Explore every episode of the podcast RDH Magazine Podcast

Award of Distinction recipient Sarah Hoerler has a unique role at the Mayo Clinic.  Listen to her story and how she introduces students to the system that makes a difference with hospitalized patients.

The New Year is quickly approaching.  As you begin to consider your goals/resolutions and plan your professional development, how can RDH support you?  Listen as Jackie Sanders shares the 2026 RDH platform.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect up to 96% of dental hygienists, leading to pain, fatigue, and lost income. Learn how adaptive curette designs reduce pinch force, muscle strain, and discomfort—helping clinicians protect their health while maintaining efficiency. Petra Wilder-Smith, DDS, DMD, PhD Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/ergonomics/instruments-handpieces/article/55310267/dental-ergonomics-and-instrument-design-how-adaptive-curettes-reduce-muscle-strain-and-improve-clinician-comfort

More than three million dental implants are placed annually. Hygienists can help protect implant longevity with biofilm control, advanced air polishing, and patient-centered care strategies. Amber Auger, MPH, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders

https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/implant-maintenance/article/55311878/responsible-restorative-dentistry-creating-sustainable-protocols-for-implants

Shelley Brown is a 2025 Award of Distinction Recipient. She is a writer, speaker, adjunct faculty, mother and wife all while keeping the balance. How does she manage success and a full schedule? 

Spend time with Paul Foster as he shares how he transitioned from a military career to dental hygiene. The onboarding program at Aspen Dental provided numerous benefits to him as a new graduate, and working with vendors supported his confidence. This episode is sponsored by Aspen Dental. To learn more, visit aspendental.com.

When a hygienist’s clinical judgment is dismissed and her documentation removed, it sparks serious questions about ethics, legal responsibility, and patient neglect. Sarah Crow, RDH

Autistic children face unique oral health challenges. Dental professionals and occupational therapists can collaborate to improve care, comfort, and outcomes in dental settings. Samantha Stanley, OTD, OTR/L Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55300461/ot-and-rdh-collaboration-can-break-down-oral-health-barriers-for-autistic-children

Dental hygienists are transforming dentistry by bridging clinical care and medical billing, boosting patient outcomes, reducing write-offs, and strengthening practice profitability through comprehensive assessments and codiscovery.

Kandra Sellers, BA, RDH

Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/insurance/article/55311212/why-dental-hygienists-are-essential-for-codiscovery-and-medical-billing-in-dentistry

Kandice Swarthout has a passion to drive change and make us all aware of the dangers of human trafficking and watch for signs.  In addition, she lives a busy professional and personal life, but has found balance in a healthy diet and morning walks.

Organized dentistry’s history of undermining credentialed professions reveals systemic failures, hidden risks, and patient harm—raising urgent questions about oversight, accountability, and the future of dental hygiene. Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55312066/lessons-from-the-past-how-dentistrys-treatment-of-lab-techs-mirrors-todays-attacks-on-hygienists

Clinical attachment level versus clinical attachment loss—what’s the difference? Discover why this distinction is vital for accurate periodontal diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning, and how understanding it can improve patient outcomes. Marianne Dryer, MEd, RDH ,  Katrina M. Sanders-Stewart, MEd, BSDH, RDH, RF Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55310252/decoding-the-language-of-clinical-attachment-what-every-hygienist-needs-to-know

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, linked to alcohol abuse and malnutrition, presents neurological and oral health risks. Dental hygienists can play a role in recognition and intervention. Robyn Lynn Hack, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55317603/what-is-wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome-and-its-oral-manifestations

25 Award of Distinction recipient Letita Hill shares her journey with students and new graduates. Providing positive momentum to go after happiness and fulfill your dreams.

Could that “reflux” patient have eosinophilic esophagitis? Why this overlooked disease matters in dentistry. Tracee S. Dahm, MS, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/article/55303787/eosinophilic-esophagitis-what-dental-professionals-need-to-know

Spend time with LaVal Lucas Perry as he shares how he found his passion in dental hygiene! Joining Aspen Dental and becoming a lead hygienist while his mentoring skills were put to use teaching hygienists about new technologies and the benefits. This episode is sponsored by Aspen Dental. To learn more visit www.aspendental.com

From a BURST Ambassador to a full time employee. How did Dominic Castro's knowledge of social media advance his role and landed him traveling to Ireland to promote a product launch.

Debora Carrier, 2025 Award of Distinction recipient, shares her experience after being recognized for her achievements and provides her insights into the process of nominating yourself or another.

Do you know about these alternatives to traditional microscopic loupes? Bethany Montoya, RDH, shares three types of magnification technology you don't need to see to believe in their effectiveness. Bethany Montoya, MBA, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55301287/clinical-tips-periodontal-microscopy-and-endoscopy

Dominic Castro discusses working with a DSO.  What was his transition from a private practice, and what benefits led him to realize that this was the best place to share his expertise.

When Melanie Boyd mastered the use of a periodontal endoscope, she had no idea how it would transition her professional role.  Now, as a business owner, she is hired by dental offices to treat their periodontal cases.  Learn how you could do the same.

Dr.Brian Edwards has built a practice around trust, autonomy, and genuine collaboration with his dental hygienists and team.  Becoming a fee-for-service practice provided challenges but offered more rewards.

Peri-implant diseases can compromise even the most successful dental implants—but with proactive maintenance, failure risks can be significantly reduced. Melissa Van Witzenburg, MS, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/implant-maintenance/article/55299969/implant-maintenance-update 

Brandy Cortez has been a dental hygienist for many years, and she was ready to embrace GBT.  The opportunity to educate her patients on what she was seeing was a benefit she hadn't expected. By embracing GBT her patients are more in tune with their condition and what they can do to improve their oral health.

Elly Quinn found a successful work balance through an educational instructor and clinical practice. Her dual role fulfills her days while the balance supports her students' understanding of dental hygiene.

Approximately 3 million people currently have dental implants, with an estimated 500,000 each year being placed in the US. As such, it is important that dental hygienists be familiar with dental implants and peri-implant disease. Here’s what you need to know. Melissa Van Witzenburg, MS, RDH   Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55293084/implant-associated-diseases

Listen to Henry Allen's story of going from a disappointing position to a place where he could perform the same type of dental hygiene he had a passion for. He has landed in a role where he can now assist other RDHs in finding their perfect office.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Aspen Dental. Learn more by visiting www.aspendental.com

Challenge the false premise: Dentists' supposed monopoly on oral health regulation is built on shaky ground. It's time for a truth-driven, evidence-based confrontation in dental advocacy. Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55301661/the-case-for-dental-hygienists-autonomy-the-education-and-credentialing-gap

Wondering how to find joy in your clinical day?  Listen to Amber Auger discuss why she created Thrive in the Op and how her success has driven her to create a live summit in October titled Thrive Chairside.

Tracy Ross, MEd, RDH, explores the nature of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), revealing some of its diseases, outlining the relation to periodontal and oral conditions, and discussing the current state of vaccination efforts. Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/pathology/oral-systemic/article/55293102/the-complex-epstein-barr-virus-understanding-its-systemic-impact-and-oral-implications 

Reflections on a session with Dr. Mia Geisinger at RDH Under One Roof 2024 reveal a lingering problem in dentistry. Katrina M. Sanders-Stewart, MEd, BSDH, RDH, RF   Read by Jackie Sanders, RDH  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55293114/the-chronic-disease-no-one-is-talking-about 

In just seven weeks, the Oral Health Awareness Project launched a bold PR campaign to elevate RDH recognition, defend education standards, and protect public health. Join us. Lisandra Maisonet, BS, RDH, PHDHP, EFDA Read by Jackie Sanders, RDH  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/inspiration/article/55306582/rdhs-take-action-national-movement-launched-to-raise-standards-and-public-awareness 

Driven by purpose, this dental team delivers personalized, quality care, driven by metrics.  Hear how Rachel has supported success with her practice and dental hygiene team.

AI empowers dental hygienists to be more accurate, efficient, and patient-focused. Embracing dental AI doesn’t mean losing the human touch. It means amplifying your skills. Melissa Turner, CHO, BASDH, RDHEP, EFDA Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55293064/9-things-every-hygienist-should-know-about-dental-ai 

The outdated model of today's dentistry is rooted in professional dependency and cloaked in the language of supervision. Its sole purpose lies in gatekeeping and financial control. Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/alternative-practice/article/55293010/the-case-for-dental-hygienists-autonomy-the-economics-of-dentistry

From forensics to academia and back to the clinician.  Enjoy hearing the journey of professional transitions from Kimberly A. Erdman, EdD, RDH, FAADH, FADHA

Thank you to Aspen Dental for sponsoring this episode!  Learn more: https://aspendental.jobs/RDHpodcast

White coat hypertension at the dentist’s office is a serious condition that requires further monitoring and evaluation to ensure heart health. Erika Lauren shares how to mitigate risk by discussing the risk factors of high blood pressure with patients.

A case study on scaling and root planing with glycine-based air polishing. Amber Auger, MPH, RDH   Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/air-polishing/article/55288229/revitalizing-gingival-health-a-case-study-on-srp-with-glycine-based-air-polishing

Struggling with suction in the operatory? Here are some safe and effective innovations in high- and low-volume evacuation tools you may want to introduce into your practice. Bethany Montoya, MBA, RDH   Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55288042/clinical-tips-high-and-low-volume-suction-aids 

Discover how intentional disconnection from our hyperconnected world can help dental professionals reduce burnout, restore balance, and reclaim their well-being—both in and out of the operatory. Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT  Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55286545/the-power-of-disconnecting-finding-peace-in-a-hyperconnected-world

QPR: Question, Persuade and Refer. Tracee Dahm shares the importance of becoming trained in a life-saving skill that can prevent someone from committing suicide.

Could common oral rinses be causing more harm than good in patients? Discover how rinses may disrupt nitric oxide production—and what that means for whole-body health. Kathryn Gilliam, BA, RDH, MAAOSH, HIAOMT Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/55288053/why-should-we-care-about-the-effects-of-mouth-rinses-on-oral-nitric-oxide-production 

  Many dental professionals are confused about how to get their dental unit waterlines to pass the safety test. In part two of this series, Amanda Hill explains how to interpret the test results, what to do if you fail, and some common myths around DUWL compliance. Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC   Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/infection-control/water-safety/article/55282554/the-basics-of-dental-unit-waterlines-part-2 

  This is an unfiltered examination of the structural sexism embedded in dentistry, a profession that has long constrained the autonomy of hygienists under the pretext of safety and oversight. Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA   Read by Jackie Sanders https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/alternative-practice/article/55286333/a-century-of-subordination-the-historical-barriers-to-dental-hygienists-autonomy 

Katrina Klein shares her insights on ergonomic health and the benefits of muscle health.  

Supporting and collaborating with your fellow dental hygienists will boost the profession and patient care. Mentorship is a terrific way to begin.   Kandra Sellers, BA, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/inspiration/article/55286217/mentorship-and-advocacy-in-dental-hygiene-speak-up-for-patients-and-one-another 

  Bridging the gap between dentists and dental hygienists through stronger interprofessional collaboration could be the key to improving patient outcomes and advancing comprehensive oral care. Whitney Foster, RDH Read by Jackie Sanders, RDH  https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/article/55273548/an-introduction-to-interprofessionalism-in-dentistry

Derik Sven shares his professional insights on dental hygiene autonomy and defining the paradigm. Where did he find his passion to make a positive influence on our profession?

Spend time learning about the latest trend of nicotine pouches. Alyssa Day shares her knowledge on the adverse effects and the role of the RDH. 

Billie Lunt shares her joy-filled attitude on life and teaching dental hygiene students.  Where can we all make a difference?