Recent dental hygiene graduate Nancy Her shares her career path from dental assisting and a biology degree to completing an accelerated dental hygiene program and entering clinical practice as an RDH. She and Dana discuss student loans, finding patients for school, accepting constructive feedback, and building confidence during the transition from dental hygiene student to practicing hygienist. Growth often comes from staying open to learning, seeking feedback, and focusing on steady progress rather than perfection. Apply this to any part of your dental hygiene journey and you'll see how much you can improve!

🟠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

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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

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What does it look like to enter a profession where you don't see many people who look like you? In this episode, Dana sits down with the DHY Boys—Madhi, Javi, and Michael, three first-year dental hygiene students navigating the challenges, opportunities, and realities of hygiene school as men in a female-dominated profession. They share their experiences with managing the workload of dental hygiene school, finding their purpose, building confidence in clinic, and staying connected to the reasons they chose dental hygiene. This conversation is a great listen for anyone considering a career in dental hygiene- where there is room for everyone!

🟠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

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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

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Career growth in dental hygiene rarely follows a straight line. In this episode, Dana Schmitt, RDH, shares how a sociology degree, nonprofit work in Ecuador, and a later start in dental hygiene helped shape a fulfilling career where she supports dental hygiene students and educators nationwide with Cloud Dentistry. If you're a dental hygiene student or new grad wondering whether you're behind or unsure of your next step, this conversation offers a practical reminder that meaningful careers are often built one decision at a time.

🟠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

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Guest Melanie Boyd, BS, RDH, and founder of New Wave Perio, discusses her journey from dental school rejection to building a successful dental hygiene business centered around periodontal endoscopy. She faced challenges in dental hygiene school, navigated self-doubt, learned to accept constructive feedback, pushed herself to explore different career opportunities with her RDH degree, and used all this experience to build her business model. This is a story that showcases how crucial it is to be comfortable being uncomfortable- because that's how greatness is achieved.

🟠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.

Preparing to start dental hygiene school can look different for everyone. Dana is sharing how you can be ready to embark on this two year jourey by managing your finances, strengthening your study habits, building a support system, and protecting your mental and physical health. She also discusses the most common challenges students face when starting a rigorous dental hygiene program and offers realistic strategies to help you start with a stronger foundation. If you're preparing for dental hygiene school, this episode provides actionable guidance to help you enter the program with greater clarity, confidence, and support. If you're looking for more resources on preparing for dental hygiene school, sign up for the Dental Hygiene Basic Training program here: https://dentalhygienebasics.thinkific.com/courses/dental-hygiene-basic-training

🟠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

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Felicity DeLemos, aka Tooth Fairy RDH, joins the podcast to share her path from dental assisting to dental hygiene school, career burnout as a newly graduate, and eventually expanding into entrepreneurship. Felicity shares tips on setting boundaries in school with practical study strategies, time management habits, and the importance of checking in with yourself before burnout takes over. If you’ve been searching for realistic advice on dental hygiene school, RDH burnout, student loans, or career flexibility in dentistry, this episode delivers grounded insight without the pressure to have everything figured out.

🟠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.

What makes one dental hygiene school or scholarship application stand out while another gets overlooked? In this episode, Dana shares the most common personal statement mistakes she sees after reviewing hundreds of dental hygiene school and scholarship applications. You'll learn how to move beyond generic answers, tell a story that reflects who you are, and use AI as a tool without losing your authentic voice.

🟠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.