A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Jessica Atkinson, RDH and David Torres CRDH
  • 4.7 (212)
  • Life Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

We created A Tale of Two Hygienists in 2015 because we are passionate about helping our fellow clinicians be the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally. We Interview experts in their fields to provide better care for our patients while promoting the joys of being a dental hygienist.

  1. 1d ago

    545 Access Is Built, Not Given: Community Outreach as Preventive Care

    What if the biggest challenge in oral healthcare isn't clinical knowledge—but access?   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Richard Robinson, BS, RDH, to discuss how community outreach is transforming preventive oral healthcare. Richard shares what it takes to build sustainable partnerships, reach underserved populations, and remove the barriers that prevent people from receiving the care they need. From advocacy and education to real-world outreach initiatives, this conversation highlights how every dental professional can make a lasting impact beyond the operatory.   In this episode, we discuss:   The connection between community outreach and preventive oral healthcare   Identifying and addressing barriers to oral healthcare access   Building sustainable community partnerships   Reaching underserved and vulnerable populations   The role of education, advocacy, and prevention   Lessons from successful outreach initiatives   How clinicians, educators, and students can get involved in community-based care   The future of access-to-care efforts in dentistry and dental hygiene   Connect with Richard Robinson:   Email: mywhy1st@gmail.com Facebook: MY WHY Instagram: @mywhy1st TikTok: @RichardRobinson_RDH   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

    33 min
  2. Parkell Podcast-Chat: Clinical Innovation with DuraTip – Using Ultrasonics Well: Efficiency, Ergonomics, and Patient Comfort

    5d ago

    Parkell Podcast-Chat: Clinical Innovation with DuraTip – Using Ultrasonics Well: Efficiency, Ergonomics, and Patient Comfort

    In this special bonus episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Noel and Richard Paschke, better known as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics, for a deep dive into ultrasonic insert performance, wear, and innovation.   The Paschkes explore why all ultrasonic tips wear over time, how worn inserts impact patient outcomes and clinician efficiency, and the engineering principles behind DuraTip, Rich's latest invention manufactured by Parkell. They also discuss practical systems for measuring insert performance, the risks of using ineffective instruments, and how technology continues to evolve to improve clinical care.   The conversation also highlights Parkell's new TurboSensor+360 ultrasonic scaler and the features designed to improve ergonomics, workflow efficiency, and clinical confidence.   In this episode, you'll learn:   Why ultrasonic inserts lose efficiency as they wear The clinical and ethical implications of using worn instruments   What makes DuraTip different from traditional ultrasonic inserts   How to create a system for monitoring insert performance in your practice   The latest innovations in ultrasonic technology and ergonomics   Key features of Parkell's TurboSensor+360 scaler, including Cruise Control and IntelliSense technology.   Links:  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/ultrasonics/article/55356839/worn-out-work-smarter-not-harder-with-your-ultrasonics-inserts-tips   Contact the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com   Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com   This episode is brought to you by our friends at Parkell. Thanks to Parkell for supporting dental professionals with innovative solutions designed to improve clinical performance, efficiency, and ergonomics.

    34 min

  3. Jun 24

    544 The Science -How Ultrasonics Actually Work: Amplitude, Frequency, and Cleaning Efficiency

    In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Noel and Richard Paschke, better known as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics.   Together, they break down the science behind ultrasonic instrumentation, separating fact from fiction on topics like frequency, amplitude, cavitation, cleaning efficiency, and clinical technique. Rich shares an engineer's perspective on how ultrasonic devices are designed, while Noel translates the physics into practical applications for today's clinician.   They also discuss common misconceptions about piezo and magnetostrictive units, how worn tips impact performance, and why understanding ultrasonic technology is essential for delivering better patient care.   In this episode, you'll learn:   The difference between frequency, amplitude, and cleaning efficiency   Why ultrasonic scaling is about more than simply turning up the power   Common myths surrounding cavitation and calculus removal   Key differences between piezo and magnetostrictive systems   How tip design, wear, and adaptation affect clinical outcomes   The latest innovations from the Paschkes, including cordless ultrasonics and a patent-pending piezo swivel handpiece.   Connect with Noel: noel.ultrasonicsplus@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelpaschke/   Contact the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com   Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

    39 min

  4. Jun 17

    543 The Origin Story- Mr. & Mrs. Ultrasonics: How the Paschkes Changed the Way We Scale

    Jessica and Dave sit down with Noel and Richard Paschke—known throughout dentistry as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics.   Noel, a pioneering dental hygienist, educator, inventor, and industry leader, joins her husband Rich, an ultrasonic engineer and innovator, to share the story behind their partnership and the impact they've had on ultrasonic scaling technology.   Together, they discuss how clinical experience and engineering expertise came together to drive product innovation, improve ergonomics, and shape many of the ultrasonic technologies clinicians use today. They also share insights into the invention process, life after retirement, and exciting new technologies currently in development.   In this episode, you'll learn:   How Rich transitioned from military engineering to dentistry   Noel's journey from Johns Hopkins to industry leadership   The clinician-first approach that changed ultrasonic product design   Products and patents that have influenced modern scaling   What's next for the future of ultrasonics   Connect with Noel: noel.ultrasonicsplus@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelpaschke/   Contact the Hosts: Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

    33 min
  5. Why Dry Mouth Is More Than Just a Lack of Saliva: New Insights into Xerostomia Care

    Jun 13

    Why Dry Mouth Is More Than Just a Lack of Saliva: New Insights into Xerostomia Care

    In this episode, Tanya Dunlap of Perio Protect sits down with renowned periodontist and researcher Dr. Sam Low to discuss the growing challenge of xerostomia (dry mouth) and innovative approaches to managing it. They explore the science behind Periosciences' new product, Moisyn™, including its KyoTech™ technology, and discuss how combining Moisyn with AO ProVantage® Gel may provide enhanced support for patients suffering from dry mouth.   The conversation covers the importance of saliva quality—not just quantity—the role of minor salivary glands, and how inflammation may contribute to xerostomia symptoms. Dr. Low also shares practical recommendations for incorporating these products into daily patient care protocols.   Resources: perioprotect.com periosciences.com

    14 min

  6. Jun 10

    542 The Art of the Stroke: Hand Instrumentation in Dental Hygiene

    In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Dr. Emily Boge to explore the evolving balance between ultrasonic technology and hand instrumentation in modern dental hygiene.   We dive into why ultrasonics are powerful tools — but not magic wands — and why mastering hand instrumentation remains essential for effective patient care. We look into a humbling calibration story that changed the clinical approach and the importance of diagnostic instruments, assessment skills, and clinician awareness in achieving better outcomes.   This conversation is a reminder that great hygiene care is not about choosing between technology and technique — it's about mastering both.   Guest: Dr. Emily Boge Ereinert@hotmail.com   What We Discuss:   Why ultrasonics require balance, technique, and intention   Why hand instrumentation still matters in modern hygiene care   A practice-changing calibration experience   The importance of diagnostic instruments and assessment tools   How clinician awareness impacts patient outcomes   Resources & Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-boge-edd-rdh-cda-faadh-fadha-cdipc-8a648916/   Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow clinicians and educators.

    33 min

  7. Jun 3

    541 Implant Instrumentation: Preserving the Implant While Treating the Patient — From Single Implants to Full-Arch Fixed Prostheses

    In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with implant maintenance expert Alison Stahl to unpack the hidden risks surrounding dental implants — and why successful implant therapy requires far more than simply placing the implant.   Alison explains why implants remain vulnerable to periodontal and systemic disease, why water flossers are essential for long-term implant health, and how palpation and 3D radiographs can dramatically improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. She also reveals why stainless steel instruments may be damaging implants without clinicians realizing it and shares the essential protocols every hygienist should know when treating implant patients.   From single implants to full-arch fixed prostheses, this conversation challenges outdated approaches to implant care and highlights what modern clinicians need to protect both the implant and the patient.   Guest: Alison Stahl alisonstahl@precisionperi-implantacademy.com   What We Discuss:   Why implants are still susceptible to periodontal and systemic disease   Why water flossers are critical for implant maintenance   The importance of palpation and 3D radiographs in implant assessment   How stainless steel instruments can damage implant surfaces   Essential implant maintenance protocols for clinicians   Treatment considerations for single implants and full-arch prostheses   Resources & Links: Website: https://precisionperi-implantacademy.com/   If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share this episode with your colleagues and clinical team.

    34 min

  8. May 27

    540 More Than a Credential: The Responsibility, Trust, and Purpose Behind Licensure

    About This Episode: What does it really mean to hold a dental hygiene license? In this episode, Dave and Jessica sit down with Amanda Hill — speaker, consultant, award-winning author,to unpack what licensure truly represents for dental hygienists. This is not a conversation about paperwork and renewal fees. It is a candid, thought-provoking discussion about responsibility, public trust, and what it means to show up for your patients at the highest level of your profession.   What We Cover:   Why "access to care" can become "babysitting disease" in dentistry   A clarion call for dental hygienists to level up   Virginia's new dental laws: 120-hour assistants and foreign-trained dentists   Why dental hygiene should feel like a therapeutic massage and what that means for patient care   Why patients trust the letters on your scrubs and why licensure matters more than you think   The invisible protections your dental hygienist provides every single appointment   About Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC Amanda Hill is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author with over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene experience. A sought-after thought leader, she has authored over one hundred articles bringing clarity to some of dentistry's hottest topics. She is the recipient of the Association for Dental Safety's Emerging Infection Control Leader award and serves on the advisory boards of RDH Magazine, Dentistry IQ, and the Association for Dental Safety's Infection Control In Practice Editorial Review Board. Amanda is passionate about making dentistry accurate, accessible, and yes — fun.   Connect With Amanda: Website: www.amandahillrdh.com Email: amandahillrdh@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hill-rdh-261167149/

    32 min
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4.7
out of 5
212 Ratings

About

We created A Tale of Two Hygienists in 2015 because we are passionate about helping our fellow clinicians be the best version of themselves, both professionally and personally. We Interview experts in their fields to provide better care for our patients while promoting the joys of being a dental hygienist.

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