno talks about taking inspiration from both clinical work and soft skills, emphasizing the ongoing journey toward greatness in dentistry and hygiene.
Hiring and Team Values: Dr. Salierno shares his perspective as Chief Dental Officer at Tend and his passion for hiring people who bring personality and technical skill. He discusses why hospitality and a clear mission matter, focusing on how creating a strong employee value proposition attracts the right kind of team members and boosts retention, especially in a competitive dental employment market.
Social Media & Professional Comparison: The dangers of social media—especially comparing yourself to peers who only showcase their highlight reels—is a key theme in this episode. Dr. Salierno provides thoughtful advice on maintaining a healthy outlook and keeping professional standards high, both online and offline.
Transitions & Career Flexibility: The episode touches on career pivots in dentistry and highlights Dr. Salierno's observations on professionals who successfully transition into various roles—be it technology, teaching, or administration. He shares that the dental field offers incredible flexibility for those willing to say yes, learn, and embrace new challenges.
Where to Find More from Dr. Salierno: Dr. Salierno's Substack, "Leaving Healthcare," is packed with posts for anyone interested in non-clinical career options or broadening their horizons in dentistry. You can find him on Instagram as @thecuriousdentist for more content, updates on speaking engagements, and thoughtful discussions.

Connect:

Dr. Chris Salierno Substack: Leaving Healthcare
Instagram: @thecuriousdentist

Final Notes: Thanks to Dr. Salierno for sharing his time and wisdom! Make sure to subscribe, check the show notes for resources, and sign up for Andrew's newsletter for more content.

510 Hygienists (and Teeth!) On The Move with Tom Viola, Misty Mattingly, and Renata Nehme! Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Episode Overview

In this special, nostalgia-fueled episode, Andrew takes a look back at meaningful conversations from prior episodes, bringing in crucial advice for dental professionals and hygienists that's just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from Tom Viola and Renata Nehme on topics crucial to the dental hygiene field.

Key Topics and Highlights 1. Dental Hygiene Training and Qualifications (with Tom Viola)

Rigorous Training: Tom shares insights from his experience teaching pharmacology to hygienists, highlighting the level of stress, acumen, and stringent requirements of dental hygiene programs.
Anesthesia Rights for Hygienists: Discussion on why dental hygienists should be qualified to administer local anesthesia in every state and the process Georgia undertook to make this a reality.
Inter-Professional Trust: Tom argues that dentists often lack understanding of hygienists' training. If they witnessed the training firsthand, their confidence in hygienists' skills would grow.
Education & Reciprocity: Andrew and Tom debate how state-to-state differences in training impact reciprocity of credentials and the importance of maintaining high standards.

2. Palatal Expansion in Adults (with Renata Nehme)

Early Intervention Matters: Renata explains how early observation of jaw growth and dental spacing in children can predict future needs for orthodontic intervention.
Adult Expansion Experience: She shares her personal journey with palatal expansion as an adult—including the use of MARPE (mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander), the procedure, and recovery.
Relapse & Muscle Function: The conversation dives into the importance of myofunctional therapy for lasting results and the role of tongue and muscle habits in dental relapse.
Facial Changes: Renata explores how palatal expansion affects not only occlusion but also facial structure, including cheekbones, lips, and nasal width.

Must-Listen Moments

Tom recalling the intense nature of hygiene school and advocating for robust education standards.
Insights into how anesthesia training and workflow advances have elevated the hygiene profession.
Renata's deeply personal account of her orthodontic journey, the challenges, and the transformative facial changes she experienced.
Practical advice on early dental intervention and the significance of myofunctional therapy from a seasoned clinician.

Connect with Today's Guests

Tom Viola: Website: tomviola.com Social: @PharmacologyDeclassified
Renata Nemi: Instagram: @myomoves Airway Circle: airwaycircle.com Courses for hygienists at Myo University

How to Support the Show

Subscribe: Don't miss an episode—hit that subscribe button!
Newsletter: Sign up for our updates on our website.
Engage: Follow us on social media and let us know what you'd like covered in future episodes.

Produced by Endeavor Business Media.

Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest? Drop Andrew a line through the website or on social media!

Bath Salts: A Pharmacists Perspective with Tom Viola Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Tom Viola is BACK and he is talking about bath salts... and we are not talking about Dr Teal's epsom salts. Tom shares a little bit of the background of what they are, where they originated, and the difficulties of testing for them. Don't miss this 6 minute episode!

509 Are Hygienists Optimistic? A Peek Into The State of Work with Thalia Diedrick! Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Are we on the brink of a mass retirement of dental hygienists? Are hygienists really all that unhappy and what are the drivers that factor into job satisfaction? Rather than guessing, we have Thalia Diedrick on the show who comes with the answers directly from the dental audience!

Resources:

https://gotu.com/state-of-work/

Thalia@joingotu.com

cassidy@joingotu.com

What Happens To The Gingiva When We Incorporate Dietary Counseling? Ask The Expert with Katrina Sanders! Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

We always talk to our patients about how to remove plaque, apply medicaments, and review systemic factors. What if its easier than all of that? What happens when we simply change our diet instead? Katrina Sanders explains how we can get healthier through diet alone in this short Ask The Experts segment!

Resources:

Baumgartner, S., Imfeld, T., Schicht, O., Rath, C., Persson,

R., Persson, G.: The Impact of Stone Age Diet on Gingival

Conditions in the Absence of Oral Hygiene. J Perio 2009

May;80(5):759-68.

More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/

508 RED FLAGS!!!! Why Offices Fail with Dr. Pam Maragliano and Dr. David Rice Pt2 Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Leadership is about failure and experience. In this part 2, we pick up where we left off with Dr. Pam Maragliano and Dr. David Rice as they give expert advice to those looking to succeed in this dental world in which we live. This episode is not to be missed!!

507 RED FLAGS!!!! Why Offices Fail with Dr. Pam Maragliano and Dr. David Rice Pt1 Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Drs Pam Maragliano and David Rice bring the heat in this crossover episode with the Dentistry Unmasked Podcast. Both of these doctors, having experienced low employee turnover and highly successful practices, have found the secret sauce. As they look around, it seems almost unreal how many other practices continue to struggle. Join us in this conversation and hopefully fix or sidestep some of these landmines!