Hygiene Happy Hour

Hygiene Happy Hour

I'm Misty Mattingly, the creator of Hygiene Happy Hour, a podcast that brings together fun and education in the dental hygiene world. My love for dental hygiene has fueled my passion for advancing patient care and innovative practices. As an international speaker, I share insights on technology and advancements in dentistry. Balancing a dynamic professional life, I'm also a devoted mom to three and a partner to my husband, Brenden, channeling my nurturing spirit into mentoring. With accolades such as the Women in DSO Winner 2023 and Denobi nomination 2024, my commitment extends beyond professional achievements. Striving to improve the dental community for patients and professionals.

  1. Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Amanda Hill

    APR 15

    Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Amanda Hill

    In this episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, Amanda Hill, RDH, known as the “Waterline Warrior”, returns for an engaging conversation about growth, alignment, and staying true to your values in a fast-moving career. She shares highlights from the past two years, including speaking across the country, building meaningful partnerships, and choosing opportunities that genuinely align with her mission. Alongside reflections on words like align, growth, and empower, the discussion explores what it really looks like to evolve both professionally and personally. The episode also takes a deeper, more personal turn as the conversation opens up about mental health in dentistry, an often overlooked but critical topic. Amanda shares practical ways to manage stress, from breathwork to nervous system regulation, and emphasizes the importance of self-care in preventing burnout. With honest insights on midlife wellness, leadership, and lifting others up, this episode delivers both inspiration and actionable tools for creating a healthier, more balanced life.

    39 min
  2. Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty and Dr Jessica Sliger

    APR 8

    Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty and Dr Jessica Sliger

    In this episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, we welcome Dr. Jessica Sliger, a board-certified pediatric dentist, educator, and nationally recognized content creator known for her trauma-informed and minimally invasive approach to children’s care. Dr. Sliger shares her journey from high school teacher to pediatric dentist and how her experiences as a mother have shaped her philosophy on prevention, trust-building, and whole-body health. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of dentistry, where prevention is taking center stage and patients are more informed than ever—often turning to AI and social media for guidance. Together, we explore innovative, minimally invasive treatments like SDF and Curodont, the role of diet and pH in cavity formation, and the growing use of alternatives like nanohydroxyapatite for remineralization. Dr. Sliger emphasizes the importance of meeting patients where they are, partnering with parents in their child’s care, and embracing education over gatekeeping in today’s digital age. The discussion also highlights the critical connection between oral health and overall systemic health, while addressing real-world challenges dental professionals face, including insurance limitations and reimbursement issues. This episode offers valuable insights for hygienists, dental professionals, and anyone interested in prevention-focused, patient-centered care, blending clinical expertise with practical strategies and honest conversation about the future of dentistry. DEVELOPER MODE

    45 min
  3. Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Sade Morel Part 2

    APR 8

    Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Sade Morel Part 2

    In this episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, Misty Mattingly sits down with Sade Morel, RDHAP, for a relaxed yet powerful conversation about redefining the role of the dental hygienist. Sade shares her experience owning a dental hygiene–only practice in California, explaining how this model works and how it helps expand access to care for underserved populations. From mobile services to brick-and-mortar practice ownership, she highlights how hygienists can practice with greater autonomy while still collaborating closely with dentists. The discussion challenges traditional dental norms, the idea that hygienists are limited to “just cleanings.” Sade and Misty dive into prevention as true healthcare, the importance of patient education, and how tools like teledentistry support a more collaborative, efficient system. They also explore the deeper issues shaping the profession, including outdated laws, gender dynamics, and the need for hygienists to step into advocacy roles to push the field forward. Sade also shares how she creates a unique, spa-like experience for her patients, one that prioritizes comfort, trust, and a sense of self-care while still delivering high-quality clinical care. This episode is both inspiring and eye-opening, encouraging listeners to think bigger about what’s possible in dental hygiene and the impact it can have on both individual patients and entire communities.

    34 min
  4. Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Kari Carter-Cherelus

    APR 1

    Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Kari Carter-Cherelus

    In this episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, host Misty Mattingly sits down with dental hygienist, speaker, and author Keri Carter-Cherelus for an honest and insightful conversation about career growth, burnout, and what it really takes to evolve in the dental industry. With more than 20 years of experience, Keri shares how her path led her from clinical practice to working as a professional educator and industry leader, all while balancing life as a mom. Keri opens up about her personal experience with burnout and how toxic workplace environments and lack of support can take a toll on even the most passionate providers. She reflects on how the pandemic became a turning point, giving her the space to heal, grow, and reimagine her career. The conversation highlights the importance of setting boundaries, finding supportive work environments, and being intentional about professional development. Misty and Keri also explore the realities of working outside the operatory, including the challenges of remote roles, the discipline required for work-life balance, and the effort behind building a personal brand. They discuss how putting yourself out there, staying consistent, and being mindful of your professional presence online can open doors to new opportunities. The episode also dives into larger industry issues, including inconsistencies in standards of care, workplace dynamics, and the need for hygienists to think bigger about their roles in healthcare. From prevention and patient advocacy to expanding responsibilities and embracing new technology, this conversation encourages listeners to rethink what’s possible in dental hygiene. Filled with real talk, practical insights, and encouragement, this episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck, seeking change, or ready to grow into something more within their career.

    45 min
  5. Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Sade Morel - Part 1

    MAR 31

    Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Sade Morel - Part 1

    In this episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, Misty Mattingly sits down with Sade Morel, RDHAP, for a relaxed yet powerful conversation about redefining the role of the dental hygienist. Sade shares her experience owning a dental hygiene–only practice in California, explaining how this model works and how it helps expand access to care for underserved populations. From mobile services to brick-and-mortar practice ownership, she highlights how hygienists can practice with greater autonomy while still collaborating closely with dentists. The discussion challenges traditional dental norms, the idea that hygienists are limited to “just cleanings.” Sade and Misty dive into prevention as true healthcare, the importance of patient education, and how tools like teledentistry support a more collaborative, efficient system. They also explore the deeper issues shaping the profession, including outdated laws, gender dynamics, and the need for hygienists to step into advocacy roles to push the field forward. Sade also shares how she creates a unique, spa-like experience for her patients, one that prioritizes comfort, trust, and a sense of self-care while still delivering high-quality clinical care. This episode is both inspiring and eye-opening, encouraging listeners to think bigger about what’s possible in dental hygiene and the impact it can have on both individual patients and entire communities.

    37 min
  6. Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Heather McGuire

    MAR 31

    Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Heather McGuire

    In this episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, Misty Mattingly sits down with Heather McGuire to talk about what it really means to go beyond the chair. From passing out during her very first extraction to becoming the Senior Manager of Professional Education and Industry Relations for Philips Oral Healthcare, Heather shares the unfiltered story of her career journey, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference. Together, they dive into the often-avoided business side of dental hygiene, why “tracking the trackable” can elevate both patient care and career growth, and how understanding your value sets you apart as a hygienist. Heather offers practical advice for hygienists looking to step into leadership, sales, or non-clinical roles, while also emphasizing the importance of communication, investing in yourself, and saying yes, even when it feels uncomfortable. They also touch on women in leadership, the power of community through Dental Entrepreneur Women (DEO), life on the road as an educator, and simple, effective home-care advice for patients navigating today’s overwhelming oral care options. If you’re a hygienist feeling stuck, curious about new opportunities, or ready to grow personally and professionally, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and real talk.

    50 min
  7. Hygiene Happy Hour with misty Mattingly and Kim McCrady

    MAR 18

    Hygiene Happy Hour with misty Mattingly and Kim McCrady

    This episode of Hygiene Happy Hour features returning guest and dental hygiene leader Kim McCrady for an inspiring conversation about leadership, prevention, and the power of making oral health education engaging for children. Kim shares an update on the evolving role of Oral Preventive Assistants and discusses how the dental hygiene profession is continuing to move toward a more collaborative, disease-focused model of care. The conversation also explores the importance of clinicians understanding the business side of dentistry, stepping into leadership roles, and using their influence to improve patient outcomes and strengthen dental teams. A major highlight of the episode is Kim’s new children’s book, Plaque Poop. Inspired by years of chairside patient education and her young granddaughter, Kim turned one of her favorite teaching analogies into a fun and memorable story that helps kids understand bacteria, brushing, and flossing in a way that actually makes sense to them. By explaining oral health in a playful and relatable way, the book helps children and parents better understand why daily habits like brushing and flossing are so important. Throughout the episode, Kim and the host also discuss why dental decay remains the number one chronic disease in children and how early education can play a powerful role in prevention. They talk about creative ways hygienists can connect with kids and families, the importance of starting oral health conversations early, and how simple educational tools can help create healthier habits that last a lifetime. This episode is filled with thoughtful insights, practical ideas, and a reminder of the impact dental professionals can have when they focus on prevention, education, and leadership within the profession.

    33 min
  8. Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Todd Nickerson

    MAR 2

    Hygiene Happy Hour with Misty Mattingly and Todd Nickerson

    In this episode of Hygiene Happy Hour, Misty Mattingly welcomes Todd Nickerson for a lively and insightful conversation about leadership, innovation, and the evolving business of dentistry. Todd shares his unconventional journey from engineering student to orthodontic sales, into the early aligner space, and ultimately into private equity and DSO leadership. Having been involved in nearly a thousand practice acquisitions, Todd brings a unique perspective on what truly drives long-term success in dental organizations. At the heart of the discussion is a powerful theme: when you focus on doing what’s right for the patient, the business naturally follows. Todd reflects on how his years in mergers and acquisitions reshaped his thinking, from chasing numbers to prioritizing patient-centered care. He and Misty explore how strong clinical standards, ethical decision-making, and smart financial strategy can work together to create thriving practices. A major focus of the episode is advanced oral cancer screening and the life-saving impact of fluorescence technology. Misty and Todd discuss how OralID helps clinicians identify abnormal tissue earlier, why HPV-related oral cancer is affecting younger patients, and why more practices should be implementing advanced screening tools. They break down the simplicity of the technology, the minimal time investment required, and the significant difference early detection can make for patients and families. The conversation also highlights an exciting opportunity for hygienists through the OralID Ambassador Program, designed to empower clinicians with additional income potential and expanded career pathways. Todd shares how hygienists can leverage their clinical expertise to educate practices, drive technology adoption, and build valuable business skills along the way. It’s an episode filled with practical insight, professional growth strategies, and a shared passion for elevating patient care.

    41 min
See All (36)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

I'm Misty Mattingly, the creator of Hygiene Happy Hour, a podcast that brings together fun and education in the dental hygiene world. My love for dental hygiene has fueled my passion for advancing patient care and innovative practices. As an international speaker, I share insights on technology and advancements in dentistry. Balancing a dynamic professional life, I'm also a devoted mom to three and a partner to my husband, Brenden, channeling my nurturing spirit into mentoring. With accolades such as the Women in DSO Winner 2023 and Denobi nomination 2024, my commitment extends beyond professional achievements. Striving to improve the dental community for patients and professionals.

Information

  • Creator
    Hygiene Happy Hour
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Hygiene Happy Hour