Dental Hygiene Basics

Dental Hygiene Basics

Are you dreaming of becoming a dental hygienist? The Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast is your go-to resource for getting in, getting through, and graduating dental hygiene school. Never miss an episode, study tips, or upcoming events! Sign up for our newsletter: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/newsletter Hosted by Dana Paladino, RDH (educator, mentor, and founder of Dental Hygiene Basics), this is the only podcast dedicated solely to guiding future and current dental hygiene students from start to finish. Whether you're prepping your application, tackling first-semester stress, or studying for the NBDHE/NDHCE, you’ll find clear, practical, and uplifting guidance here. At Dental Hygiene Basics, we offer a full-circle support system: 🎙️ Podcast 📚 Tutoring 🎓 Scholarships 🧡 Educational Resources This podcast helps you navigate every stage of your dental hygiene journey — from getting accepted to succeeding in school and building your career. You’ll learn how to stand out in your application, prepare for interviews, and develop the study skills, clinical techniques, and instrumentation confidence needed to thrive in hygiene school. We also cover board exam prep (NBDHE/NDHCE), explore both traditional and alternative career pathways for RDHs, and share real stories from hygienists who’ve been in your shoes. Plus, you’ll hear about scholarships and student resources designed to support you along the way. We answer the questions students actually have — like how to get into dental hygiene school, what to expect once you’re in, and how to prepare for interviews. We break down the biggest challenges students face, how to improve instrumentation and clinical confidence, and the most effective study strategies. We also explore career options after graduation and how to find scholarships and support as a dental hygiene student. Our Mission: We’re building a supportive, uplifting community where hygienists help aspiring hygienists succeed. 🧡 Our big goal is to award $100,000 in dental hygiene scholarships by 2035 and open doors for the next generation of RDHs. If you're committed to becoming a registered dental hygienist, this podcast will walk with you every step of the way. Subscribe now and start your journey to becoming an RDH! 🎧✨ See All of Our Services: https://dentalhygienebasics.com/ Connect With Us on Socials: @dentalhygienebasics #dentalhygieneschool #dentalhygiene #futurerdh #studentrdh #dentalhygienebasics This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, legal, or academic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 163: Life in Dental Hygiene School with Sarah and Julio

    2d ago

    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. Her experience highlights what often gets overlooked in dental hygiene school requirements and how to get into dental hygiene school: programs consider more than grades alone. Prior dental assisting experience, persistence through setbacks, and thoughtful preparation all carry weight in your application. 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter 🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3 🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487 🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics 🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships 🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  2. 162: Dana's Favorite Scalers

    4d ago

    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 or unsure what to focus on, this episode brings you back to what's important. A practical takeaway: choose one instrument this week and slow down your process—focus on fulcrum stability and consistent angulation before worrying about speed or efficiency. 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter 🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3 🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487 🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics 🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships 🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  3. 161: AI and Dental Hygiene with Maria Jackson, RDH

    Jun 17

    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 to intentionally position themselves for new opportunities. The core of dental hygiene—patient trust, education, and clinical judgment—remains unchanged. Check out Dental AI Solutions here: https://www.mariadentalai.com/ 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter 🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3 🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487 🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics 🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships 🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  4. 160: Ignore the Haters

    Jun 15

    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 up. If you’re preparing for dental hygiene school, navigating toxic workplace dynamics, or learning how to trust yourself as a future dental hygienist, this episode offers a practical perspective: pay attention to the environments and people that support your growth, and don’t confuse someone else’s discomfort with your direction. 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter 🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3 🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487 🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics 🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships 🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  5. 159: The Importance of Your Why in Dental Hygiene School with Richard Robinson RDH

    Jun 10

    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 his dyslexia and test anxiety have led him to success. He has found ways to give back to his community by starting the Richard Robinson Scholarship, providing mentorship to students, and starting a nonprofit organization, MyWhy, that you can check out here: https://www.thatsmywhy.org/about-us 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter 🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3 🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487 🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics 🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships 🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  6. 158: Help! Should I Take a Job in Dental Hygiene School?

    Jun 8

    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 responsibilities compromises their ability to stay afloat academically and mentally. The more useful question is practical: do you need the job, and can your current schedule realistically support it without putting your progress at risk? Learn about a simple decision-making approach grounded in self-awareness—stepping away from outside opinions long enough to assess your own bandwidth, stress level, and priorities. 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter 🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3 🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487 🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics 🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships 🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  7. 156: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Dental Hygiene School

    Jun 1

    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 communication in dental hygiene school and early practice. This conversation is a reminder that struggling does not always mean you are incapable—it may mean your brain and body are trying to manage too many unmet needs at once. You’ll also hear practical ways to check in with yourself, support overwhelmed dental hygiene patients with more empathy, and create realistic routines that protect your well-being while pursuing long-term growth in dental hygiene school and clinical practice. 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter 🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3 🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487 🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics 🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships 🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Are you dreaming of becoming a dental hygienist? The Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast is your go-to resource for getting in, getting through, and graduating dental hygiene school. Never miss an episode, study tips, or upcoming events! Sign up for our newsletter: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/newsletter Hosted by Dana Paladino, RDH (educator, mentor, and founder of Dental Hygiene Basics), this is the only podcast dedicated solely to guiding future and current dental hygiene students from start to finish. Whether you're prepping your application, tackling first-semester stress, or studying for the NBDHE/NDHCE, you’ll find clear, practical, and uplifting guidance here. At Dental Hygiene Basics, we offer a full-circle support system: 🎙️ Podcast 📚 Tutoring 🎓 Scholarships 🧡 Educational Resources This podcast helps you navigate every stage of your dental hygiene journey — from getting accepted to succeeding in school and building your career. You’ll learn how to stand out in your application, prepare for interviews, and develop the study skills, clinical techniques, and instrumentation confidence needed to thrive in hygiene school. We also cover board exam prep (NBDHE/NDHCE), explore both traditional and alternative career pathways for RDHs, and share real stories from hygienists who’ve been in your shoes. Plus, you’ll hear about scholarships and student resources designed to support you along the way. We answer the questions students actually have — like how to get into dental hygiene school, what to expect once you’re in, and how to prepare for interviews. We break down the biggest challenges students face, how to improve instrumentation and clinical confidence, and the most effective study strategies. We also explore career options after graduation and how to find scholarships and support as a dental hygiene student. Our Mission: We’re building a supportive, uplifting community where hygienists help aspiring hygienists succeed. 🧡 Our big goal is to award $100,000 in dental hygiene scholarships by 2035 and open doors for the next generation of RDHs. If you're committed to becoming a registered dental hygienist, this podcast will walk with you every step of the way. Subscribe now and start your journey to becoming an RDH! 🎧✨ See All of Our Services: https://dentalhygienebasics.com/ Connect With Us on Socials: @dentalhygienebasics #dentalhygieneschool #dentalhygiene #futurerdh #studentrdh #dentalhygienebasics This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, legal, or academic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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