Hey Bristles !

In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life pros of being a dental hygienist, the things that make this career so rewarding, flexible, and full of opportunity. Whether you're a student thinking about hygiene school, a new grad finding your footing, or just curious about the profession, this episode highlights the reasons so many of us truly love what we do.

We’re talking about:
 ✨ Flexible schedules and work-life balance
 ✨ Strong pay with a relatively short time in school
 ✨ The ability to help people improve their health through prevention
 ✨ Career options beyond the operatory
 ✨ Job security and high demand
 ✨ Building meaningful relationships with patients
 ✨ Opportunities to grow, specialize, and evolve your career

And because real talk matters, this episode pairs perfectly with my Cons of Being a Dental Hygienist episode #69, where I share the honest challenges that come with the profession.

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Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making prevention make sense✨🦷🧚🏻🪥🩷

In this milestone episode, we’re celebrating both the 100th episode of the Brush with Britt podcast and the close of Dental Hygiene Month with a special tribute to the dental hygiene community.

This episode features a collection of incredible hygienists who have made an impact on my personal and professional journey. Each guest shares who they are, their favorite part about being a dental hygienist, and a piece of advice or encouragement for others in the profession.

While this episode highlights only a few voices, it represents the many hygienists who continue to inspire, support, and uplift one another in this field. It’s a celebration of growth, community, and our shared passion for prevention and patient care.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Reflections from inspiring dental hygienists

Personal stories and favorite moments in hygiene

Advice and encouragement for every stage of your career

Guest List:

Dr. Joy Void Holmes – [email protected]

Amanda Hill – [email protected]

Shelley Brown – [email protected]

Derik Sven – [email protected]

Angela Do – [email protected]

Sue Scherer – [email protected]

Jessica Atkinson – [email protected]

Amber Lovatos – [email protected]

Dr. Emily Boge – [email protected]

Susan Cotten – [email protected]

Whitney DiFoggio – [email protected]

Shelby Wagenman – [email protected]

Anistinn Donovan – [email protected]

You’ll leave this episode feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to continue striving for excellence in your dental hygiene career!

In this episode, I sit down with Marvelyn Navarro, RDH, founder of Perio Precise, to talk all about the Perio Endoscope.

With over 15 years in clinical and administrative dental hygiene, Marvelyn shares how endoscopy has transformed her approach to patient care making perio therapy more precise, predictable, and impactful. From the science behind subgingival visualization to how you can bring this technology into your own operatory, this episode will leave you inspired and curious about the future of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Whether you’re a student hygienist learning the foundations, a new grad building confidence in perio care, or a seasoned clinician ready to level up your toolkit, this episode will help you see perio in a whole new way.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

-What the Perio Endoscope is and how it elevates patient outcomes

-How Marvelyn integrates advanced technology into daily hygiene practice

-Advice for hygienists interested in endoscopic training and career growth

-The importance of staying inspired and continued learning in a fast-evolving profession

About Marvelyn Navarro, RDH:

Marvelyn Navarro, RDH, is a dedicated dental hygienist with over 15 years of clinical and administrative experience. Her passion lies in preventive care, periodontal therapy, and addressing airway-related and oral-systemic health concerns to improve overall health outcomes.

She is the founder of Perio Precise, where she provides advanced subgingival therapy using the Perio Endoscope and offers clinical training to hygienists nationwide. As a Key Opinion Leader, national speaker, and content creator, Marvelyn is known for her engaging and relatable approach to education and clinical excellence.

Currently serving as the President-Elect of the Nevada Dental Hygienists’ Association, Marvelyn is an advocate for the profession and finds great joy in mentoring and inspiring dental hygiene students. Outside of dentistry, she’s a proud wife and mom of two, and together her family has traveled to over 20 countries, with many more on the list!

Her mission is simple: to raise the standard of care, support her colleagues, and make periodontal therapy more precise, predictable, and impactful.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @marvelynrdh | @perioprecise

Connect with Brush with Britt

Email: [email protected]

Social channels: @brushwithbritt

Disclaimer: The Brush with Britt podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of dentistry, medicine, or other health-care services. No provider–patient relationship is formed, and the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their licensed health-care providers for any questions or concerns. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brittany Glauz, (Brush with Britt).

This week on Brush with Britt, I’m joined by Shelley Brown, RDH, for an eye-opening conversation about silver diamine fluoride (SDF) — one of the most exciting tools we have in modern preventive dentistry.

SDF isn’t just about “stopping cavities.” It represents a shift toward minimally invasive, patient-centered care that allows hygienists to expand their impact in meaningful ways.

Shelley shares her expertise and passion for prevention as we dive into:

-How SDF works to halt active decay and protect vulnerable teeth before they progress

-When to use it — from pediatric patients to older adults, special needs populations, and a wide range of patients in between.

-How hygienists can lead the way in incorporating SDF into preventive protocols and advocating for its use chairside

-Overcoming the stigma of staining by learning how to set patient expectations and frame the “why” behind treatment

-Communication strategies that work when explaining SDF to parents, caregivers, or hesitant patients

-Why SDF matters for prevention — especially as we fight health disparities and look for solutions beyond the drill-and-fill model

Shelley and I also talk about the bigger picture: how embracing preventive services like SDF helps us reclaim our role as primary prevention specialists in dentistry. For hygienists who are passionate about protecting smiles, reducing disease, and practicing at the top of their scope, SDF is an incredible tool that can change lives.

Whether you’re brand new to silver diamine fluoride or already using it in practice, this conversation will give you practical tips, renewed excitement, and the confidence to advocate for prevention-first dentistry.

🎧 Grab your headphones and join us for a powerful episode with Shelley Brown, RDH, as we celebrate what’s possible when hygienists lead the charge in prevention.

👉 If this episode sparks something for you, share it with your hygiene bestie, bring it up at your next team meeting, and keep the conversation on prevention growing!

Shelley Brown, MEd, BSDH, RDH, Shelley has worked in dentistry for 23 years. She co-owns Hygiene Edge, whose goal is to inspire dental professionals to be their best, and promote industry best practices. Their Youtube channel has over 25 million views on their helpful videos. Shelley also currently works as adjunct faculty at the Utah College of Dental Hygiene, a baccalaureate program. She owns Homebound Smiles, where she provides care in public health settings. Shelley is an award recipient of the 2021 Today’s RDH Honor Awards and was on the 2023 RDH Magazine advisory board. She loves riding her 4 young boys around in her cargo bike.

Contact Shelley:

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Instagram: @shelley_the_hygienist

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-brown-rdh/⁠

Disclaimer: The Brush with Britt podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of dentistry, medicine, or other health-care services. No provider–patient relationship is formed, and the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their licensed health-care providers for any questions or concerns. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brittany Glauz, (Brush with Britt).

This week on Brush with Britt, I sit down with Alana Hall, MHA, RDH, a former Army Preventive Dentistry Specialist turned registered dental hygienist, to unpack why adopting military-style preventive models is not the answer to our hygiene workforce shortage.

Drawing from her nine years of military service and 15 years across clinical, academic, and civilian care, Alana shares firsthand what the Army model was designed to do and why it can't be translated into civilian dentistry without putting patients at risk.

We cover:

-The real mission of military dentistry (battlefield readiness, not lifelong prevention)

-Why the “scaling assistant” approach fails to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care

-Ethical and legal risks of lowering standards

-How underserved populations suffer most when shortcuts replace prevention

This episode is a must-listen for hygienists, dentists, and anyone passionate about preserving the integrity of preventive care. Because all patients deserve comprehensive, high-quality dentistry that protects lifelong health.

🎧 Grab your headphones and join us as we break down what’s at stake when access is pursued at the expense of standards.

Alana Hall, MHA, RDH, is a mission-driven dental professional with over 15 years of experience across military, academic, and civilian settings. She began her career in the U.S. Army as a Dental and Preventive Dentistry Specialist, delivering care in both stateside and deployed environments. After earning her dental hygiene degree, Alana advanced into roles as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Clinical Care Coordinator, and Adjunct Professor, where she combined clinical excellence with leadership and education.

Today, Alana practices in a private periodontal office in South Carolina, where she provides comprehensive periodontal care and patient education. With advanced training in laser therapy, local anesthesia, and healthcare administration, she is passionate about patient-centered dentistry, lifelong learning, and advocating for high standards of care in the profession.

Connect with Alana:

[email protected]

Recommended reading:

"Adopting substandard military preventive dentistry models is not the answer to solving the dental hygiene workforce shortage"

https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-hygiene/article/55305332/adopting-substandard-military-preventive-dentistry-models-is-not-the-answer-to-solving-the-dental-hygiene-workforce-shortage

Follow me for more!

Social media: @BrushwithBritt

Want to have me on your podcast?

Want to be a guest on my podcast?

Email me!! 💌: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The Brush with Britt podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of dentistry, medicine, or other health-care services. No provider–patient relationship is formed, and the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their licensed health-care providers for any questions or concerns. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brittany Glauz or Brush with Britt, nor do they represent the official policy or position of the U.S. military or Department of Defense.

This week on Brush with Britt I’m joined by Dr. Staci Whitman, a leading voice in functional dentistry.

We explore how whole-person oral care can transform outcomes—what your saliva can reveal, why airway health is foundational, and how daily habits (yes, nutrition!) shape prevention. Plus, we dig into nano-hydroxyapatite, remineralization strategies, and how hygienists can confidently bring these conversations chairside.

What we cover

Functional dentistry 101: where it overlaps with conventional care and what sets it apart

Saliva testing: pathogens, pH, buffering, and personalizing perio/caries prevention

Airway evaluations: red flags hygienists can spot and why every hygienist (and dentist) should be performing an airway screening

Nano-hydroxyapatite: indications, concentrations, and patient counseling

Nutrition counseling: simple frameworks for sugar frequency, microbiome-friendly diets, and deficiencies that show up in the oral cavity.

🎧 Grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s dive into the future of functional hygiene together.

Dr. Staci Whitman, a leading authority in functional dentistry, is on a mission to revolutionize oral healthcare. With a unique blend of scientific expertise and compassionate care, she's dedicated to creating a cavity-free world. Dr. Staci is board-certified in pediatrics, integrative dentistry, and naturopathic dentistry, and is one of the few dentists in the world to hold a Functional Medicine Certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine. She founded one of the leading functional pediatric dental offices, Bloom Kids, in the country, where she takes a whole-body and holistic approach to her care. She is the co-founder of the Institute for Functional Dentistry, launching in 2025, and lectures globally on Functional Dentistry and the Oral Systemic Connection. She also is the co-founder of Feed Your Good Guys (Fygg), a microbiome-friendly and supportive oral care line. With a passion for optimizing the oral microbiome, hormonal health, nutritional status, and sleep and airway health, she is a sought-after expert and educator with a strong focus on preventive dentistry, cavity arrest, remineralization, and the oral-gut-brain axis. Dr. Staci passionately shares her knowledge and insights on creating happy teeth and healthy lives.

Contact Dr. Staci

Instagram: ⁨@doctor_staci⁩

Dr. Staci’s website and newsletter: doctorstaci.com

The Institute for Functional Dentistry: functionaldentistry.org

Follow me for more!

Social media: @BrushwithBritt

Want to have me on your podcast?

Want to be a guest on my podcast?

Email me!! 💌: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The Brush with Britt podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of dentistry, medicine, or other health-care services. No provider–patient relationship is formed, and the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their licensed health-care providers for any questions or concerns. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brittany Glauz, (Brush with Britt).

This week on Brush with Britt, I’m joined by the one and only Shelby RDH — yes, that Shelby from TikTok who has been serving up relatable RDH content and making perio cool again. 🦷✨

We’re diving into what it’s really like being a full-time perio hygienist — the good, the bad, and the why-did-I-choose-this moments. Shelby shares her journey from oral surgery to specializing in perio, the unique challenges (hello, complex cases 👀🪥), and the wins that make it all worth it.

We talk patient transformations, navigating burnout, and the reality of working with specialists. Plus… we get real about perio referrals, 12mm pockets 📏, and the new technology we’d love to practice with.

🎧 Listen in for:

Shelby’s day-in-the-life as a perio hygienist

Tips for thriving in a specialty setting without losing your sanity

Why perio doesn’t have to be scary — for you or your patients.

Grab your coffee , adjust that loupes light , and let’s talk gum health.

Shelby Wagenman brings 12 years of experience in dentistry, starting with a strong foundation in oral surgery. After graduating from dental hygiene school in 2022, she spent a year in general dentistry before finding her home in periodontics, where she’s honed her skills in soft tissue management and implants.

Having lived and worked in five different states, Shelby has practiced in a variety of settings, from a dental school and private practices to a mobile unit for the National Guard and volunteer clinics. This diverse background has given her a well-rounded perspective on patient care, and she’s passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences to inspire and support other dental professionals.

Connect with Shelby:

Email: [email protected]

Tiktok: @Shelby_RDH

Instagram: @shelbyy.rdh

Follow me for more!

Social media: @BrushwithBritt

Want to have me on your podcast?

Want to be a guest on my podcast?

Email me!! 💌: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on the Brush with Britt Podcast are their own and don’t represent the views of Brittany Glauz. Everything we discuss here is meant to inform, inspire, and entertain. Always connect with a licensed healthcare provider for any personal health concerns or decisions.

In this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Amber Lovatos, also known as The Latina RDH—an outspoken advocate, content creator, and powerhouse hygienist who’s built an online brand rooted in passion, purpose, and transparency.

Together, we’re getting into the real stuff about being a dental hygienist and content creator:

😬 The not-so-glamorous side of content creation—burnout, criticism, and constantly feeling the pressure to show up online

📦 Why we don’t accept “free product” as payment and how we advocate for creators (and professionals) to know their worth

💸 The truth about brand deals and sponsorships—and how to navigate them

🧠 Using your platform for GOOD—why impact should always come before influence

🤖 Buying followers and gaming the algorithm: let’s have an honest talk about what’s happening behind the scene

🧾 The business side of it all—from forming an LLC to filing taxes, this isn’t just a hobby anymore—it’s a business.

• This episode is part pep talk, part wake-up call, and 100% real. Whether you're a new grad trying to build your presence or a seasoned RDH feeling the pressure to stay relevant, this conversation is for YOU.

Amber shares her journey from starting out on social media to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the dental creator space; without losing her voice, her values, or her why.

We talk about the emotional weight of being visible, the behind-the-scenes politics of the industry, and how to navigate brand partnerships with confidence and clarity.

At the end of the day, we’re more than just our likes, our follower count, or the latest freebie in the mail. We’re professionals, educators, leaders—and we’re allowed to make noise, take up space, and demand better.

So plug in those headphones, grab your iced matcha or a protein bar between patients, and hit play on this honest convo with Amber Lovatos. You don’t want to miss it.

Connect with Amber:

@thelatinardh

[email protected]

https://www.dentalhygienespark.com/

Amber Lovatos, RDH, BSDH, is a clinician, educator, author, and champion for public health issues, she inspires industry colleagues with unique stories that include triumph over abuse and discovering her identity as “The Latina RDH.” Celebrated as her family’s first college graduate, Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from The University of Texas School of Dentistry She now hosts A Cuento De Dos Higienistas podcast. Amber is recipient of numerous national and state awards and academic scholarships including being named 2021’s Dimensions of Dental Hygiene Six Dental Hygienists You Want to Know & 2022 Sunstar Award of Distinction recipient. Amber is the co-author of Smiles Por Vida a Spanish & Spanglish not for profit children’s dental book. Amber is also the founder of Latin RDH, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the Latin dental hygiene community.

Follow me for more!

Social media: @BrushwithBritt

Want to have me on your podcast?

Want to be a guest on my podcast?

Email me!! 💌: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on the Brush with Britt Podcast are their own and don’t represent the views of Brittany Glauz. Everything we discuss here is meant to inform, inspire, and entertain. Always connect with a licensed healthcare provider for any personal health concerns or decisions.

In this episode of the BrushwithBritt Podcast, I sit down with Derik Sven 🦷 to unpack what autonomy really means for dental hygienists in 2025 (and beyond).

🎓 Whether you're a new grad hygienist or a seasoned hygienist dreaming of making a difference, this convo will help you:

✅ Understand your power and potential in patient care

✅ See how autonomy impacts the future of our profession

✅ Learn small steps you can take right now to practice with more confidence

✅ Get inspired to be part of the movement changing dental hygiene for good 🌟

💡 Why does this matter? Learning about autonomy helps you advocate for yourself and your patients, give the care you know is needed, and build a career you’re proud of, without burnout or limitations.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your place in this field, this episode will light a fire in you 🔥 and remind you that you can create change.

🎧 Grab your coffee, pop in your headphones, and hit play! Let’s shape the future of prevention together 🩵

Derik J. Sven, MBA, MPH, RDH, CDT, FADHA, has nearly two decades of experience as a board- certified lab tech and restorative hygienist. He holds undergraduate degrees in dental hygiene and health care administration, as well as master’s degrees in public health and business administration. He’s currently pursuing his doctorate in health science at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, where his research focuses on advancing the autonomy of dental hygienists and the broad integration of dental therapists into the health- care system. He’s an inaugural fellow of the ADHA and president-elect of Virginia's chapter.

Connect with Derik:

Email: [email protected]

dentistrywithderik.com

Follow me for more!

Social media: @BrushwithBritt

Want to have me on your podcast?

Want to be a guest on my podcast?

Email me!! 💌: [email protected]

Recommended reading:

"The case for dental hygienists’ autonomy, part I: Defining the paradigm" https://www.rdhmag.com/career-profession/alternative-practice/article/55273454/the-case-for-dental-hygienists-autonomy-part-i-defining-the-paradigm

Disclaimer: The Brush with Britt podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of dentistry, medicine, or other health-care services. No provider–patient relationship is formed, and the content is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their licensed health-care providers for any questions or concerns. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brittany Glauz, (Brush with Britt).

Get ready to dive deep into the world of dental waterline maintenance with none other than Amanda Hill BSDH, RDH CDIPC, educator, speaker, and infection control queen! 👑💧

In this episode of Brush with Britt, we’re flushing out the truth behind those sneaky biofilms, the importance of regular testing, and what every hygienist (and dental office!) should be doing to keep their waterlines safe and squeaky clean. Amanda breaks it all down with her signature blend of science, humor, and solutions you can actually use.

Whether you’re new to infection control or think you’ve got it down, this episode will leave you laughing, learning, and definitely rethinking what’s flowing through those lines. 🦷🚿

Spoiler: Yes, you really do need to test regularly.

Tune in and let's talk dirty water—the clean way.

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC, is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author. A sought-after thought leader contributing invaluable and inspiring insights into the current trends in dentistry. Affectionately known as the Waterline Warrior, she brings over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene and education to dentistry. Recipient of ADS’s Emerging Infection Control Leader award and an active participant with the advisory board for RDH magazine, Dentistry IQ, and ADS’s Infection Control In Practice Editorial Review Board, Amanda strives to make topics in dentistry accurate, accessible, and fun!

Connect with Amanda! [email protected]

Follow me for more!

Social media: @BrushwithBritt

Want to have me on your podcast?

Want to be a guest on my podcast?

Email me!! 💌: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on the Brush with Britt Podcast are their own and don’t represent the views of Brittany Glauz. Everything we discuss here is meant to inform, inspire, and entertain. Always connect with a licensed healthcare provider for any personal health concerns or decisions.