Rooting Within Health

Kimberly W. Williamson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MEDICINE

Rooting Within Health explores the powerful connections between oral health and overall systemic wellness, while addressing critical issues in the dental industry that often go unspoken. Hosted by Kimberly W. Williamson, a registered dental hygienist, integrative health coach, and registered yoga teacher. This podcast goes beyond the surface to examine how oral health impacts our entire body, mind, and quality of life.  Through a hybrid approach of solo episodes and conversations with healthcare professionals, wellness experts, and individuals navigating their own health journeys, we'll dive into topics that matter. From oral-systemic health connections, workplace wellness and culture in healthcare settings, to behavior modifications for sustainable health to the urgent need for advocacy and reform within the dental industry - no topic is off limits. Whether you're a dental professional seeking community and validation, a healthcare worker facing workplace challenges, or someone interested in holistic approaches to health, this podcast creates space for honest conversations and meaningful change. We're here to educate, empower, and build community around the issues that matter most - because true health starts from within, and change begins when we're willing to speak up.

  1. APR 1

    Episode 13: "Don't Do It:" Is The Language We Use Hurting Our Profession?

    A student posted a TikTok asking for guidance, comparing dental hygiene to respiratory therapy, standing at a crossroads and looking for clarity. What they found in the comment section was a chorus of other people's unresolved pain. Dental hygienists were telling them to 'run. Don't do it. Get out.' In this episode, Kimberly talks about the real cost of that language. Not just for the student who sees it, but for our entire profession. There is a profound difference between sharing your lived experience to spark change and using your pain as a reason for someone else to abandon their dream before it even begins. Kimberly explores Brené Brown's reminder that when we find ourselves polling others, it is often a signal that we need less noise and more stillness. She digs into what constructive advocacy actually looks like in your office, online, and in the way you show up for the next generation. She also explores where this profession is headed and why we need people who are willing to walk through that door. Your frustration is valid. Your experience is real. But it is not the whole story, and it is not someone else's destiny. Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    12 min

  2. MAR 18

    Episode 12: You Were Made for More: Leadership and Life Beyond Clinical Practice

    What happens when a dental hygienist stops asking "what can I do in this operatory" and starts asking "what can I do in this world?" In this episode Kimberly sits down with Deborah Daniel, RDH, MHSc, PMP, CHE and DrPH Candidate at the University of Toronto, to talk about something the dental hygiene profession does not discuss nearly enough — leadership, career transitions, and what it actually looks like to take everything you built at the chair and bring it somewhere bigger. Deborah is a Program Manager at the Regional Municipality of Durham, a speaker, an allied health leadership advocate, and a non-clinical career transition specialist. She has spent over 15 years navigating healthcare systems, advancing her education, and helping other hygienists find their way beyond clinical practice. Kimberly and Deborah discuss why hygienists are not seen as leaders in healthcare and what needs to change. They explore why so many hygienists are looking for the exit and they uncover the career paths that are open to hygienists that most of us do not even know exist. If you have ever sat in that chair and wondered if there is something more, this episode is tailored for you. Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    54 min

  3. MAR 4

    Episode 11: Beyond the Operatory: From Associate's to Doctorate & Why Dental Hygiene Advocates Deserve a Seat at the Table

    Deanna Joy Gilmore, RDH, BSDH, MHA, CH-OSE, has spent over 25 years in dental hygiene — but her journey didn't stop at the chair. In this episode, Deanna shares how she went from clinical practice to research, advocacy, and academia. We talk about what sparked her passion for the oral-systemic connection, why she pursued her bachelor's, master's in healthcare administration, and now a doctorate — and what each level of education reveals about the profession.  Deanna opens up about her published work in Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, RDH Magazine, and KevinMD, her vision for bringing oral health education into K-12 schools, and why cross-collaboration between healthcare professionals is long overdue.  This is a conversation about what's possible when a dental hygienist refuses to stay in the box the system built for them. Continue to advocate, to educate, and to inspire the next generation of dental hygienists. Connect with Deanna: LinkedIn: Deanna Joy Gilmore Published work: Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, RDH Magazine, KevinMD Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    54 min

  4. FEB 18

    Episode 10: The Maternity Leave Crisis: How a Female-Dominated Profession Fails Women

    The United States is the only high-income country without national paid family leave. And if you work in dental hygiene — a profession that is over 94% female — you feel that gap more than most.  In this episode, Kimberly breaks down why the maternity leave crisis in dental hygiene isn't just a personal struggle — it's a systemic failure. From FMLA loopholes that exclude nearly every dental office, to the reality of classifying childbirth as a "disability" just to get six weeks at 60% pay, to what Maine's new paid family leave program actually looks like when you do the math.  She compares two healthcare workers with the same education and licensure who get completely different safety nets — based on nothing but the size of the building they work in. This one is personal. And it needs to be said out loud.  If this episode hits home, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    13 min

  5. FEB 4

    Episode 9: The History They Didn't Teach Us: Black Dental Hygienists and the Fight for Representation

    February is Black History Month, and in this episode, host Kimberly Williamson explores something that doesn't get nearly enough attention in the dental profession: the history and lived experience of Black dental hygienists—and the racial disparities that persist in both the workforce and the patients they serve. Kimberly is joined by her friend and colleague Rebekah, a registered dental hygienist she went to college with in Maine—one of the whitest states in the country. They were each other's local anesthesia partners, which means they spent a semester injecting each other in the mouth. If that doesn't build trust, what does? In this conversation, Rebekah shares her experience navigating a profession that is overwhelmingly white, from choosing a dental hygiene program in a state where less than 2% of the population is Black, to the microaggressions and moments of isolation she's faced throughout her career. They also discuss the National Dental Hygienists' Association (NDHA), founded in 1932 by Black hygienists who weren't welcome in mainstream professional organizations—a history most hygienists were never taught. The conversation also touches on the OPA clinical exam model and how it creates additional barriers for diverse candidates entering the profession. This episode is honest, moving, and necessary. Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    59 min

  6. JAN 21

    Episode 8: The Missed Opportunity: Why Dental Hygienists Are the Original Health Coaches

    What if dental hygienists could expand on the foundation they already have? What if they could coach patients through the barriers that actually prevent better health—and get reimbursed for it? This episode explores why hygienists are uniquely positioned to step into health coaching—and why this shift could reshape healthcare itself. We unpack the oral-systemic connection: how periodontal disease links to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health, and why treating the mouth in isolation no longer makes sense. We also address the socioeconomic barriers patients face that traditional dental education never prepared us to navigate: food insecurity, transportation, lack of insurance, and mental health challenges. Plus: the frustrating reality that hygienists—already licensed clinicians—often can’t bill insurance directly, while health coaches now have CPT codes and growing recognition. And why oral health is still missing from most health coaching curriculums. This is a call to action: it’s time to recognize the role hygienists were always meant to play. Resources: ∙National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching: nbhwc.org ∙Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) ∙Duke Integrative Medicine Health Coach Training ∙Wellcoaches School of Coaching ∙Episode 7: When Getting Out of Bed is Hard – Mental Health and Oral Health Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    21 min

  7. JAN 7

    Episode 7: When Getting Out of Bed is Hard: The Connection Between Mental Health and Oral Health

    January is Mental Wellness Month — and very few in dentistry are talking about the connection between mental health and oral health. In this episode, Kimberly Williamson explores why depression makes brushing feel impossible, how psychiatric medications affect your mouth, the shame spiral that keeps people from seeking care, and what dental offices are getting wrong. For patients, this episode validates what you may have been experiencing: canceled appointments, skipped brushing, and the fear of being judged for letting things go. There's real science behind why a two-minute task can feel like climbing a mountain — and why the medications helping your mental health might be harming your teeth. For clinicians, this is a call to change how we approach patient care. We're trained to educate and instruct — but what if the patient in our chair isn't "non-compliant"? What if they're barely surviving? Kimberly also shares why she believes dental hygienists should be trained as health coaches, and offers gentle, judgment-free guidance for anyone struggling to care for themselves right now. If getting out of bed is hard — this episode is for you. You are not lazy. Your struggle is valid. And you deserve compassion. Resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357psychologytoday.com (therapist finder)Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a registered dental hygienist and health coach, not a mental health professional. This episode is NOT a substitute for professional medical or psychological care. If you're in crisis, please reach out to a licensed provider or call 988. Music and episodes written and produced by Kimberly Williamson. Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    21 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Episode 6: Mental Health in Dentistry: The Data We're Not Collecting

    You've probably heard that dentists have the highest suicide rate of any profession. That's a myth. But here's what isn't: dental professionals experience alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, burnout, and suicidal thoughts. In Australia, 1 in 6 dental practitioners reported thoughts of suicide in the past year. In the UK, 17.6% of dentists admitted to seriously considering it. And 43% of dental hygiene students report moderate to severe depression before they even enter the workforce. But here's the problem no one is talking about: we're only tracking dentists. The ADA collects mental health data on dentists—but dental hygienists? Dental assistants? The workforce that is 95% female? No systematic tracking exists. If you're not counted, you don't count. In this episode, I break down the myth vs. reality of suicide in dentistry, the data gap making the female-dominated workforce invisible, the education gap leaving students unprepared for a high-stress profession, and what needs to change—for the industry, for practice owners, and for clinicians. This episode is personal. I lost a mentor to suicide early in my career. She seemed fine. She showed up. She smiled. And she was struggling silently. That experience changed how I see this industry. We can't fix what we don't acknowledge.  It's time to start counting everyone. If you or someone you know is struggling, here are resources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call or text 988. Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741. For dental-specific support, the Dental Mental Health Network and your state's ADA well-being program are available. Join the conversation. Send me a message. 🔗 Connect with me: Website: www.rootingwithinhealth.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rootingwithinhealth Email: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com Interested in becoming a dental hygienist? Curious about what this career really looks like? This podcast gives you the real conversations behind the profession. Passionate about dental advocacy and reform? So am I. Follow along, speak up, and let's push for the changes this profession deserves. Want to be a guest on the show? Have a story to share or a topic you think needs to be heard? Reach out to: Kimberly@rootingwithinhealth.com. *If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Disclaimer: Kimberly Williamson is a Registered Dental Hygienist, Certified Integrative Health Coach, and Registered Yoga Teacher, but is not YOUR RDH, health coach, or yoga teacher. The content shared in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult your physician, licensed therapist, or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health, wellness, or lifestyle. © 2026 Rooting Within Health. All...

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Rooting Within Health explores the powerful connections between oral health and overall systemic wellness, while addressing critical issues in the dental industry that often go unspoken. Hosted by Kimberly W. Williamson, a registered dental hygienist, integrative health coach, and registered yoga teacher. This podcast goes beyond the surface to examine how oral health impacts our entire body, mind, and quality of life.  Through a hybrid approach of solo episodes and conversations with healthcare professionals, wellness experts, and individuals navigating their own health journeys, we'll dive into topics that matter. From oral-systemic health connections, workplace wellness and culture in healthcare settings, to behavior modifications for sustainable health to the urgent need for advocacy and reform within the dental industry - no topic is off limits. Whether you're a dental professional seeking community and validation, a healthcare worker facing workplace challenges, or someone interested in holistic approaches to health, this podcast creates space for honest conversations and meaningful change. We're here to educate, empower, and build community around the issues that matter most - because true health starts from within, and change begins when we're willing to speak up.

Information

  • Creator
    Kimberly W. Williamson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rooting Within Health
  • Show Website
    Rooting Within Health