Dental Hygiene Basics

If you've ever wondered whether you're being too heavy-handed during instrumentation, you're not alone. In this episode of the Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast, we break down why patient discomfort happens in the dental hygiene chair, how to recognize the origin of patients' pain, and which fundamentals have the greatest impact on patient comfort. You'll learn practical strategies for improving scaling techniques, strengthening instrument adaptation and angulation, using powered scalers properly, and communicating with patients in a way that builds trust and confidence. Whether you're in dental hygiene school, preparing for clinical boards, or beginning practice as a registered dental hygienist, this episode offers a simple reminder: when something doesn't feel right, return to your fundamentals!🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patient education is one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills developed in dental hygiene school. Dental hygienists will find themselves explaining periodontal disease, treatment recommendations, and providing informed consent in a way patients can understand multiple times a day. Dana breaks down how classroom concepts connect directly to patient care, why treatment acceptance depends on clear communication, and how practicing education conversations in clinic strengthens both your confidence and your clinical knowledge.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dentinal hypersensitivity affects a large portion of patients in the dental hygiene chair, and as an RDH (or future RDH!), it is our responsibility to help patients manage it. In this episode, Dana explains what dentinal hypersensitivity is, its various causes, and effective management strategies dental professionals can share with their patients. This episode is sponsored by Curaprox. Learn more about Curaprox and their products at curaprox.us online or @curaproxusa on socials.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Histology and embryology are often among students' least favorite classes in dental hygiene school, and many struggle to recognize the relevance they have in dental hygiene. As providers who treat disease, dental hygienists must thoroughly understand the development and function of the body's tissues. Dana shares a basic explanation of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in a practical, easy-to-follow way, helping to connect these concepts to the material in head and neck anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology, and clinical care. Before memorizing details, make sure to focus on understanding the progression from cells to tissues to organs. That framework can make future coursework, board exam preparation, and clinical concepts much easier to understand.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top-performing dental hygiene students don't often get there by relying on natural intelligence- it has more to do with how they approach learning. In this episode, Dana breaks down the habits and mindset shifts commonly seen in successful dental hygiene students- from previewing material before class and using active recall to seeking feedback, setting clinical goals, and reflecting on mistakes without letting them define their progress. Whether you're struggling to keep up, questioning your abilities, or simply looking for more effective study strategies, this conversation offers practical guidance rooted in real-world experience. You'll walk away with actionable ways to improve your study habits, strengthen your clinical performance, and build the resilience needed to navigate dental hygiene school and beyond.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking out student loans is a reality for many dental hygiene students, but understanding how they work before you borrow can make a significant difference in your future financial situation. Dana is breaking down the basics of federal and private student loans, interest, repayment options, scholarships, and budgeting during dental hygiene school. You'll learn how to evaluate borrowing decisions with your future career goals in mind and why tracking your debt, building an emergency fund, and planning ahead can create more financial flexibility after graduation. If you're preparing for dental hygiene school or looking for practical student loan advice for dental hygiene students, this episode offers a grounded framework for making informed financial decisions. Also, check out my episode with Florie HERE for her wild student debt repayment story!🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you dealing with haters bringing you down in your dental hygiene journey? In this episode, Dana talks honestly about handling discouragement, comparison, and negative feedback while staying grounded in your own goals. This conversation explores imposter syndrome in dental hygiene school, why outside validation can feel so important, and how to stay connected to your “why” when self-doubt shows up. If you’re preparing for dental hygiene school, navigating toxic workplace dynamics, or learning how to trust yourself as a future dental hygienist, this episode offers a practical perspective: pay attention to the environments and people that support your growth, and don’t confuse someone else’s discomfort with your direction.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.