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

    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

  2. 3d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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