Advertise on podcast: A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave explore what happens after assessment and diagnosis: turning clinical findings into meaningful, individualized care. Karen Palleschi and Jennifer Pieren discuss how dental hygienists can use critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the ADHA Standards of Care to create person-centered plans that reflect each patient's needs, values, risks, and goals.   What We Talked About:   Translating assessment findings into meaningful dental hygiene diagnoses   Building individualized, person-centered care plans instead of "one-size-fits-all" treatment   The role of critical thinking and clinical judgment in implementation   How the ADHA Standards of Care support consistency, accountability, and professional autonomy.   Patient communication, shared decision-making, and behavior change   Challenges clinicians and students face when moving from diagnosis to implementation   Adapting care plans based on patient needs, values, risks, and outcomes   Call to Action: Providers, take a closer look at how you move from diagnosis to action. Consider whether your care plans truly reflect each patient's individual needs, priorities, risks, and goals. Look for opportunities to involve patients more fully in decisions about their care.   Contact guest via: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-pieren-476804a1/ Instagram: @prof_jennifer_rdh ADHA Standards   Contact the Hosts Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

Assessment and diagnosis are at the heart of patient-centered dental hygiene care. In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave are joined by JoAnn Gurenlian, Ann Eshenaur Spolarich, and Darlene Swigart to explore how dental hygienists can move beyond simply collecting patient data to interpreting findings, developing accurate dental hygiene diagnoses, and making informed clinical decisions.   The conversation examines the critical-thinking skills needed to connect assessment findings to treatment planning, documentation, and improved patient outcomes while also considering the future of dental hygiene diagnosis and professional autonomy.   What We Talked About   The distinction between assessment and diagnosis   Why diagnosis is an essential component of the dental hygiene process of care   Common challenges clinicians face when interpreting assessment findings   The role of critical thinking in moving from collected data to clinical decisions   How assessment and diagnosis influence treatment planning and patient outcomes   Documentation considerations related to assessment and diagnosis   Strategies for teaching diagnostic reasoning to students   The future of dental hygiene diagnosis and professional autonomy   Call to Action The next time you complete a patient assessment, pause before moving directly to treatment. Ask yourself what the findings mean, how they connect, and what they tell you about your patient's individual needs. Use that clinical reasoning to strengthen your dental hygiene diagnosis, treatment planning, documentation, and patient care.   Resources and Links Darlene Swigart on LinkedIn Ann Eshenaur Spolarich on LinkedIn JoAnn Gurenlian on LinkedIn Swigart, DJ, Gurenlian, J. Bringing Social Determinants of Health into the Dental Hygiene Diagnosis. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. 2026;24(1):32-35. Swigart, DJ, Gurenlian, J, McCracken, A. Integrating Social Determinants of Health Screening in Student Dental Hygiene Clinical Practice. J Dent Hyg. 2025;9(6):52-63. Swigart, DJ, Gurenlian, JR, Rogo, EJ. Dental Hygiene Diagnosis: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Dental Hygienists. Can J Dent Hyg. 2020;54(3):113-123. Gurenlian, JR, Swigart, DJ. Dental Hygiene Diagnosis: The Link Between Assessment and Care. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. 2018;16(12):36-39. Gurenlian, JR, Sanderson, TR, Garland, K, Swigart, DJ. Exploring the Integration of the Dental Hygiene Diagnosis in Entry-Level Dental Hygiene Curricula. J Dent Hyg. 2018;92(4):18-26.   Contact the Hosts Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

JoAnn Gurenlian joins Jessica and Dave for a practical conversation about the purpose, evolution, and everyday importance of the Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice.   From understanding the difference between standards of care and scope of practice to applying professional standards in real-world clinical situations, this episode explores how standards can help dental hygienists strengthen clinical judgment, documentation, ethical decision-making, and patient outcomes.   What We Talked About The purpose and evolution of the Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice   Why standards of care matter for every dental hygienist, regardless of practice setting   Common misconceptions about standards and scope of practice   How standards support clinical judgment, documentation, and patient outcomes   The relationship between standards, ethics, and professional accountability   How educators can help students move beyond memorization to implementation   Practical ways clinicians can incorporate the standards into everyday patient care   The future of standards and what dental hygienists need to understand moving forward   Call to Action Take a fresh look at the Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice and consider how they apply to your own clinical decision-making, documentation, patient care, and professional responsibilities. Whether you are a student, educator, or practicing dental hygienist, use the standards as a framework for putting evidence, ethics, and professional judgment into action.   Resources and Links JoAnn Gurenlian on LinkedIn ADHA Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice — Process of Care AAP Staging and Grading Periodontitis Chairside Guide — Periodontal evaluation Dental Hygiene: Theory and Practice by Darby & Walsh ADA CDT Codes Guest Contact: [email protected] Co-host Contacts: [email protected] | [email protected]

Every patient who sits in our chair brings more than just a mouth with them. Hormones, bone health, medications, and life stage can all influence what we see clinically.   In this episode, Jessica and Dave explore the connection between hormonal changes, bone health, and oral health—and why dental hygienists play an important role in recognizing the clues, starting conversations, and helping patients get the care they need.   What We Talked About: How hormones and bone health influence oral health throughout a patient's lifetime   What clinicians may notice during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and beyond   Oral signs that may point to broader systemic or bone-health concerns   Why early screening can impact long-term health outcomes   Red flags and risk factors for premature bone loss and poor bone quality   How to discuss osteoporosis, bone density, and medications with patients   How to approach sensitive conversations with compassion and confidence   Three practical things every hygienist can start doing tomorrow   The Big Takeaway The mouth can provide important clues about what is happening throughout the body. Understanding the connections between hormones, bone health, and oral health can help clinicians recognize risks earlier and provide more informed, whole-patient care.   Contact the guest:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-evans-bs-mcl-rdh-thephrdh   Website: https://kristinevansrdh.wixsite.com/my-site-2

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 — [email protected]   Hosts: Jessica and Dave — [email protected] | [email protected]

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: [email protected]   https://www.facebook.com/TMJServicesofBrentwood   https://www.instagram.com/TMJServicesofBrentwood/   Contact the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: [email protected]   Dave Torres: [email protected]

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.

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 [email protected]   Dave Torres [email protected]

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 | [email protected] Hosts: Jessica and Dave | [email protected] | [email protected]

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: [email protected] Dave: [email protected]

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: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

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: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-manski-ms-rdh-839b0571/   Contact the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson Email: [email protected]   Dave Torres Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminhaley/   Contact the Hosts   Jessica Atkinson Email: [email protected]   Dave Torres Email: [email protected]

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: [email protected]   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]

Why do so many dental professionals struggle with instrument sharpening, and what impact does it have on patient care, efficiency, and instrument longevity?   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Jennifer Simoncelli, RDH, to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of clinical success: instrument maintenance. Jennifer shares what inspired the development of XpressEdge, how it simplifies the sharpening process compared to traditional methods, and the real-world results practices are seeing after adopting it.   If you've ever wondered whether your instruments are performing at their best, this conversation offers practical insights that every dental team can apply.   In This Episode:   Why instrument sharpening remains a challenge for many clinicians.   The inspiration behind the development of XpressEdge.   How XpressEdge differs from traditional sharpening methods.   Feedback and success stories from practices using the system.   The one thing every dental office should know about instrument maintenance.   Connect with Our Guest:   Jennifer Simoncelli, RDH Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-simoncelli-rdh-64569a54   Contact the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson Email: [email protected]   Dave Torres Email: [email protected]   This episode is brought to you by our friends at Nordent. To learn more about XpressEdge and explore their full range of dental instruments and products, visit www.Nordent.com.