In this episode of the BrushwithBritt podcast, we discuss the importance of dental hygienists understanding the business and production side of dentistry.

Join me as we explore how mastering the numbers not only empowers hygienists but also enhances the value they bring to the practices. We'll tackle the common misconceptions surrounding the ethics of being business-savvy in a healthcare role and demonstrate why it's essential, not unethical, for hygienists to be well-versed in the economic aspects of their work.

This episode is packed with insights on how being knowledgeable about the numbers can lead to better patient care, increased clinic efficiency, and personal career growth. Whether you’re a practicing hygienist or still in training, this discussion will help you start to understand production and the business side of dentistry.

Recommended readings:

Crunching the numbers: Using metrics to improve job performance and patient outcomes Part I and Part II written by Josalyn Sewell, RDH

Tiktok: @brushwithbritt search #productionwithbritt

In this episode Sue Scherer, RDH, BS and I discuss the crucial role dental hygienists play in caring for pregnant patients. Pregnancy brings significant changes that can affect oral health, and understanding these changes is essential for effective treatment and care. We'll cover everything from the increased risk of periodontal disease during pregnancy to the best practices for managing dental hygiene appointments to ensure both mother and baby's health are protected. This episode is packed with valuable information for dental professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in prenatal dental care. Join us as we dive into the do's and don'ts of dental hygiene for expecting mothers, ensuring their smile stays bright and healthy throughout their pregnancy.

Sue Scherer, RDH, BS is the Education Professional Relations Manager for Water Pik Inc. She has been a dental hygienist for over 20 years and has experience as a chairside clinician, dental hygiene program instructor, CE speaker and author. Sue is an active member of the ADHA, NJDHA, and ADEA. She is the Immediate Past President of the NJDHA and a member of the Bergen Community College Dental Hygiene Advisory Board. Sue is passionate about educating dental professionals. Her courses provide the current scientific evidence on topics that often bring confusion to patient care. Sue lives in Mahwah, NJ with her husband, two sons and their sweet rescue pup Harley.

Recommended reading: https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14279348/safely-caring-for-pregnant-dental-patients

Recommended webinar: https://www.gotostage.com/channel/24830adc58984892be28b36a1108901b/recording/9948ab62d24c45caa4732c091b5eca72/watch

Contact Sue Scherer: [email protected]

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Registered Dental Hygienists in Alternative Practice (RDHAPs) in California and explore the critical impact of hygienist-owned practices across the United States. Join us as we delve into how RDHAPs are breaking barriers to increase access to care, especially in underserved communities. We discuss the unique challenges they face, the innovative solutions they provide, and the empowering journey of dental hygienists who are pioneering their own practices. Tune in to learn why these trailblazers are essential in shaping a more inclusive and accessible dental care system.

Sade Morel, RDHAP is originally from Rhode Island. She has more than 10 years of experience in the dental field, and was a specialty RDA before becoming a hygienist. Sade is owns her own dental hygiene practice in California and encourages others to do the same. When she's not practicing, she enjoys photography, traveling, ,eating healthy, and working out Professional Associations Board member to GRC, Tri-county Dental Hygienists' Association, American Dental Hygienists' Association

Dental Hygiene Practice • (909) 801-1061 ~ [email protected] 

Instagram: @SmilesbySade_RDHAP

"I have a great passion for dental health. My goal as a dental hygienist is to make genuine connections with my patients by providing the most up-to-date quality care available. Having a positive experience is a high importance to me. I take pride in making my patient's visits enjoyable and fun."

https://www.ultra-brite-smiles.com/hygiene

In this episode of BrushWithBritt, we highlight the crucial role dental hygienists play in expanding access to oral healthcare. We explore the innovative ways hygienists are stepping beyond traditional settings to provide essential care in schools, nursing homes, and mobile clinics.

Discover how increased autonomy for dental hygienists can bridge gaps in dental care access, particularly in underserved communities.

Tune in to hear Shelley Brown's inspiring stories and expert insights. Don't miss this empowering discussion on the transformative impact of dental hygienists working in alternative settings!

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. 

Helpful resource for all things dental hygiene:

https://www.hygieneedge.com/

Instagram: @hygieneedge

Contact Shelley: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss dental hygienists administering Botox and dermal fillers. As the scope of dental hygiene expands, professionals are increasingly equipped to offer these aesthetic treatments, enhancing both facial aesthetics and therapeutic applications within dental practices.

We'll explore the training required, the legal and ethical considerations, and how these skills can complement traditional dental care.

Hear from Katie, an experienced hygienist, who has successfully integrated these services. Whether you're a dental professional curious about expanding your services or a patient interested in what your dental hygienist can offer beyond oral health, this episode provides valuable insights into this evolving practice.

Tune in to discover how the roles of dental hygienists are transforming in the world of cosmetic and therapeutic treatments.

Katie Barrer is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Certified Esthetic Injector. Elevating her traditional hygiene skills, Katie integrates Botox and dermal filler into her practice viewing them as essential components in her dental hygiene tool kit!

Katie is also a faculty member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and enjoys traveling the country teaching health care professionals the art of injecting and facial esthetics! 

Connect with her on instagram @theRDHinjector or email her at [email protected]

Recommend readings:

"This got you talking: What's your take on RDHs administering Botox?" by Sara Joyce

"The buzz about Botox: What dental hygienists need to know" by Tala Alkhatib, BSDH(c), Saheleh Ansarizadeh, BSDH, Michelle Mendoza Nicolas, BSDH, Lesley Harbison, MS, RDH, EPDH

"Dental hygienists and Botox: It's complicated" by Jessica Myers, BA, RDH

"Dental hygienist-owned practices: Transforming dentistry through prevention" by Britt Glauz, BSDH, RDH

Today, you'll hear straight from a dental hygiene school professor! Everything from studying tips to managing stress while in dental hygiene school. This episode shares advice to help get you through school. We touch on finding patients, mental health, imposter syndrome and more. Even if you are half way through the program, you will still benefit from this episode.

Melissa Calhoun, a 2005 graduate of Pensacola State College's dental hygiene program, is a distinguished professional with extensive experience in pediatric, implant, and general dentistry. In 2021, she earned her master’s in dental hygiene with an education focus from MCPHS University. Based in Keller, TX, Melissa is an educator at Tarrant County College in their Dental Hygiene Department, where she teaches Radiology, Oral Anatomy and Histology, and Pharmacology. Melissa is also a clinician, a faculty member with Sanders Board Preparatory, a professional educator with Church and Dwight, and an SDA trainer with EMS Dental. In leadership roles, she serves as the President-Elect of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene. Melissa's dynamic contributions highlight her commitment to advancing oral health education and professional growth.

The AADH (American Academy of Dental Hygiene) has not begun accepting student membership yet. I encourage students to join our emailing list (LINK HERE ) to be the first to learn when registration begins. Once they accept students, the mentorship program will be opened to them.

Contact Melissa:

[email protected]

Additional recommended episodes:

54. Hygiene School Advice

32. Pressure of Hygiene School

25. Navigating Hygiene School

22. Managing Hygiene School

12. Working While in Dental Hygiene School

3. Finding Patients

2. Six Tips for Starting Dental Hygiene School

In this episode, Jessica Woods, MPH, RDH, RDA and I discuss how dental hygienists are stepping into innovative roles beyond traditional clinical practice.

Particularly focusing on taking on the role of Clinical Advisor. We'll discuss the transition from patient care to shaping the dental industry through training sales teams, contributing to product development, and ensuring clinical accuracy in marketing materials.

Hear from Jessica who has expanded her impact by managing training programs, participating in regulatory strategies, and supporting quality assurance and product claims with her expertise.

This episode is created to inspire dental hygienists to consider ALL the opportunities available in the dental field, encouraging them to apply their skills to a variety of new settings.

Tune in to discover how dental hygienists are taking on non-traditional roles and what steps you can take to take on a similar journey.

Jessica L. Woods, MPH, RDH, Founder, seeks to empower the dental industry to a bright future by inspiring clinicians to reignite their careers. A 20-year veteran in the industry, she is a clinical product expert, thought leader, non-profit practice owner and sought-after mentor. Woods has spoken to thousands of dental professions across the country offering her unique experiences implementing dental implant programs and had lead product go-to-market strategies from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

Affectionally known as the #ExecutiveRDH, she has scaled her way to the boardroom since graduation from West Coast University with Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and master’s degree in public health from A.T. Still University. She has been recognized as one of the 50 Top Teledentistry Leaders and Hygienist of the Year.

She has a strong passion for introducing others to alternative careers paths in dentistry and supporting them as they grow in the profession. She established the Dental Public Health Collaborative which offers post-graduate training and a mentorship network to her colleagues as they venture out of the traditional four-walls of dentistry.

Contact Jessica: [email protected]

In this episode,' we dive into the crucial role dental hygienists play in airway evaluation and the management of sleep-disordered breathing. Hygienists are in a unique position to identify signs and symptoms of sleep-related issues that often go unnoticed. We'll explore what to look for, the questions to ask, and how to initiate conversations with patients about sleep disordered breathing.

Bethany highlights the importance of continuing education in dental sleep medicine for hygienists, offering practical advice on where to start and how to integrate this knowledge into daily practice.

This episode emphasizes the importance of dental-medical integration, advocating for a more collaborative approach between dental professionals and medical providers to enhance patient care. We encourage our listeners to embrace the opportunities in dental sleep medicine, not only to expand their professional skill set but also to play a pivotal role in improving their patients' overall health and quality of life.

Whether you're new to the concept of dental sleep medicine or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode is a call to action for hygienists to start to implement airway evaluations and become knowledgeable about dental sleep medicine. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference in the lives of your patients by educating on sleep disordered breathing.

Bethany Montoya, BAS, RDH, is a practicing dental hygienist, editorial director of DentistryIQ's Clinical Insights newsletter and a key opinion leader. She has advanced knowledge and training in complex cosmetic dentistry, dental sleep medicine, and implant dentistry. Recently, she has devoted her time to dentistry’s personal and interpersonal aspects through her social media brand, @humanrdh.

Contact Bethany at [email protected]