In this episode of Hygiene Elevated Conversations and Innovations, hosts Amanda and Olivia speak with Dannia Chavis about her journey into dental hygiene, starting from her childhood fascination with teeth to her current career. Dannia shares her unexpected path into the field, the importance of addressing periodontal issues in practice, and her non-negotiables when choosing an employer. She also discusses the value of strong training programs, the impact of financial literacy, and the benefits of working in Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). Dannia reveals her future plans, including pursuing further education and possible career shifts away from clinical work. The conversation also touches on Dannia's active Instagram presence, where she supports and advises dental hygiene students. Overall, Dannia emphasizes the significance of passion, proper financial management, and continuous self-advocacy in building a successful and fulfilling career in dental hygiene.

Episode Description:

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Hicks, DA II, a trailblazer in the dental industry who made history by launching the first teeth whitening-only commercial storefront in Eastern Canada. Starting her career in 2015, Rachel's passion led her to establish U Whitening, a pioneering studio offering advanced teeth whitening services.

Beyond her studio's success, Rachel expanded her expertise by creating Fern Whitening Supplies, one of North America's fastest-growing teeth whitening supply companies. She also hosts the "Whitening Wednesday" podcast, where she shares insights and mentors others in the industry.

Join us as Rachel shares her inspiring journey from dental assistant to industry leader, discussing the challenges and triumphs of transforming the teeth whitening landscape in Canada.

Connect with Rachel:

• Instagram: @mentorrach
• Fern Whitening Supplies
• Whitening Wednesday Podcast

Tune in to hear Rachel's story and gain insights into the evolving world of teeth whitening!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Shelley Brown, RDH, as we explore the power of PerioDT by Young in periodontal therapy. Shelley shares how she integrates biofilm debridement and sulfonated phenolics into her hygiene protocols—both in clinical and mobile settings—to enhance patient care.

We'll break down the science behind PerioDT, including its role in periodontal treatment and its impact on the smear layer, all backed by key research studies. If you're looking for an innovative approach to managing periodontal disease, this episode is a must-listen!

Explore the research and learn more about PerioDT here:
Young Specialties - PerioDT Research

A special thank you to PerioDT by Young for sponsoring this episode!

In this episode of Hygiene Elevated, we’re joined by the incredible Shelley Brown, RDH—a stellar educator with a knack for breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand insights. Shelley dives deep into the world of periodontal staging and grading, sharing all the cool facts you need to know to confidently apply this knowledge in your clinical practice.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with India Chance, a seasoned dental hygienist, educator, and Key Opinion Leader for Ansell, as we explore her career journey and her advocacy for ergonomics in dentistry. India shares her personal experiences, including the challenges she’s faced, how she overcame them, and why she believes ergonomics is crucial for dental professionals’ long-term success.

This podcast was brought to you by Ansell – a leading global partner in safety solutions and PPE for the dental and the healthcare industries.  Ansell is the ONLY provider to offer ERGOFORM™ Ergonomic Design Technology, which reduces muscle efforts in the hands by at least 20% while performing repetitive tasks compared to wearing standard exam gloves. Visit https://www.ansell.com/us/en/campaigns/know-the-difference-dental/prevent-hand-fatigue? to learn more and experience the difference for yourself.

In this episode of the Hygiene Elevated podcast, we sit down with Lindsay Lee, an inspiring Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) who took her passion for patient care to the next level by pursuing nursing school. Now a licensed RN, Lindsay specializes in administering Botox, combining her dental expertise with advanced aesthetics. Join us as we discuss Lindsay's unique career path, the challenges of balancing dual professions, and her advice for dental hygienists interested in expanding their scope of practice. Tune in for a conversation filled with inspiration, innovation, and actionable insights!

In this heartwarming episode of the Hygiene Elevated Conversations and Innovations Podcast, we are joined by the incredible Dana Yumul, RDHAP, EF II—also known as Dental Dana. Dana is a California-based dental hygienist with a passion for serving those in need, providing dental services directly to the homes of patients with disabilities. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey of making a difference in the lives of her patients, the challenges and rewards of offering in-home care, and the incredible heart behind her work.

In this episode, we sit down with the phenomenal Jasmin Haley, RDH, an entrepreneur, speaker, and coach who is redefining success in the dental hygiene world and beyond. Jasmin shares her inspiring journey, from building her thriving business to helping others unlock their professional potential.

In this episode of the Hygiene Elevated Podcast, we chat with Dr. James Younger, DDS, the founder of TempStars, a game-changing platform for dental hygiene temping. After graduating from the University of Toronto and working in private practice, Dr. Younger saw an opportunity to make temping easier and more flexible for hygienists. In 2015, he launched TempStars, which now helps dental offices quickly find great hygienists and gives hygienists the freedom to live a busy, empowered professional life. We dive into his journey, the impact TempStars has had on the hygiene community, and how it’s making life easier for both offices and hygienists. If you’re looking for fresh insights into the future of dental hygiene work, this episode is for you!

In this episode of Hygiene Elevated: Conversations and Innovations, we're joined by the incredible Nichelle Venable, RDH—a dedicated provider, mentor, and inspiring leader in the field. Nichelle shares her unique perspective on diversity in dentistry, diving into her personal experiences and the impact of representation in our profession. We explore what it means to uplift one another as we work toward a more inclusive dental community. Plus, we're thrilled to have this episode sponsored by Arklign's Gum Hero, a powerful product for perio care that’s making a real difference for our patients. Tune in for an insightful conversation you won’t want to miss!