A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Sometimes the real challenge in treating an airway disorder is getting the patient to actually take our advice—which can mean encouraging the other care providers a patient has to speak to them about the problem. This week's guest believes in not only treating airway disorders within our profession, but reaching out to other medical fields to ensure these problems are comprehensively addressed. Julia Worrall, "The Sleep RN," is a registered nurse and the program director of the FAH Airway Advocate Program, which advocates for greater awareness and treatment of airway issues. A member of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, she works tirelessly to address the epidemic of sleep disorders affecting Americans today. In this episode, Julia explains how hygienists can sound the alarm on airway issues, discusses how dental professionals can link up with people in other fields to tackle these problems, and suggests ways we can more effectively reach out to patients about airway concerns. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 16:30 - Why Julia really appreciates the learning curve aspect of her work, even if it means having to discard what she thought to be true. - Overcoming our natural impostor syndrome as the dental community takes on more and more medical issues. - How dental professionals can become "first responders" when it comes to airway issues. - Why how we communicate our airway concerns to patients can affect if they actually take our advice. - On building bridges with nurses and other members of different medical professions. - How our knowledge of airway issues has changed over the course of 2019—and what Julia says 2020 has in store for us. - Getting over your fear of admitting "I don't know." - What's the most interesting thing Julia has learned at this conference? QUOTES: "We're also professionals and that means we don't stay stuck in what we believe to be true when there's new evidence." "You have to balance your time with what you're teaching and what you're learning." "Own your space, own your knowledge." "Each patient that you have deserves 100%." "I wanna help you guys get to where you're seen, you're heard, you're validated." LINKS: Face My Pain - https://facemypain.com/Site/Home Julia's email: [email protected] FACE on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FACEMovement.World/ Foundation for Airway Health - https://www.airwayhealth.org/ Continuing Education Alliance - https://ceaeducation.net/ Correct Sleep - http://correctsleep.com/ A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

While you might not see the connection at first, there is a connection between poor oral health, poor sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. To interview this week's guest about the subject, Michelle is joined by the similarly named Machell Hudson, who co-hosts the Reflection Health Podcast on channel 1 of A Tale of Two Hygienists' own Dental Podcast Network! Anne O. Rice is a registered dental hygienist and the Sleep Care Coordinator for Sleep Group Solutions, which specializes in dental treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Anne wants to change the trajectories of Alzheimer's and dementia, and she believes dental professionals can help achieve that by educating patients and taking greater precautions when it comes to bacteria, yeast and other infections. In this episode, Anne discusses the relationship between bacterial infection and Alzheimer's/dementia, explains when you need to say "no" to a patient, and reveals why you need to become very good friends with berry hibiscus tea. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 3:17 - Michelle and Machell reflect on when they first met and how they realized they were kindred spirits. - How bacteria, yeast and the herpes virus are "flamethrowers" that kickstart Alzheimer's and associated conditions. - Why dental professionals need to impress the long-term effects of bacterial infection to patients, rather than just the aesthetic effects. - What should hygienists be looking for when examining patients for bacterial infection? - Anne's argument for why dental professionals need to be extremely supportive of patients living with Alzheimer's and similar diseases. - Breaking down a study that revealed a significant link between blood pressure and brain health. - The relationship between sleep apnea, poor sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases. - The science behind why exercise is so crucial for brain health. - Taking the proper precautions when working with patients dealing with bacterial infection. - How can we make the most of long wait times in a way that benefits patient education? QUOTES: "When I looked at these modifiable risk factors to prevent the disease, it was stuff that I was doing in my practice." "I'm not asking anyone to do anything more than what they're doing, just tweak a little bit and be a little more educated." "Vessel health is so crucial to brain health." "Mid-life high blood pressure astronomically increases your risk for Alzheimer's disease." "Sleep is one of the biggest things. We just really need to take it seriously." "Let me be crystal clear: if somebody has a cold sore, please, don't treat them. For their own sake!" "Let's protect ourselves a little bit more." "You have to get past your fear, and you have to make a difference in some way." LINKS: Oral Systemic Seminars - https://www.anneorice.com/ Anne's email: [email protected] Sleep Group Solutions - https://join.sleepgroupsolutions.com/ Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test - https://www.mocatest.org/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week's TIPisode is with Noel Brandon-Kelsch. The ultrasonic bath is more important in the sterilization process than you may have given it credit for. Noel breaks down how it works, how we monitor, and why hand scrubbing instruments is not advised. Send in your infection control questions! Noel would love to answer them for you. Medicom sponsors this episode. Head over to their website and learn more about their products to keep you and your patient protected https://www.medicom.com/en Noel Brandon-Kelsch is an international speaker, writer, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice and Director of Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program. She is passionate about oral health and has the uncanny ability to motivate and enlighten audiences through her unique humor and cutting edge information. She takes the tough subject matter and presents it in such an exciting way that it becomes thought-provoking even to those not involved in her industry. Noel is an infection control guru and is going to bring us tips that can make use more informed clinicians! Check out her webpage noelkelsch.com

Michelle is joined by co-host Eva Masters Ramsey for the latest A Tale of Two Hygienists interview to discuss anything and everything pertaining to the unexpected relationship between sleep, vitamin intake and oral health. Stasha Gominak is a neurologist-turned-sleep coach who learned of the link between chronically poor sleep and chronic illness. As part of RightSleep, she investigates how a little bit of vitamin deficiency can go a long way to causing long-term impacts on the body, including airway paralysis during REM sleep—which leads to a whole host of oral issues! In this episode, Stasha discusses how sleep studies led her to focus on the relationship between vitamin intake and bacteria, reveals some of the most important discoveries she's made in the course of her research, and explains how lifestyle changes in the last 200 years have massively impacted health across multiple cultures. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 19:21 - How did a neurologist like Stasha end up focusing on vitamins and working in the dental field? - The unusual and inexplicable commonality Stasha found among a shocking number of sleep study participants. - Why Stasha believes there's a link between REM sleep and many physical ailments. - How Stasha stumbled across the overlooked relationship between Vitamin D and paralysis during sleep. - Stasha's advice for effectively supplementing your vitamin intake. - Why it's vital to figure out the correct dosage of Vitamin D for you and your family members. - Stasha relates some of her adventures (and misadventures) in administering the right dosage. - The reason so necessary to keep your "bugs"—i.e. gut bacteria—healthy. - Stasha breaks down the upcoming workbook she's preparing for expectant mothers. QUOTES: "I think as long as we cure people, we can feel confident that we know what we're doing." "Every single one of these people is getting paralyzed too much or not getting paralyzed enough!" "Nobody makes money off of Vitamin D—in fact, it's free! If you walk outside without sunscreen you make it yourself!" "For every single hormone, too much and too little both screw us up." "I recommend that anyone who's listening to this does not play around with Vitamin D unless you're serious about it." "The same thing that makes you awake and alert in the day makes you sleep at night." "The ultimate outcome is: I don't ever have to have a cavity filled again." "We should really come into the discussion with a viewpoint of collaboration and compassion." LINKS: Stasha's homepage - https://drgominak.com/ Ulta Lab Tests - https://www.ultalabtests.com/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Dr. Tom Viola does an excellent job of explaining osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. We have so many patients, friends, family members, and maybe even one of us that will have issues with bone density and the medications we need. Tom breaks down some concerns with medications and what to look for with certain meds. With over 30 years' experience as a pharmacist, educator, speaker and author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his reputation as the go-to specialist for delivering quality continuing education content through his informative engaging presentations. Tom's sellout programs provide an overview of the most prevalent oral and systemic diseases and the most frequently prescribed drugs used in their treatment. Special emphasis is given to dental considerations and strategies for effective patient care planning. Tom's homepage - http://www.tomviola.com/ Pharmacology Declassified - http://www.tomviola.com/welcome-to-the-pharmacology-declassified-blog/

A Tale of Two Hygienists is once again hosting a roundtable of guests for the benefit of you soon-to-be graduates. This discussion, recorded at Collaboration Cures in Nashville earlier this October, tackles the subject of collaborative care, wherein dental and other health practitioners work together for the benefit of the patients they share. Doug Thompson is a dentist and the owner of Integrative Oral Medicine in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, as well as the founder of Wellness Dentistry Network, which focuses on the vital relationship between oral health and overall physical health. He is joined by Erin Howlett, a registered dental hygienist who also acts as operations manager for WDN, and Ford Brewer, a medical doctor who works to prevent heart attacks, strokes, cancer and dementia. In this episode, our trio of guests discuss why professionals across different medical fields should work together for their mutual patients, explain why hygienists play an essential role in learning patient information, and prepare you for the conflict that may arise when you try to build these bridges. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 2:57 - How to define "interprofessional collaboration" for students and patients alike. - Erin explains how chairside conversations with patients have changed in the last several years. - On finding the courage to speak up in your office when you have concerns and ask for help. - Ford explains the crucial role hygienists play in patient interaction. - A few small steps new grads can take to implement interprofessional collaboration for their patients. - Impressing the importance of getting your patient the right kind of care even if it means creating a little bit of conflict. QUOTES: "Most of the things that bring people to the ER are things that should've never happened at all or should've been prevented for a couple decades." "I love to be able to have the tools chairside, with simple graphic tools to show patients." "We need more of this education and we need more young care providers." "The person that has the access to the patient more than anybody else is in this audience: it's the hygienist." "It's not just looks and teeth, it's people's lives that we're dealing with." "You have a major opportunity to make a big impact on someone's life and change the trajectory of their health." LINKS: Wellness Dentistry Network - https://wellnessdentistrynetwork.com/ Wellness Dentistry Network email: [email protected] American Academy for Oral Systemic Health - https://aaosh.org/ Ford Brewer on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmoEsq6a6ePXxgZeA4CVrUw Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Generation EZ... Teresa explains to us why we all fall under that generation umbrella. Are you making visits to your office easy? Teresa gives us great suggestions for ways we can accommodate our patients in this technology-driven world. Teresa Duncan, MS is such a wealth of knowledge. Please visit her website and enjoy her awesome resources! For more info from Teresa, see below! Teresa Duncan: Speaker on insurance and management, Podcaster, Author of a book and contributes to several magazines and the ADA's publications! Book : http://odysseymgmt.corecommerce.com/Book/ use code TALE for $3 courtesy (offsets shipping) Site:OdysseyMgmt.com Podcast: http://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com

Continuing its deep dive into the business side of dentistry, this week A Tale of Two Hygienists is examining the nitty gritty of office budgets and what makes for a healthy working relationship between a dentist and their hygienists. Dianne Glasscoe Watterson, RDH, has been working in the dental industry since 1972. She actually started her career not as a hygienist but as a dental office manager. Now, she takes a three-pronged business: writing, speaking and consulting. Her latest book is Real World Dental Hygiene: Where the Rubber Cup Meets the Road In this episode, Dianne discusses why she made the shift from office management to hygiene, examines which expenses take the biggest chunk out of a dental office's budget, and explores some of the legal issues surrounding downtime. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: - How a very unexpected absence started Dianne on the path from working the front desk of her office to becoming a hygienist. - The visit from a practice management consultant that inspired Dianne to go back to school and continue her education. - What Dianne hopes readers will get out of her latest book. - Why a dental office's primary dentist has an impact on how much hygienists do or do not gravitate toward the business side of their field. - The reason dental supplies eat so much into an office's overhead. - Taking a close look at which benchmarks a successful dental practice should meet. - Why everyone suffers if dentists keep their hygiene fees low. - Dianne's strategy for minimizing downtime, and why she'd like to see a punch-clock case go to court. - Discussing hygienists owning percentages of their dental office—plus the one office that's actually wholly owned by hygienists. - Dianne's parting advice to listeners emphasizing the sheer amount of support a well-trained hygienist can bring to an office. QUOTES: "That day I was baptized by fire into chairside assisting." "The numbers tell a story." "If a practice is financially healthy, then the doctor can better afford to take care of the people who work there." "75% of all restorative needs are discovered in hygiene visits." "Doctor should not minimize the importance of hygiene procedures and keep those fees low when they're raising up everything else. It's just not fair and it's not right." "The more money that comes in, the better the doctor can take care of the people who work there." "Many, many hygienists do not know what their salary-to-production ratio is." "Make yourself so valuable to this doctor that he can't imagine his world without you in it." LINKS: Watterson Speaking and Consulting, LLC - https://www.wattersonspeaks.com/ Real World Dental Hygiene - https://www.wattersonspeaks.com/real-world-dental-hygiene.html Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Dr. Uche Odiatu is back and has 21 strategies to help us all survive the holidays. Office parties, family feasts, and holiday baking create a minefield for the most well-intentioned dental professional. It's that time of year to eat, drink and be merry but with New Year's is right around the corner.... Our frequent contributor wanted to help with some pre-emptive damage control Dr. Odiatu is a practicing dentist, certified trainer, author, speaker, and repeat AToTH guest. He always brings us content that we can use to make us and our patients happy and healthy. Be sure to check out the many episodes with Dr. Uche and head over to our YouTube channel and watch the videos Dr. Uche and Michelle did to help you stretch and take care of your body! Contact him! http://www.druche.com/ www.facebook.com/https://www.facebook.com/UcheOdiatuodiatu [email protected] Instagram: @fitspeakers Book: The Miracle of Health

To continue its series on the business side of dentistry, A Tale of Two Hygienists is taking a look at how you can ensure your office team works together like a well-oiled machine. For this discussion, Michelle is joined by co-host Eden Evie of MouthWatch and a guest who specializes in personality assessment. Corinne "Corey" Jameson-Kuehl is the owner and business development leader for Custom Dental Solutions, a team of consultants that assists dental offices in developing a corporate culture that suits their vision and needs. Corey uses a combination of DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance) and Driving Forces assessments to help her clients determine which roles jive well with their personality styles. In this episode, Corey discusses which key traits her assessment measures, looks at which traits Michelle and Eden scored the highest on, and helps you figure out what kind of office work you're best suited for. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 20:45 - Corey discusses the "Finding Your Why" course she recently held at the Indigo Conference. - What Corey's assessment can tell you about the skills and traits you bring to the dental office. - Breaking down how the DISC assessment works and what each score means. - The neat reason so many dental hygienists have the same score on Corey's assessment. - How exactly did Michelle and Eden score on Corey's assessment? We take a DEEP dive. - What Corey did to improve one hygienist's working conditions with just a single move. - What your assessment score can tell you about the kind of work you're best suited to in a dental office. - How you can tell it's time for you to start looking outside of the box and exploring new territory in your career. QUOTES: "Students are amazing, because if they can understand this concept now, this will save them so much grief in their life." "I don't have to explain to anybody my 'why'—you can see my why." "Stress, to me, is something you never want to continue to adapt to." "Even if no one else in your practice does it, learning about yourself... is the game-changer." "If you know your Why, you'll never ask your What." "Take what you learn and then put it into practice every day." LINKS: Custom Dental Solutions: https://www.customdentalsolutions.com/ Custom Dental Solutions phone number: 1-262-853-1414 Corey's email: [email protected] If you want to take Corey's assessment, let her know in the email subject line! Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Claire Jeong is the founder of StudentRDH.com, dentaltoaster.com, smarterDA.com and now https://wakeupmemory.com/ This week, Claire helps us to remember the difference in brand vs. generic. We can waste time when reviewing the medical history by looking up medication names. If we had a fun and fast way to remember the brand and generic names, we could fly through those med histories! Thanks, Claire, for helping us keep medications straight! Check out her website, dentaltoaster.com, for more info and other great CE courses, including one by Michelle!

A Tale of Two Hygienists is happy to bring its listeners a new series on the business side of dental hygiene, something not every hygienist is familiar with but certainly has a massive impact on how effectively we're able to treat patients. This week's guest Josey Sewell, actually previously appeared on episode 88 to discuss dental patients living with autism. Josey is the Vice President of Education at Dental Intelligence, Inc. and until very recently the Chief Operating Officer at CarolinasDentist. In this episode, Josey delves deep into the role money plays in both impeding and improving the dental industry, explains how profits can help offices grow financially and personally, and guides you through talking to patients who are resistant to treatment for financial reasons. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 8:07 - Josey discusses the big gamble she and her husband made in 2015 to find the best resources possible for their autistic son. - The moment Josey realized that the dental industry was not serving certain segments of patients as well as they could. - What does it mean now that a lot of private equity firms are entering the industry? - Taking a hard look at some essential numbers in the dental industry—profit, unemployment rates—and how we can use them to refine the field in a way that benefits everybody. - Why the hygiene department is the core of a dental office's profitability. - Josey makes the case for why we shouldn't see the profit margin as necessarily greedy. - What to do and say when patients do not want to go forward with important dental treatment. - The reason commision-based pay can be just what certain hygienists need to grow. - Josey's advice for when you should push for better numbers at your office. QUOTES: "Life is too short for us to not be living the life exactly that we need." "This information can empower you to treat your patients better." "Unemployment rates are so low that it now takes 40% longer to hire somebody than it did before." "The things we bring to a practice can help make or break a practice." "We have so much unique opportunity as hygienists... to support the businesses that we work for, the people we work for and our patients." "If there's no margin, there's no mission." LINKS: Josey's email: [email protected] Hygienist in Heels Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/HygienistInHeels/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week's TIPisode is with Noel Brandon-Kelsch. Are you still working with the cold sterile solution in your office? Noel gives us the deets on the proper way to use cold sterile in our practice, and asks the questions: Should we still be using it? Send in your infection control questions! Noel would love to answer them for you. Medicom sponsors this episode. Head over to their website and learn more about their products to keep you and your patient protected https://www.medicom.com/en Noel Brandon-Kelsch is an international speaker, writer, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice and Director of Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program. She is passionate about oral health and has the uncanny ability to motivate and enlighten audiences through her unique humor and cutting edge information. She takes the tough subject matter and presents it in such an exciting way that it becomes thought-provoking even to those not involved in her industry. Noel is an infection control guru and is going to bring us tips that can make use more informed clinicians! Check out her webpage noelkelsch.com

Michelle recently dropped by Dentsply Sirona World, a three-day conference for dental professionals held in Las Vegas, where she had the opportunity to speak with three dental hygienists who generously discussed some of the modern technology used both regularly and on occasion in the average dental office. Martin Helmbrecht is the Vice President of Operations for OperaDDS and OperaVR, the latter of which uses virtual reality to calm anxious patients. Meghan Wood works for Raleigh Dental Arts in North Carolina and was at Dentsply Sirona World supporting the 3D Dentists team. Jessica Lawson is based in Nashville and has been practicing dental hygiene for two and a half years. In this time she's worked in an office that is a little bit behind on current technology and one that's on the cutting edge. In this episode, our guests discuss the sedative power of virtual reality, relate their own experiences working out outdated technology, and explain which new tools have benefitted their offices the most. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 2:58 - Martin explains how virtual reality can be a psychological tool for reducing stress in some dental patients. - The guests relate their own experiences working with new and old technology—including X-ray dark rooms! - Why our guests think it's okay to ask about the particulars of an office's technology when interviewing for a position. - What are some absolutely necessary pieces of technology modern offices should have? - What is CBCT (cone beam) technology and why it's such a boon to the average dental office. - How do their patients respond to new dental technology, and how can a little bit of tech go a long way in building patient relationships? - Their advice for keeping your head high when exposed to a lot of new tech while on the job. QUOTES: "Instead of seeing the needles and being afraid, they can sit on the beach while they get the work done." "Seek out the dentists that do that stuff, because those are the ones that you're gonna enjoy your career with." "Don't be scared of your doctor. They're not there to make your life miserable." "If you're somebody who knows you're not going to be into technology, go find an old school office." "You are here to do the best that you can, and if you miss something, guess what? You're gonna get it the next time." "Sometimes you've gotta bite the bullet and just be on the lower part of the pole so that you can work your way up." LINKS: OperaDDS homepage - https://operadds.com/ Martin's email: [email protected] Meghen's email: [email protected] Jessica's email: [email protected] Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Dr. Tom Viola tells us about the power of the medical history and why you shouldn't ask the patient if they take any medication... With over 30 years' experience as a pharmacist, educator, speaker and author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his reputation as the go-to specialist for delivering quality continuing education content through his informative engaging presentations. Tom's sellout programs provide an overview of the most prevalent oral and systemic diseases and the most frequently prescribed drugs used in their treatment. Special emphasis is given to dental considerations and strategies for effective patient care planning. Tom's homepage - http://www.tomviola.com/ Pharmacology Declassified - http://www.tomviola.com/welcome-to-the-pharmacology-declassified-blog/

Andrew and Michelle's trip to RDH Under One Roof actually allowed them to pack a bunch of RDHs (and a dentist!) under one roof to record this episode. The subject at hand is teledentistry, where technology allows dental professionals to examine and diagnose individuals who may not be able to make it to a clinic. And a big thanks to MouthWatch for helping to put this discussion together! Carol Roszel, RDH, is the oral health director for Little City Foundation, an organization that works with intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals. Staci Stout is a hygienist and the owner of Dentacare and the corresponding Dentacare Foundation, which provide oral health care to schools, nursing homes and corporations. Elaine Mamola is the founder of Smiles By Delivery, which utilizes teledentistry as a means of providing homebound seniors and some veterans with proper care. Brittany Kinol is a dentist and the founder of Miracle Dental Associates, which helps underserved children in the Pittsburgh area. In this episode, our guests explain how teledentistry makes their services much more accessible than they otherwise might have been, discuss some of the techniques and processes used to bring dentistry into the home, and explore how hygienists are absolutely essential to remote work. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 6:51 - Our guests explain how they provide underserved populations with dental care and how teledentistry plays a major role in that. - How hygienists are key players in making teledentistry happen. - Some of the more unusual substitutes for denture relines Elaine has seen in her time. - How technology expedites—and occasionally complicates—teledentistry work. - Staci breaks down the difference between synchronous and asynchronous teledentistry. - Carol explains how much information is needed to make a remote identification or diagnosis. - Why Carol believes teledentistry is such a major advancement to the field. - What are some of the legislative complications of teledentistry? - Brittany shares her love for dental hygienists and why she sees them as a progressive force. - Our guests advise listeners on how they can get started with teledentistry. QUOTES: "You're utilizing this dentist a lot better because he can be providing exams in multiple locations." "Teledentistry really kind of closes those gaps and it makes the care much more efficient." "Not only has [teledentistry] enhanced our treatment, but it has increased the number of people being seen." "Teledentistry is truly one of the biggest advancements in dentistry in decades." "You guys are just so smart and so progressive compared to dentists." "Everybody can play happily in the sandbox if we're working together." LINKS: Denticare homepage - https://www.denticare.dental/ Staci's email: [email protected] Carol's email: [email protected] Smiles By Delivery homepage - https://smilesbydelivery.com/ Elaine's email: [email protected] Miracle Dental Care homepage - https://www.miracledentalcare.org/ Brittany's email: [email protected] MouthWatch homepage - https://www.mouthwatch.com/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing ce sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get CE credit! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

A day in the life of Dr. Uche Odiatu is this week's TIPisode! Dr. Odiatu walks his talk and you can get a glimpse into what he does to keep fit, healthy, and happy! Dr. Odiatu is a practicing dentist, certified trainer, author, speaker, and repeat AToTH guest. He always brings us content that we can use to make us and our patients happy and healthy. Be sure to check out the many episodes with Dr. Uche and head over to our YouTube channel and watch the videos Dr. Uche and Michelle did to help you stretch and take care of your body! Contact him! http://www.druche.com/ www.facebook.com/https://www.facebook.com/UcheOdiatuodiatu [email protected] Instagram: @fitspeakers Book: The Miracle of Health

Periodontal surgery can be essential in treating oral disease that goes below the gumline, but the very thought of going through such a procedure puts off patients who would greatly benefit from it. Luckily, Michelle and Lacy were able to chat with two hygienists who have firsthand experience with a tool that can make at least some of those surgeries unnecessary. Nicole Fortune is a dental hygienist and marketer for Champlain Periodontal in South Burlington, VT who assists with many surgical and non-surgical oral procedures. Frances Tryon is a trainer at OraVu, which manufactures its own dental endoscope along with other tools that can be used to deeply clean the root of oral disease without necessitating surgery. In this episode, Nicole and Frances lay out the benefits that dental endoscopes provide, take a VERY close look at periodontal surgery, and explain what it takes to train people on endoscope operation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 8:12 - What exactly is a dental endoscope, what can it do that basic oral examination can't, and how has it evolved over the years? - Nicole and Frances relate their own experiencing using endoscopes and why they believe they're beneficial. - Getting into the nitty-gritty of traditional periodontal surgery and understand why professionals view endoscopic surgery as the preferred alternative. - Exactly how portable is endoscopic technology, and Frances prefers to train people one-on-one in its usage. - How long does it take to train somebody on a dental endoscope? - The tricky task of navigating dental implants while using an endoscope. QUOTES: "It's really not new technology—it's just better technology now." "To me, fractures in the tooth is like the black hole of dentistry." "Patients want more options—minimally invasive and predictable." "Our job is to find the tool that will do the least amount of harm but gets us the maximum amount of benefit to the patient." LINKS: OraVu homepage - https://oravu.us/ Frances' email: [email protected] Nicole's homepage - https://nicolefortunerdh.com/ Nicole's email: [email protected] Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Claire Jeong is the founder of StudentRDH.com, dentaltoaster.com, smarterDA.com and now https://wakeupmemory.com/ This week, Claire helps us to remember toothpaste ingredients. We could all use tricks and tips to keep the ingredients straight, and Claire gives us some great memory techniques! Check out her website, dentaltoaster.com, for more info and other great CE courses, including one by Michelle!

This week's A Tale of Two Hygienists is a heavier episode dealing with personal loss and worldwide turmoil, but it also offers a glimpse into a very necessary side of dentistry and examines a major issue affecting our world today. Sakher Alqahtani is a forensic and pediatric dentist who works at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia. He is also an honorary professor at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, where Andrew and Michelle got to speak with him. Sakher developed a new method of age estimation and lectures on that subject and human rights around the world. In this episode, Sakher discusses the important applications of forensic dentistry, breaks down the current refugee crisis and resultant human trafficking, and explains what you can do to get involved. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 6:45 - Why forensic dentistry is relying less on dental records these days and more on social media like Instagram. - Sakher discusses one particularly tragic case where forensic dentistry played a role in identifying victims. - What is "Srebrenica syndrome" and how it applies to Sakher's forensic dentistry work. - Sakher breaks down the global refugee crisis, how age plays a major role in determining whether or not refugees can claim asylum, and where forensic dentistry figures into that. - Exploring the outrageous costs of detaining refugees at the border compared to giving them basic social assistance as their paperwork is processed. - How our modern concept of borders is creating an unnecessary crisis and hurts our growth as a society. - What you can do to get yourself informed about the refugee crisis and how dental professionals can assist patients who may be affected by human trafficking. - How you can get involved in forensic dentistry! QUOTES: "So when we do the identification it's for the living, because they cannot live a normal life otherwise." "The younger the person is, the more accurate age estimation is." "You have to protect that individual and people around them by applying the best method and by giving the best answer for that question." "You as taxpayers pay twenty times more for a person to be detained at the borders than if you let them in and give them money from social services... while their papers are processed." "This construct of borders and these harsh laws regarding people's movement is a new concept." "Diversity always enriches a society." LINKS: Sakher on Twitter - https://twitter.com/sakheralqahtani The London Atlas of Tooth Development and Eruption - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227847876_The_London_Atlas_of_Human_Tooth_Development_and_Eruption American Society of Forensic Odontology - https://asfo.org/ American Academy of Forensic Sciences - https://www.aafs.org/ British Association for Forensic Odontologists - https://www.bafo.org.uk/ Australian Society of Forensic Odontology - http://www.ausfo.org.au/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week's TIPisode is with Andre Shirdan and he talks to us about utilizing our software. Are you having a hard time working with your particular software program? Do you get frustrated each time you look at the radiographs or enter your perio charting? Andre may have some suggestions to make life easier! Andre is an author, inspirational/motivational speaker, certified software and CAD/CAM trainer. He is a co-creator of the non-surgical periodontal protocol Stat-Ck and imaging protocol Array. For more than 25 years Andre has worked with thousands of practices helping to create systems for treatment planning, staff training, goal attainment, internal and external marketing, and computer systems integration. He has spoken internationally to hundreds of audiences and through his workshops and seminars, he has enlightened and entertained audiences. He's been interviewed and published in magazines, Podcasts and has interacted with thousands of dental professionals. Website: www.thecrewprocess.com Email: [email protected]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so to start it off in stride we're using this roundtable episode as an opportunity to speak with two hygienists who have had to live with breast cancer—and persevered. Mary Jensen has worked as a registered dental hygienist for nearly four decades. She works with the HyLife Oral Health Alliance, providing older populations with oral health care. Kris Potts has worked in dental hygiene for over forty years. While she no longer practices clinically, she does speak and write on the subject of oral care for oncology patients. In this episode, Mary and Kris discuss their personal experiences with breast cancer, tell you which faux pas to avoid when discussing cancer with those who struggle with it, and explain how they have stayed strong and vital even with cancer. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 5:37 - Mary and Kris discuss their own breast cancer diagnoses and how they went about treating and coping with their conditions. - How frequently should you get a mammogram, and what are the risk factors? - Who did they turn to in their family and social circles after learning of their diagnosis? - The do's and don'ts of speaking to people living with cancer. - Why Mary greatly appreciated the support of the Breast Nurse Navigator. - Why it's vital to ditch the pity party and keep on top of your nutrition and fitness following diagnosis. - Looking at the genetic factors that can significantly increase your chances of developing breast cancer. QUOTES: "A lot of times you have to advocate for yourself when you know something's wrong." "It does all move on. There is the other side." "For anybody out there, just go take the nap." "Don't look at it as being selfish—you are taking care of yourself." LINKS: Mary's email: [email protected] Oral Health Promotion Strategies, LLC - http://krispottsrdh.com/Default.aspx Kris' email: [email protected] Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Consultants.... does that word send shivers down your spine? We have all heard the horror stories about consultants taking over practices, and Teresa gives us some great tips and explains that they aren't all so bad. Teresa Duncan, MS is such a wealth of knowledge. Please visit her website and enjoy her awesome resources! For more info from Teresa, see below! Teresa Duncan: Speaker on insurance and management, Podcaster, Author of a book and contributes to several magazines and the ADA's publications! Book : http://odysseymgmt.corecommerce.com/Book/ use code TALE for $3 courtesy (offsets shipping) Site:OdysseyMgmt.com Podcast: http://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com

A Tale of Two Hygienists' student roundtable series is taking a different approach this week, aimed entirely at students who've only recently started hygiene school—though stick around if you're a senior. You'll still learn something important. Andrew and Michelle had the honor of attending RDH Under One Roof, which took place July 31 through August 2nd this year in Grapevine, Texas. At RDH Under One Roof, members of the dental hygiene profession gather en masse to learn from top experts and keynote speakers, as well as check out the latest in dental hygiene tech. While they were there, our two hosts recorded an informal yet very informative roundtable episode featuring nearly 40 GUESTS. In this jam-packed episode, our numerous guests dish out their most vital advice for new hygiene students, discuss their own histories in the field, and reveal some of their favorite memories from hygiene school. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 3:52 - Don't be afraid to take on any challenges that come your way while in school. At the very least they provide ample learning opportunities. - Make sure to find the time to relax and find a social life for yourself outside of class. - While you're learning how to take care of other people's mouths, keep an eye on your own body and stay healthy. - Never burn bridges; you can never predict if you'll end up working someone you were rude or inconsiderate to. - Thanks to biofilm research, it's never been a more exciting time to enter the dental hygiene field. - Network whenever you can; the connections you make in school can shape your career for years to come. - Proper ergonomics when holding instruments will absolutely pay off in the long run. - Last but certainly not least: never give up. QUOTES: "Be open to any challenges or opportunities that lie your way." "Just follow your passions and you will do it. "Your patient is not a chart. Your patient is not a number. Your patient is a human being." "Really learn to advocate for your patients." "Your education does not end. It just began with hygiene school and the day that you graduated." "If you want something bad enough, go get it." "You can't clearly study if your mind is foggy. You'll get more clear when you do something nice for yourself." LINKS: RDH Under One Roof homepage - https://www.rdhunderoneroof.com Ann Marie DePalma's email: [email protected] Smiles at Sea homepage - https://www.smilesatsea.com/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week Dr. Odiatu is talking about a work-life balance. We all struggle to find that balance, but Dr. Odiatu has some great suggestions to help navigate that journey! Dr. Odiatu is a practicing dentist, certified trainer, author, speaker, and repeat AToTH guest. He always brings us content that we can use to make us and our patients happy and healthy. Be sure to check out the many episodes with Dr. Uche and head over to our YouTube channel and watch the videos Dr. Uche and Michelle did to help you stretch and take care of your body! Contact him! http://www.druche.com/ www.facebook.com/odiatu [email protected] Instagram: @fitspeakers Book: The Miracle of Health

It's come to this: the final installment in A Tale of Two Hygienists' infection control series. To close things off, we've brought on a former law enforcement officer who can speak with authority about both the safety and legal ramifications of an unsanitary dental office. Duane Tinker is the CEO of Dental Compliance Specialists, which works with dental practices across the United States to ensure staff are well-trained in infection control and are working with the best and safest equipment. Known as "The Tooth Cop," courtesy of his previous line of work in Texas law enforcement, he's also the host of the Talking with the Tooth Cop podcast. In this episode, Duane discusses how his work as a state police officer crossed over into the dental profession, explains why complacency is a major factor in the spread of infection, and explores how poor infection control can cost dental practices. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 6:11 - Duane relates his past investigating unlawful dental practice as a Texas Ranger and what he learned about oral health along the way. - Going over how Duane ensures practices are complying with infection control protocols—and how his training saved a life in the long run. - Why waterline safety is one of the more pressing issues Duane deals with in his compliance work. - What Duane thinks the major reason is why even very competent dental professionals can make hazardous infection control errors. - Looking at the infection risks posed by aerosol disinfectants as opposed to other methods of administration. - What's the monetary and reputational cost of poor infection control? And how Duane thinks the dental industry has improved overtime. QUOTES: "Before you can be a doer you have to be a dreamer." "There's so much marketing going on out there, you've gotta rise above the noise." "It's not any one person's fault but the reality is if there's a failure, it's everybody's fault." "You come to work safe, you owe it to your families to stay safe, and you owe it to your families to go home without bringing the funk with you." "Ultimately, where you draw the line is where the line is." LINKS: Dental Compliance Specialists - https://dentalcompliance.com/ Talking with the Tooth Cop Podcast - https://dentalcompliance.com/category/podcast/ Dental Compliance Specialists on Twitter - https://twitter.com/ddscompliance OSAP homepage - https://www.osap.org/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week's TIPisode is with Noel Brandon-Kelsch. Closed containers-- how important are they and what do you need to consider when finding the best product for your practice-- that is what this TIPisode is all about! Send in your infection control questions! Noel would love to answer them for you. Medicom sponsors this episode. Head over to their website and learn more about their products to keep you and your patient protected https://www.medicom.com/en Noel Brandon-Kelsch is an international speaker, writer, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice and Director of Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program. She is passionate about oral health and has the uncanny ability to motivate and enlighten audiences through her unique humor and cutting edge information. She takes the tough subject matter and presents it in such an exciting way that it becomes thought-provoking even to those not involved in her industry. Noel is an infection control guru and is going to bring us tips that can make use more informed clinicians! Check out her webpage noelkelsch.com

As Andrew and Michelle continue their infection control series, they really want to focus on bloodborne pathogens—basically any disease or infection that can be transmitted via blood and other bodily fluids. Since hygienists and dentists work in VERY close proximity to their patients' saliva, it's helpful to know the best techniques and methods for preventing the spread of these pathogens throughout the office. Kim Laudenslager has been a dental hygienist for the last four decades(!). Based in Lone Tree, Colorado, Kim was an associate clinical professor at the University of Colorado's School of Dental Medicine for over 30 years, and currently works with the Office Sterilization & Asepsis Procedures Research Foundation. In addition, she puts on OSHA infection prevention seminars for many professionals in the dental industry. In this episode, Kim breaks down the differences between various disease-control organizations and what their jurisdictions are, as well as explains how nurses were critical in establishing a standard for dealing with bloodborne pathogens. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 7:48 - Kim highlights the differences between bloodborne pathogen regulation at state and federal levels and who has jurisdiction over what. - Debunking some of the misconceptions about the CDC's "recommendations" and just how optional they are. - How nurses in the 1980s played a crucial role in driving OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. - What constitutes OSHA's annual bloodborne pathogen training? - Examining the two primary routes of bloodborne pathogen exposure. - Kim breaks takes a close look at several bloodborne diseases and even quizzes Andrew and Michelle on their knowledge. - What does it mean to be a "responder" or "non-responder"? - Did Freddie Mercury's extra incisors give him greater vocal range? - What are "practice controls" and "engineering controls," and why are professionals are at a much lower risk of contracting bloodborne pathogens than they were 20 years ago? QUOTES: "It doesn't matter what state you live in, everybody has to comply with what we're gonna talk about today." "Don't get hung up on that word 'recommendation' cuz trust me, it's mandatory." "When the CDC recommends it, it's mandatory." "We never alter our infection control based on a patient's health history." "It is our personal obligation to keep up on our own vaccines and keep ourselves healthy." "My goal is to keep all offices out of trouble." LINKS: Kim's homepage - https://kimlaudenslager.com/ Kim's email: [email protected] Beyond the Operatory - http://beyondtheoperatory.weebly.com/ TriviaDent - https://www.triviadent.com/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Claire Jeong is the founder of StudentRDH.com, dentaltoaster.com, smarterDA.com and now https://wakeupmemory.com/ This week, Claire helps us to remember the important details we need to know when treating patients with diabetes. Check out her website, dentaltoaster.com for more info and other great CE courses, including one by Michelle!

Andrew and Michelle recently discussed infection and contagion control at length with their last trio of roundtable guests, one of who was kind enough to return and chat further about an organization that makes patient safety in the office a top priority. Michelle Lee is the executive director of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), a body that advocates for safe and clean oral healthcare. Michelle and OSAP work with dental professionals to ensure that patients receiving oral and orthodontic treatment have little to no risk of catching infections or anything contagious. In this episode, Michelle breaks down the differences between OSAP, OSHA and the CDC, explains OSAP's surprising relationship with the armed forces, and takes a close look at the various risks infection poses to all areas of dentistry. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: - What is OSAP, what role does Michelle play in the organization, and how does it differ from OSHA? - What kinds of organizations and people make up OSAP's rank and file? - Michelle discusses some of the issues OSAP is focusing on right now and what kinds of events they arrange. - The reason there's a surprisingly high presence of military members at OSAP's boot camps. - Michelle explains the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) and how they've recently partnered with OSAP. - How you can keep updated with OSAP via social media and where you can go to ask any questions you may have. - The extra challenges posed by mobile dental units for infection control. QUOTES: "There's a lot more to infection control than just employee safety." "We don't want to be exclusive; we want that message out there to all dental professionals." "We can all work together and help build up each other's associations." "We want to make patients realize we're there to take care of them and make their lives better." LINKS: OSAP homepage - https://www.osap.org/ Michelle's email: [email protected] Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Dr. Tom Viola has been on the podcast before and in this TIPisode he highlights some great points about vaping. This is a hot topic these days and we need to be armed with as much info as possible to best educate our patients. With over 30 years' experience as a pharmacist, educator, speaker and author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his reputation as the go-to specialist for delivering quality continuing education content through his informative engaging presentations. Tom's sellout programs provide an overview of the most prevalent oral and systemic diseases and the most frequently prescribed drugs used in their treatment. Special emphasis is given to dental considerations and strategies for effective patient care planning. Tom's homepage - http://www.tomviola.com/ Pharmacology Declassified - http://www.tomviola.com/welcome-to-the-pharmacology-declassified-blog/ A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

When your job requires you to get right up close and personal to a patient's mouth, you need to really get on top of your cleanliness game—especially before you graduate and start your career as a hygienist. So, to that end, we've brought on three veterans of the dental industry who specialize in keeping the hygienist's workspace as healthy as possible for patient and professional alike. Emily Boge, RDH, is the dental administrative chair at Hawkeye Community College and a product innovator with American Eagle Instruments. Joy Void-Holmes is also a dental hygienist and serves part-time on the faculty of Fortis College. Michelle Lee is the executive director of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), a body that advocates for safe and clean oral healthcare. In this episode, our guests discuss which bad sanitary habits you need to ditch before entering the workforce, explain how you can become certified in infection control, and examine what holds dental offices back from maintaining good sanitation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 3:02 - What our guests feel is the most important lessons dental hygiene students learn from the get-go. - Their advice for which bad habits students absolutely need to get rid of and why they need to get on top of their mask game. - Why Michelle believes social media is playing an important role in educating everybody about infection control. - What steps you can take to get yourself certified in infection prevention. - The reason students and newly employed hygienists might be reluctant to speak up about infection control issues, even if they have the proper knowledge. - The importance of fostering a more honest environment in a dental office where people with sanitation concerns can speak up without fear of reprisal. - Why you'll need to sacrifice some of your personal style if you wish to keep your office free from infection. - What questions you should ask about infection control, and what you should be on the lookout for, when job hunting. QUOTES: "If you're working in a high-aerosol environment with a Level One mask, you're not getting the adequate protection you need." "This is how we practice safe dentistry in our office, and you need to go through this training." "Unfortunately sometimes we have to require things for them to get done." "They think they're saving money, but what they're really gonna end up being is sick." "These folks that are very, very infection control-conscious, they get kind of a bad rap in the office and that makes me sad." "We're protecting ourselves and the patient, and no job is worth your safety and security." "If you want your students to behave a certain way then you have to emulate that behavior." LINKS: Emily's email: [email protected] Joy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drjoyrdh/ Joy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjoyrdh/ Joy on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrJoyRDH Joy's email: [email protected] OSAP homepage - https://www.osap.org/ Michelle's email: [email protected] Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

We have an extra Friday this month so we thought we would bring you something different! Andrew has been on the Crest Smile Council for a few years now and invited his friends Sarah Thiel, Rafael Rondon, and Deborah Carrier on the podcast! They give a few quick tips for students and new grads! We hope you enjoy this week's TIPisode! We would love for you to subscribe to our monthly newsletter! Sign up at ataleoftwohygienists.com Keep sharing your favorite episodes and tell your colleagues how they can stay up-to-date with A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast.

Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) is an inherited disease that atrophies skeletal muscles and results in poor development of motor skills and other modes of movement. While dental hygienists obviously don't treat CMD, they will nevertheless likely encounter patients who live with the disorder and consequently have special requirements in the dental chair. Matty Manley and Megan Meyer are the hosts of the Two Rare Mama Bears podcast, where they discuss CMD in all its forms, explore the difficulties faced by those who live with it, and speak to a variety of experts and policy-makers on the subject. Matty and Megan are themselves both mothers to children affected with congenital muscular dystrophy and also lead the CMD advocacy team. In this episode, Megan and Matty discuss their own highs and lows raising children who live with CMD, help us understand just how convoluted the diagnosis process can be, and explain how our offices and techniques should aim to accommodate for patients with CMD. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 8:44 - How Megan and Matty found common ground and ended up launching the Two Rare Mama Bears podcast. - Their method for planning the podcast, coming up with episode ideas, and seeking out guests. - Defining muscular dystrophy and its effects on those who live with it. - What specialized difficulties do patients with CMD experience when receiving dental and/or orthodontic treatment? - Matty and Megan explain just how complicated and protracted a process it was for them to confirm their children's CMD diagnoses. - How Megan and her family had to become "medical refugees" to get better medical care. - Megan and Matty's experiences dealing with people insensitive to their children's conditions and what terminology dental professionals should use with regards to those affected by CMD. - What dental offices can do to be more accommodating to those living with CMD. - What are the different subtypes of muscular dystrophy? QUOTES: "'Failure is not an option' came from us saying 'Okay, we have no idea what we're doing, but we have to make it work'." "We had one of the shortest diagnostic journeys—and it took us two years." "Dental care might be further down on their priority list because they're literally trying to stay alive." LINKS: Cure CMD homepage - https://www.curecmd.org/ Two Rare Mama Bears podcast - https://www.curecmd.org/podcast Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

A refreshing departure from our normal episodes, we meet up with Leah and Kelsey while in Brisbane for the ISDH. We begin with some Aussie slang and then briefly talk some dental before getting back off-topic, which I guess would technically be on topic as the fact that there was no topic is, in fact, the topic. We veer into other nonsense before returning back to dental again. It was quite the roller coaster of emotions with some dental discussion thrown in. **EXPLICIT** I put that warning up because there are a few mild swear words that sometimes turn into a string of swearing. Our sensitive audience should be made fully aware of it! I will NEVER apologize for this episode! Yes its a bigger/longer/and at times foul-mouthed episode, but there is soooo much to take away from here. A link for Aussie slang - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcAIr2-tCeg&fbclid=IwAR3a6_G_uOJuzSY2ePOcW5Ky2nFHyF3d8j6ZIUiVRfrHOnyF-U3bPR11ZEY A link to find all of Kelsey's things - https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/records/search?searchQueryParams[all]=Kelsey%20pateman&page=1&pageSize=20&sortBy=score&sortDirection=Desc&fbclid=IwAR36QaTsHJKGbU2mfab6OGUfknwxnf3_R_yFD_ySjs2jseSHSF5TCjef4Ns A link to their email - [email protected] A link for Michelle on how to say ampersand correctly https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampersand

This week's TIPisode is with Noel Brandon-Kelsch. Can you use low volume and high volume at the same time? Can you drape your suction on the light handle? Learn these details and more this week with Noel! Send in your infection control questions! Noel would love to answer them for you. Medicom sponsors this episode. Head over to their website and learn more about their products to keep you and your patient protected https://www.medicom.com/en Noel Brandon-Kelsch is an international speaker, writer, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice and Director of Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program. She is passionate about oral health and has the uncanny ability to motivate and enlighten audiences through her unique humor and cutting edge information. She takes the tough subject matter and presents it in such an exciting way that it becomes thought-provoking even to those not involved in her industry. Noel is an infection control guru and is going to bring us tips that can make use more informed clinicians! Check out her webpage noelkelsch.com

Menopause, that inevitable middle-aged milestone, can actually negatively impact oral health, which is pertinent not only to our patients but to mental dental professionals as well. To this end, we've invited on Kelli Jaecks, a dental hygienist based in Oregon as well as a professional speaker and author, who specifically focuses on women's health issues. Kelli was somewhat of a professional late-bloomer, not starting college until she was 30, and she's proof that it's never too late to find your calling and pursue it. Apart from her education as a hygienist, Kelli also earned her master's in communication and adult education and briefly served as president of the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA). She is the author of Martinis & Menopause: Strategies, Science and Sips That Empower Women to Beat the Hormone Game. In this episode, Kelli emphasizes why health professionals should look after themselves as much as they do those in their care, explains what really happens when your body goes through menopause, and suggests ways you can improve your sleep habits. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 14:03 - Kelli traces her late arrival to college and what drew her to dental work. - Why it's so vital for health providers and specialists to take care of themselves as well as their patients. - The little things you can do to keep on top of your own health. - Kelli relates her experiences working with the ADHA and what prompted her to write Martinis & Menopause. - Taking a closer look at the physiology of menopause and how it affects oral health. - Should hygienists be on the lookout for any oral symptoms caused by hormone replacement therapy in patients undergoing menopause? - What women undergoing menopause can do to make this phase a little less turbulent. - Kelli's tips for developing good "sleep hygiene." QUOTES: "It's never too late to start on a goal." "It's not selfish to make choices for yourself, because when you're at your best then you can serve more." "It's very much more difficult to make positive choices for your eating, for your health, any of it, when you're tired." "If you're working at a place that is just untenable and just absolutely so negative, well it's time to look somewhere else." LINKS: Kelli's homepage - https://www.kellijaecks.com/ Kelli's email: [email protected] Kelli's book: https://www.kellijaecks.com/best-selling-author-of-martinis-menopause Kelli's phone number: (503)881-5633 Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episodes CE credits! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Approved Pace Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval Does Not Imply Acceptance By A State Or Provincial Board of Dentistry Or AGD Endorsement. 1/1/18- 12/31/19 Provider #373236 Be sure to thank the sponsor for CE for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Nearly 30 million people across the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and many of them will find themselves in your care as a dental professional. People struggling with diabetes are at higher risk for certain oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, so it's important to know the essentials about this disease. Stacey Simms is the host of the podcast Diabetes Connections, where she interviews those affected by diabetes and people who work in the medical industry. Stacey has hands-on experience dealing with the challenges diabetes in all its forms has to offer—her son lives with Type 1 and her husband with Type 2. Formerly a radio host and television reporter,Stacey sees her podcast an opportunity to continue with her broadcasting work even after retiring from it. For this episode, Stacey distinguishes the two major types of diabetes (as well as an unofficial third form), debunks some common myths about the condition, and explains how you can sensitively bring up the subject to patients in your own office. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 7:12 - Stacey recounts how diabetes became part of her life and how she and her family learned to cope with it. - The reason why Stacey took it upon herself to launch her own podcast about diabetes. - The most surprising thing Stacey realized when she began interviewing people about diabetes. - Breaking down the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes—as well as the less commonly known Type 1.5. - What is an A1C test and how dental professionals should best broach those results when talking with patients. - The trick of using sugar to treat low blood sugar while still avoiding cavities. - Don't make the mistake of reinforcing debunked myths about diabetes in front of your patients. - What you should have on hand in your office in case of a patient's diabetic emergency. - Why you should give patients a heads-up if you plan to use drugs with epinephrine in them. - Taking a look at how continuous glucose monitoring makes things easier on both those with diabetes and those who look after them. QUOTES: "We really run the gamut and try to get information and inspiration because there's a lot that goes into living with life." "Your idea of 'well-controlled' may not be my idea of 'well-controlled'." "I found that the more information I shared, quite often the more misinformation would be shared back at me." "[Diabetes] is not something to feel guilty about; it's a health condition." "If you're not an expert in Type 1 diabetes, you can't live well with it." LINKS: Diabetes Connections with Stacey Simms - https://diabetes-connections.com/ Stacey's email: [email protected] Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episodes CE credits! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE Credit! Approved Pace Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval Does Not Imply Acceptance By A State Or Provincial Board of Dentistry Or AGD Endorsement. 1/1/18- 12/31/19 Provider #373236 Be sure to thank the sponsor for CE for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Claire Jeong is the founder of StudentRDH.com, dentaltoaster.com, smarterDA.com and now https://wakeupmemory.com/ We are all struggling with information overload. With all the gadgets, notifications, and noises around us, our brain is on overload! Claire gives us some science and suggestions to help our little brains not be so overworked~! Check out her website, dentaltoaster.com for more info and other great CE courses, including one by Michelle!

Our monthly student roundtable discussion episodes are dedicated to help you navigate the at-times turbulent waters from graduation to internship to full employment in the hygienist industry. This month, we've invited on two hygienists who regularly go on mission trips to bring dental care to the less fortunate throughout the world. Mary Jensen (previously heard in ATOTH 78) works as a dental hygienist for HyLyfe, LLC in the Greater Chicago Area and is Alliance for Smiles' lead hygienist, mentoring the dental professionals and students who go on these mission trips. Dorothy Ferreira has been practising dental hygiene for over three decades and is a volunteer hygienist for Alliance for Smiles and has 17 mission trips under her belt, with her 18th coming up this fall. In this episode, Mary and Dorothy discuss their personal histories with charitable dentistry, explain how to best go about funding and preparing for these mission trips, and relate some of their favorite experiences. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 3:07 - How Mary and Dorothy got involved in mission trip work and why Mary views dental hygiene techniques as "portable." - How dental hygienists on mission trips overcome the language barrier, and the touching bonds they form in the process. - Our guests' tips for vetting the different organizations that offer mission trip opportunities. - Why time zone can be a major factor in how well one may adjust to a mission trip. - The reason a little bit of dental hygiene education can go a long way in more remote communities. - What Dorothy and Mary think you should be sure to pack for a mission trip, and other helpful preparation tips. - How you can go about securing funding for your mission trips. QUOTES: "It's life-changing for the child, but it's life-changing for the volunteer as well." "Speaking to someone firsthand, I think, is way better than just looking at their website." "This individual has never been in the dental chair... You have to show, tell, do every step of the way." "In this day and age, people want to feel that they're going somewhere where there's care." "When I'm on a mission, I'm an ambassador for the organization, I'm an ambassador for the United States and I'm an ambassador for the dental hygienists of the world." LINKS: Mary's email: [email protected] Dorothy's email: [email protected] Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Kara Vavrosky (Kara, RDH) and Ben Buzbee return to the show to tell us about some exciting new updates going on including their new podcast! www.TodaysRDH.com https://www.todaysrdh.com/dental-hygiene-podcast/ Listen on any of your podcast apps!

These TIPisodes keep getting better and better! Teresa gives us another round of great advice and in this tip, she is talking PPOs Teresa Duncan, MS is such a wealth of knowledge. Please visit her website and enjoy her awesome resources! For more info from Teresa, see below! Teresa Duncan: Speaker on insurance and management, Podcaster, Author of a book and contributes to several magazines and the ADA's publications! Book : http://odysseymgmt.corecommerce.com/Book/ use code TALE for $3 courtesy (offsets shipping) Site:OdysseyMgmt.com Podcast: http://nobodytoldmethat.libsyn.com

Continuing our series on dental-adjacent issues, we're tackling a scenario that every dental hygienist should be prepared for, however unlikely it may be: your patient having a medical emergency under your care. It's easy to fret over the thought of seizure or allergic reaction happening in your own office, but with some knowledge and training you'll know how to handle any situation promptly and professionally. Susannah Trammell is a paramedic, flight medic, "all around badass," and one of Michelle's best friends to boot. She has hands-on experience with dealing with a wide variety of medical emergencies and in the course of her casual but educational chat with Michelle she explains how you can deal with any emergency without that may pop up when a patient is in your chair. For this episode, Susannah gives you the low down on what steps you need to take if a patient passes out under your care, discusses what should be in your dental office's medical emergency kit, and gives you a refresher on CPR. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 11:41 - Susannah lays out her experience working as a medic in different capacities. - Looking back on the occasions when Michelle had to send patients to the hospital! - What information paramedics need when tending to patients in dental offices (and most places, for that matter). - Reviewing the ASA Physical Status Classification System. - What you should do if a patient passes out in your chair. - The different kinds of stimuli paramedics use to test alertness. - Distinguishing between allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock, and how to treat each. - What you should include in and how you should maintain a medical emergency kit. - Defining hypoglycemia and what we can do for the patients that have it. - The wrong way to administer oral glucose. - Why a wooden spoon should NOT be used when a patient goes into seizure. - What you can do to prevent or deal with airway collapse or obstruction. - Dealing with chest problems, strokes, and other serious ailments where you might need to administer medication. - A quick refresher on CPR basics for those worried that they might actually need to do it but have no recent practice. - Michelle's experience accidentally dropping an object down a patient's throat QUOTES: "If you don't feel a pulse and you don't see breathing just go ahead and start CPR." "You can have an allergic reaction but it not necessarily be anaphylaxis." "Definitely check their blood pressure before you give them another dose." "When there's an emergency going on, people love to be told what to do. They need a job, so give them a job." LINKS: American Dental Association - https://www.ada.org/en Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episodes CE credits! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE credit! Approved Pace Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval Does Not Imply Acceptance By A State Or Provincial Board of Dentistry Or AGD Endorsement. 1/1/18- 12/31/19 Provider #373236 Be sure to thank the sponsor for CE for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week's TIPisode is with Noel Brandon-Kelsch. Do we need to really clean AND disinfect? Noel answers a listeners question on this week's episode. Medicom sponsors this episode. Head over to their website and learn more about their SafeMask to keep you and your patient protected https://www.medicom.com/en Noel Brandon-Kelsch is an international speaker, writer, Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice and Director of Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Program. She is passionate about oral health and has the uncanny ability to motivate and enlighten audiences through her unique humor and cutting edge information. She takes the tough subject matter and presents it in such an exciting way that it becomes thought-provoking even to those not involved in her industry. Noel is an infection control guru and is going to bring us tips that can make use more informed clinicians! Check out her webpage noelkelsch.com

A Tale of Two Hygienists continues its series on dental-adjacent issues that can impact ourselves and our patients. This week, Andrew and Michelle have invited someone on the show, who has professional and personal experience with dealing with suicidal thoughts, and who can provide everyone in our industry with valuable knowledge that can save lives. Randi Jensen is a counsellor and educator specializing in suicidality—suicidal thoughts, suicidal planning, and the harmful act itself. Drawing from her own experience with traumatic and suicidal thoughts, she is the author of Just Because You're Suicidal Doesn't Mean You're Crazy: The Psychobiology of Suicide and teaches suicide prevention courses at Cascadia Training in Seattle. In this episode, Randi discusses her own struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, explains how dentists and dental hygienists get to know their patients better than some other professionals, and suggests ways you can reach out to troubled patients. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 6:39 - How Randi dealt with darker thoughts during the more turbulent times in her life and came to realize she could help others as well. - The unique relationship dental professionals have with their patients that other medical specialists may not. - How a dentist's sympathy turned things around for one of Randi's patients. - Why a resistance to flossing and other methods of tooth maintenance may indicate troubling thoughts in a patient. - Defining "suicidality" and the three different types of suicide. - What signs and symptoms of suicidality dental hygienists can look for when treating patients. - Looking at the epidemic of suicide among the native American population and the "conspiracy of denial." - What you should NOT say to a suicidal patient and why it's important to catch up with those who've previously expressed those thoughts. - How many suicidal people adeptly hide their feelings and symptoms from public eye. - The little ways you can reach out to and comfort patients who have lost loved ones to suicide. - Why our approach to treating suicidal individuals needs to change and sooner rather than later. QUOTES: "I've had several careers in my life and the current career is probably my mission for the rest of my life." "You probably have more of a span of time with these individuals than anybody! "You have the input from people that other health care providers don't really have!" "Once you share your empathy and your compassion, you can't say the wrong thing after that." "Compassion can't make things worse." "You just need somebody who cares enough to say 'I care and I don't want you to do this'." LINKS: Jensen Suicide Prevention Peer Protocol - https://jsp3.org/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episodes CE credits! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE Credit! Approved Pace Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval Does Not Imply Acceptance By A State Or Provincial Board of Dentistry Or AGD Endorsement. 1/1/18- 12/31/19 Provider #373236 Be sure to thank the sponsor for CE for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week Dr. Odiatu is talking about total body health and that our job is more than being concerned with P. gingivalis. Dr. Odiatu is a practicing dentist, certified trainer, author, speaker, and repeat AToTH guest. He always brings us content that we can use to make us and our patients happy and healthy. Be sure to check out the many episodes with Dr. Uche and head over to our YouTube channel and watch the videos Dr. Uche and Michelle did to help you stretch and take care of your body! Contact him! http://www.druche.com/ www.facebook.com/odiatu [email protected] Instagram: @fitspeakers Book: The Miracle of Health

Vaping is everywhere these days, to the point where it's difficult to go for a walk without spotting someone puffing from a vape pen of some kind. But while it's been touted as a healthier alternative to smoking, vaping still presents significant health risks that dental professionals should address with their patients. Edie Gibson, RDH, is the CEO and founder of EGibson Consulting, which trains dental teams across the country, as well as an author and international speaker. Edie began her dental career when she was 15, and since then has worked in just about every position a dental office has to offer—though hygienist remains her favorite role. She specializes in implant dentistry and has familiarized herself with the dental risks of smoking and vaping. In this episode, Edie breaks down the negative effects of vaping, reveals how pervasive the habit has become among the younger generation, and explains how dental professionals can impress the risks of vaping to their patients without coming off as judgmental. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 6:02 - The correlation Edie has noticed between smoking cigarettes and harder drug use. - Looking at the various chemicals found within cigarettes that are toxic both in tandem and in and of themselves. - Examining how tobacco companies tried to reach people before it was widely known how dangerous cigarettes were. - How the levels of nicotine in modern vape pods equate to those in packs of cigarettes. - What is respiratory distress and how can vaping cause it? - The reason vaporizer devices themselves can pose a major dental risk. - How to open a conversation about vaping and its dangers to your patients, especially younger ones. - Why it's so essential that dental professionals not take a judgmental stance when discussing the risks of vaping with patients. - Modern kids' "Shawshank Redemption" approach to covertly vaping at school. - How you can determine if your patients have been vaping or smoking. - A list of resources you can use to educate yourself, your patients, and your children on drug abuse and misuse. QUOTES: "If you want to kill a bug, use nicotine from your cigarette." "They knew that nicotine was addictive and they knew that cigarettes caused cancer." "If you have a vape pod... the nicotine in that one pod is equivalent to one pack of Marlboro Reds." "There isn't enough science behind or studies behind vaping to make it truly safe." "If you see eight patients a day, you're going to average four to five of them are vaping, or have tried it, or use it regularly." "I don't think it's ever too early to have the conversation about drugs, because nicotine is a drug." LINKS: Edie's homepage - https://www.ediegibson.com/ Edie's email: [email protected] National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens - https://teens.drugabuse.gov/ National Institutes of Health - https://www.nih.gov/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episodes CE credits! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE Credit! Approved Pace Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval Does Not Imply Acceptance By A State Or Provincial Board of Dentistry Or AGD Endorsement. 1/1/18- 12/31/19 Provider #373236 Be sure to thank the sponsor for CE for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

Claire Jeong is the founder of StudentRDH.com, dentaltoaster.com, smarterDA.com and now https://wakeupmemory.com/ She has also created Wake Up Memory tips to help us remember the 3 drugs that cause gingival hyperplasia. We have all seen patients struggling with this, but sometimes remembering the exact drugs isn't so easy. Claire is here to help us. In this episode, Claire teaches us the 9 foods to help our brain and the Wake Up Memory technique to remember those brain foods. Check out her website, dentaltoaster.com for more info and other great CE courses, including one by Michelle!

This week on A Tale of Two Hygienists, we're digressing from our usual technical discussions to shine a light on an unpleasant but very important subject: the abuse and mistreatment some of our most vulnerable patients experience, and especially what hygienists can do to mitigate these situations. India Chance, RDH, is a consultant for and owner of Learn2Prevent, which provides dental professionals with continued education, and also works as a trainer for the nonprofit organization Mid-Atlantic P.A.N.D.A. (Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness). She has worked in dentistry for the past 23 years and spent a significant portion of her career focusing on public health. India is passionate about ensuring that underserved populations receive quality care, especially victims of parental and intimate abuse, as well as victims of the sex trafficking trade. In this episode, India discusses her role and the role of other dental professionals in identifying signs of abuse, explains how to distinguish intentionally harmful cases from accidental ones, and reveals what health care professionals do to reach out to victims of the sex trade. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 8:01 - How India became involved in both public health initiatives and child abuse awareness. - What are Mid-Atlantic Panda's three R's, and why dental professionals play pivotal roles in identifying abuse. - The reason pediatric dental offices will regularly weigh young patients. - What it means to be a "mandatory reporter." - What happens if you report a potential abuse case and there doesn't turn out to be any evidence mistreatment? - How reporters distinguish between signs of abuse and what are most likely genuine accidents. - Some resources and training you can use to familiarize yourself with signs of abuse and reporting protocol. - Know that abuse and mistreatment can occur in any community regardless of how they fare socially or economically. - The particular difficulty in trying to aid an adult patient stuck ina an abusive relationship. - What are "shoe cards" and how they can be of assistance to victims of sex trafficking? - Knowing the difference between a child who show behavioral signs of abuse and one who just has a fear of going to the dentist. - Why a child having very poor teeth isn't necessarily a sign of neglect. - Some of India's upcoming courses to look out for. QUOTES: "Through this training, we try to educate and equip dental professionals to recognize signs of abuse." "I made the decision to move forward because this was somebody's family member and they needed to be safe." "You really have to look at the whole picture before you jump right to abuse." "[Abuse] knows no socioeconomic status." LINKS: Learn2Prevent homepage - https://www.learn2prevent.com/ Learn2Prevent on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Learn2Prevent/ Learn2Prevent on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learn2prevent/ Learn2Prevent email: [email protected] Mid-Atlantic Panda homepage - https://midatlanticpanda.org/ Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episodes CE credits! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE Credit! Approved Pace Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval Does Not Imply Acceptance By A State Or Provincial Board of Dentistry Or AGD Endorsement. 1/1/18- 12/31/19 Provider #373236 Be sure to thank the sponsor for CE for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca

This week's TIPisode is with Andre Shirdan and he talks to us about consistency. We have to be consistent with our findings and how each team member is documenting their observations. Listen now to see what he suggests to make us all consistent! Andre is an author, inspirational/motivational speaker, certified software and CAD/CAM trainer. He is a co-creator of the non-surgical periodontal protocol Stat-Ck and imaging protocol Array. For more than 25 years Andre has worked with thousands of practices helping to create systems for treatment planning, staff training, goal attainment, internal and external marketing, and computer systems integration. He has spoken internationally to hundreds of audiences and through his workshops and seminars, he has enlightened and entertained audiences. He's been interviewed and published in magazines, Podcasts and has interacted with thousands of dental professionals. Website: www.thecrewprocess.com Email: [email protected]