A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Jessica Atkinson, RDH and David Torres CRDH
  • 4.5 (2)
  • 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. 3d ago

    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

  2. Jul 8

    546 Meeting the Oral Health Needs of Patients With Special Needs

    In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Candi Kidd, RDH, BSDH, MEd, to discuss the unique challenges patients with special healthcare needs face when accessing oral healthcare. From medically complex and tube-fed patients to collaborating with caregivers and healthcare teams, Candi shares practical strategies for creating more inclusive, compassionate, and effective dental experiences. This conversation challenges clinicians to rethink accessibility, advocacy, and the future of patient-centered care.   In this episode, we discuss:   Common barriers to oral healthcare for patients with special healthcare needs   Oral health considerations for medically complex and tube-fed patients   Collaborating with caregivers and interdisciplinary healthcare teams   Adapting preventive, therapeutic, and educational approaches   Creating more inclusive and compassionate dental experiences   The role of advocacy in improving access to care   Practical strategies clinicians can implement immediately   Where dental education and healthcare systems can continue to improve   Connect with Candi Kidd:   Email: candicea31@gmail.com Instagram: @the.sunnysister   Connect with the Hosts:   Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

  3. Jul 1

    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

  4. Jun 27

    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.

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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

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

  8. 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.

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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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