A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Melia Lewis, MEd, to discuss the critical role dental hygienists play in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment. Drawing from her personal experience with her father's cancer diagnosis, Melia brings a deeply meaningful perspective to the conversation. She highlights the emotional and clinical impact of cancer care, and how dental hygienists can become essential advocates and providers within a patient's healthcare journey. Key topics discussed include: * Melia's personal journey navigating her father's cancer diagnosis and how it shaped her professional perspective. *Whether dental hygiene should be more formally integrated into oncology care. *The importance of resilience and understanding why the work hygienists do truly matters. *Common oral side effects experienced by cancer patients and how to recognize them. *How hygienists can tailor appointments to better support patients undergoing cancer treatment. Rather than viewing care as routine, this episode challenges listeners to approach each patient—especially those facing serious health conditions—with intention, empathy, and clinical adaptability. Melia offers insight into how hygienists can elevate their role and make a meaningful difference during some of their patients' most vulnerable moments. This episode is a must-listen for hygienists who want to expand their understanding of patient-centered care and play a more active role in supporting individuals through complex health challenges. Call to Action: Take time to deepen your understanding of how systemic health conditions, like cancer, impact oral health. Look for opportunities to adapt your care approach and advocate for patients who may need more personalized support. Connect with Melia Lewis: Email: melia@hygieneedge.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melia-lewis/

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson welcome renowned speaker and dental educator Jo-Anne Jones for an impactful conversation titled "Oral Cancer Screening: Stepping Fully Into Your Role." Jo-Anne shares deeply personal and professional insights that challenge clinicians to recognize the true life-saving potential of routine dental visits. Through powerful storytelling and clinical expertise, she highlights the urgency of early detection—especially in the face of rising HPV-related cancers—and encourages hygienists to fully embrace their role in comprehensive screenings. From explaining the intraoral "triangle of death" to demonstrating proper neck palpation techniques, Jo-Anne provides practical, actionable strategies clinicians can implement immediately. She also reflects on how a personal crisis shaped her mission in dentistry and reinforces why every screening appointment should be treated as an opportunity to save a life. This episode is both inspiring and educational, equipping dental professionals with the knowledge and confidence to elevate their oral cancer screening protocols and patient care. "What We Talked About (From Jo-Anne's Perspective)" Why Jo-Anne is passionate about saving lives—HPV, rising cancers, and one family's loss How Jo-Anne approaches the intraoral "triangle of death" exam How a personal crisis launched Jo-Anne's mission in dentistry Why Jo-Anne believes this is a life-saving appointment How Jo-Anne performs proper neck palpation Simple screening steps Jo-Anne recommends hygienists start today Why Jo-Anne uses screening tools in clinical practice Call to Action If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who are committed to improving patient care and early detection. Resources: HPV Talking Points Resource: www.rdhu.ca/hpvtalkingpointsresource Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjlifeandtimes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-anne-jones-88a2266/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jo.anne.jones.626106/

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and David sit down with dental hygienist Angeli Walton to share her powerful story of recognizing early signs of a thyroid condition—within herself. What began as clinical awareness quickly turned into a deeply personal journey, as Angeli navigated the unexpected shift from provider to patient. Angeli reflects on how her training helped her notice subtle changes that might have otherwise gone overlooked, and how trusting those instincts ultimately led to early detection. The conversation explores the emotional and professional impact of experiencing healthcare from the other side of the chair, offering a unique perspective that many clinicians don't anticipate, but can learn from. Together, they discuss the broader role dental professionals play in identifying systemic health concerns, and why paying attention to small details can make a life-changing difference. Angeli also shares insights on self-advocacy and why it's critical for clinicians to speak up—both for their patients and themselves. This episode offers a meaningful reminder that the skills used every day in practice extend far beyond oral health, and can be just as important in protecting your own well-being. What We Talked About: Recognizing early signs of systemic conditions How clinical instincts can support early detection The experience of transitioning from provider to patient Why subtle symptoms shouldn't be ignored The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who are passionate about whole-body health and early detection. Resources: Email: Angeli.damron@gmail.com Instagram: @angeliwalton

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with oral pathologist Dr. Bryan Trump to discuss the important role dental professionals play in identifying abnormalities and knowing when to refer patients to a specialist. Dr. Trump shares valuable insight into what clinicians might be missing during routine exams and how to strengthen their confidence when suspicious findings arise. The conversation dives into practical strategies for performing thorough oral cancer screenings, recognizing key red flags, and navigating patient conversations when something concerning is discovered. Dr. Trump also offers guidance on how clinicians can communicate pathology findings in a clear and compassionate way—helping patients understand the situation without causing unnecessary fear. This episode provides practical tips for dental hygienists and dentists who want to improve their screening protocols, referral confidence, and patient communication when dealing with potentially serious diagnoses. What We Talked About: How to confidently refer patients to specialists Essential tips for performing effective oral cancer screenings Recognizing concerning findings and clinical red flags Navigating difficult conversations about the possibility of cancer How to communicate pathology findings without unnecessarily scaring patients If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share the episode with colleagues who are passionate about improving patient care and early detection. Resources: Contact Dr. Bryan Trump: bryan.trump@hsc.utah.edu

Legislation impacts your daily practice more than most clinicians realize. In this episode, we sit down with Derik J. Sven to break down what truly drives change in dental hygiene policy — and what doesn't. Derik shares insight into the realities behind dental care standards, the ongoing fight for hygienist autonomy, and the complex supervision structures that shape scope of practice across the country. He also explains why legal expertise often carries significant influence in regulatory conversations and how business, public health, and law intersect in advancing the profession. In This Episode We Cover: The political and structural forces behind dental care standards The ongoing battle for dental hygienist autonomy Supervision requirements and why they matter Why attorneys often influence dental policy decisions Lesser-known factors that can directly affect your career About the Guest Derik J. Sven began his career as a certified dental technician before transitioning into clinical dental hygiene. He earned degrees in Dental Hygiene and Health Care Administration, followed by a Master of Public Health and a Master of Business Administration. He is currently pursuing doctoral research at George Washington University, focusing on dental therapy advancement and hygienist autonomy, while also completing a Master's in Health Care Law. Derik is actively involved in the American Dental Hygienists' Association, where he was inducted into the inaugural class of ADHA Fellows in 2023 and serves as President-Elect of Virginia's Dental Hygienists' Association. This episode offers a practical foundation for understanding how legislation truly moves — and what it means for the future of dental hygiene. Resources: derik@dentistrywithderik.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/derikjsven/

Advocacy can feel exhausting — especially in a profession that already demands so much emotionally and physically. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Bethany Montoya, MBA, BAS, RDH to talk about how to stand up for yourself, your patients, and your profession without sacrificing your well-being. Bethany shares her personal journey through challenge, change, and growth — and how embracing the storm can actually make you stronger. From navigating the pressures of clinical life to stepping into new leadership roles, she reminds us that authenticity and community are essential tools in sustainable advocacy. This conversation is honest, energizing, and filled with practical encouragement for hygienists who want to make a difference without burning out. Connect with Bethany: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanymontoya/ 🔗 Resources & Projects: https://linktr.ee/humanrdh Bethanyrdh@outlook.com

Dr. Johnson returns to the podcast to share a powerful and often-overlooked perspective on tribal dentistry, career fulfillment, and why passion truly matters in dentistry. This conversation goes beyond clinical techniques and dives into purpose, opportunity, and loving the work you do. 🦷 What You'll Learn in This Episode Understanding Tribal Dentistry: A Unique Perspective Dr. Johnson offers an inside look at tribal dentistry—how it operates, who it serves, and why it plays a vital role in improving access to care in underserved communities. Navigating Job Opportunities in Tribal Dentistry Thinking outside the traditional private practice model? Dr. Johnson breaks down career paths, benefits, and professional growth opportunities available in tribal dentistry. The Impact of Passion in Dentistry Revealed Passion isn't optional—it's essential. Dr. Johnson explains how loving what you do directly affects patient care, team culture, and long-term career satisfaction. Why Loving Your Job Makes a Difference From daily mindset to burnout prevention, Dr. Johnson shares how fulfillment in dentistry leads to better outcomes for both patients and providers. Discover the Tooth Fairy's Secret Money Source A fun and lighthearted moment in the episode, Dr. Johnson reveals a playful take on the legendary tooth fairy—and the Children's book that he wrote about it! Resources: Where Does the Tooth Fairy Get All That Money? https://a.co/d/7YpQVgC The Sacred Chalice https://a.co/d/0XfYf5Y

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Johnson, a dedicated pediatric dentist (pedodontist), to explore what makes pediatric dentistry truly unique—and why it's about so much more than just teeth. From mastering parent communication to handling unexpected holiday emergencies, Dr. Johnson shares real-world insights from the front lines of pediatric care. 🦷 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Dr. Johnson Became a Pedodontist Dr. Johnson shares the personal and professional journey that led him to specialize in pediatric dentistry, and what continues to inspire his passion for treating children. The Journey to Becoming a Pediatric Dentist An inside look at the training, mindset, and commitment required to pursue pediatric dentistry—and how it differs from general practice. Why Pediatric Dentistry Requires a Unique Approach Children aren't just small adults. Dr. Johnson explains how behavior, development, fear, and trust shape every clinical decision in pediatric care. Mastering Parent Communication in Dentistry Effective pediatric dentistry depends on strong relationships with parents. Dr. Johnson breaks down how to educate, reassure, and partner with families for better outcomes. The Power of Prevention in Pediatric Dentistry From early habits to long-term oral health, prevention is the cornerstone of pediatric dentistry. Learn how early intervention can set kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. When to Consider Sedation for Pediatric Patients A thoughtful discussion on sedation—when it's appropriate, how decisions are made, and how safety and comfort are prioritized for young patients. The Unexpected Tooth Emergency on Christmas Eve Dr. Johnson shares a memorable real-life story that highlights the unpredictable nature of pediatric dentistry—and the dedication it takes to care for patients when it matters most. Resources: Dr. Johnson's book Link: https://a.co/d/7YpQVgC Johnson.david192@gmail.com

In this episode, we introduce The Pros at Glam Studio and the passion behind their work. As licensed dental hygienists with decades of experience, they share how they combine dental hygiene and aesthetics to help clients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We talk about their approach to safe, personalized care, their expansion into hygienic piercing services, and why client comfort, education, and confidence are at the heart of everything they do. What You'll Hear in This Episode How Glam Studio blends dental hygiene and aesthetics The importance of safety, certification, and client care Why confidence and feeling your best matter Resources: glamstudiopros@gmail.com https://voyageutah.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-laraine-hartle-and-lindsey-jepperson-of-glam-studio-pros Website: https://glamstudiopros.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamstudiopros?igsh=MXF2eXg4ZWM2aHZjYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zdy8KL95/?mibextid=wwXIfr Youtube: https://youtube.com/@glamstudiopros?si=lRvW9_fyFoKTZh3j#

In this episode, we chat with Ashley Kear about starting her Etsy shop and what happens when you stop trying to niche yourself into a box—and instead combine everything you love. Ashley shares how her journey began not just with creativity and curiosity, but with encouragement from friends who saw her talent and pushed her to go for it. We explore letting ideas evolve, trusting your instincts, and allowing fun to be part of the process. Sometimes the magic comes from experimenting, playing, and building something that feels like you. What You'll Hear in This Episode How Ashley got started on Etsy—with a nudge from a colleague Blending multiple passions into one creative outlet The role of community and encouragement in taking creative risks Letting fun guide the creative and business process Resources: Amoorerdh@gmail.com https://linktr.ee/ashleykearart?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

The end of an era as Andrew hangs up the mic as host of A Tale of Two Hygienists after more than 10 years. But this isn't a sad day, it's a day to celebrate as we welcome in the two new co-hosts for 2026.. but you have to listen to find out who it is!

We go through different phases of our life and sometimes we are very healthy and sometimes we aren't. Unfortunately, we humans judge books by covers - we think thin is health and heavy is not. In this episode with Machell Hoover she reminds us of what health really looks like, what her journey has been, and how to partner with the right providers to get exactly what your body needs to be healthy. Resources: machell@rdhhealth.com

Have you ever been in that weird in-between spot where you are in holiday mode but still have work but want the year to be over for a reset but still need to process the happenings of the previous 12 months? Of course you have, and many of us have been in that exact spot! In this episode we take a proactive approach to making 2026 just that much better with 5 steps you can start today! Resources: https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-stop-ruminating-on-the-past#rumination-vs-obsession