A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Jessica Atkinson, RDH and David Torres CRDH
  • 4.7 (213)
  • 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

    552 Teaching Is Clinical Work Too: Preventing Burnout in Dental Hygiene Educators

    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: info@beyondtheprophy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminhaley/   Contact the Hosts   Jessica Atkinson Email: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com   Dave Torres Email: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

  2. Aug 12

    551 Kindness in Education: Teaching the Whole Person

    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: glenn@oracleofkindness.com   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

  3. Aug 10

    Nordent Podcast-Chat: The sharpening Mistake Costing Dental Practices Time and Money.

    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: JSimoncelli@Nordent.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-simoncelli-rdh-64569a54   Contact the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson Email: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com   Dave Torres Email: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com   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.

    Nordent Podcast-Chat: The sharpening Mistake Costing Dental Practices Time and Money.

  4. Aug 5

    550 Tracking What Matters: Measuring Student Competence for CODA Accreditation

    What if the way we measure competence in dental hygiene education is missing the bigger picture?   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Sara Taft to explore how data can transform dental hygiene education. From simplifying accreditation to uncovering meaningful trends in student performance, Sara shares how technology is helping educators move beyond compliance and toward truly understanding student growth.   Whether you're preparing for CODA accreditation or looking for better ways to assess clinical competence, this conversation offers practical insights into the future of dental hygiene education.   In This Episode   The challenge that inspired a better approach to student assessment.   How technology helps measure competence beyond traditional grading.   Surprising trends and insights programs have uncovered through their data.   Using objective data while preserving the human side of teaching and mentorship.   Practical advice for educators navigating assessment and accreditation.   The future of educational technology in dental hygiene.   The one metric every dental hygiene program should be tracking.   Connect with Our Guest   Sara Taft Email: sara.taft@upscaleassessment.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-taft-08a83476/   Contact the Hosts   Jessica Atkinson Email: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com   Dave Torres Email: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

  5. Aug 4

    Not All 10% Nanohydroxyapatite Toothpastes Are Created Equal

    In this episode, Dr. Jen explains why nanohydroxyapatite should never be viewed as a commodity ingredient. From crystal size and purity to manufacturing processes and mineral composition, numerous factors influence how effectively a formulation supports enamel remineralization. She also discusses the importance of evidence-based product development, transparency in fluoride-free oral care, and why dental professionals should look beyond the label when making recommendations. In This Episode Why ingredient percentage alone doesn't determine performance How nanohydroxyapatite quality impacts clinical outcomes The role of crystal size, purity, and manufacturing methods The science behind biomimetic remineralization Why Dr. Jen's team selected premium eggshell-derived nanohydroxyapatite The importance of independent research and laboratory testing How dental professionals can help patients make informed decisions about fluoride-free oral care Key Takeaway When it comes to nanohydroxyapatite, quality matters just as much as concentration. Backed by science, transparency, and clinical research, biomimetic dentistry continues to raise the standard for preventive oral care. Resources: https://drjenoralcare.com/

    Not All 10% Nanohydroxyapatite Toothpastes Are Created Equal

  6. Jul 29

    549 Why Every Hygienist Should Read "Red Rising"

    What can a bestselling science fiction novel teach dental hygienists about leadership, advocacy, and challenging the status quo? In this special episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Ashley Kear (featured in Episode 521, From Dental Chair to Design Dreams: Ashley Kear on Building an Etsy Shop) for an out-of-the-box conversation about why Red Rising by Pierce Brown has become such a meaningful story for leadership and professional growth.   Together, they explore the themes from the series that resonate with dental hygienists, the different leadership styles found throughout the books, and the parallels between Darrow's journey and the evolution of the dental hygiene profession. From questioning old systems to inspiring change, this conversation is all about thinking bigger, leading with purpose, and embracing what's possible.   In this episode, you'll hear:   Why Red Rising resonates with dental hygienists   Leadership lessons from the series   How challenging the status quo relates to advancing dental hygiene   How stories can inspire stronger leaders, educators, and advocates   Ashley's perspective on what hygienists can learn from the series   If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a fellow hygienist, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode.   Resources: Read Red Rising by Pierce Brown: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/221552/red-rising-by-pierce-brown/   Contact Ashley: Amoorerdh@gmail.com   Contact the Hosts Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

  7. Jul 22

    548 Mission Trips: When Good Intentions Meet Ethical Responsibility

    Mission trips have the power to change lives—but only when they're built on ethics, sustainability, and partnership.   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Dr. John Cutter for an honest conversation about the responsibilities that come with providing care in underserved communities. Together, they explore how clinicians can move beyond short-term solutions, build meaningful community partnerships, and approach service with cultural humility and a commitment to long-term impact. Whether you're a student, educator, or practicing clinician, this episode challenges the way we think about giving back.   In this episode, we discuss:   Balancing service, sustainability, and ethics in mission work   Preparing clinicians and students to serve responsibly   The unintended consequences of short-term care models   Building partnerships that prioritize community needs   Cultural humility, patient autonomy, and continuity of care   How mission experiences shape providers personally and professionally   Connect with Dr. John Cutter:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-cutter-d-d-s-256031b/ Email: jmcutterdds@gmail.com   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

  8. Jul 15

    547 Beyond the Dental Chair: Oral Health in Hospital and Medical Settings

    What if some of the most important work dental hygienists can do happens outside the dental office?   In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with Jenell Robins to explore the growing role of dental hygienists in hospital and medical settings. Jenell shares her journey into medical-dental integration, the impact oral health has on overall patient outcomes, and why collaboration across healthcare disciplines is becoming more important than ever. This conversation offers a glimpse into the future of the profession and the expanding opportunities available to hygienists beyond traditional practice.   In this episode, we discuss:   How oral health influences overall patient outcomes   The role of dental hygienists in hospital and medical settings   Medical-dental integration and interdisciplinary collaboration   Challenges and opportunities in hospital-based practice   Jenell's journey into integrated healthcare   The future of dental hygiene beyond the traditional dental office   Connect with Jenell Robins:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenell-robins-5541542b8/ Email: jenellrobins@yahoo.com   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

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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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