Hygiene Rising

Discover your power to drive change in dental hygiene. Derik Sven reveals model legislation for dental hygiene autonomy—a blueprint hygienists can champion in their states. Federal lobbyist Quardricos Driskell shares how to amplify your voice through federal advocacy and Congressional relationships. Abby Rennau demonstrates the impact of taking action—applying for the Esther Wilkins Scholarship transformed her career, enabling bachelor's and master's degrees while teaching future hygienists. Dr. Sonika Masih shows how individual initiative creates impact through her ADHA Foundation grant "Giving Smiles," removing financial barriers for patients at Minnesota State University's clinic. Each story proves that individual action creates collective change.

Guests: Derik J. Sven, MPH, MBA, RDH, CDT, FADHA, President, VDHA; Quardricos Driskell, Federal Lobbyist, Lobbyit; Abby G. Rennau, RDH, BSDH, MEd, Clinical Instructor, Central Community College; Dr. Sonika Masih, BDS, MS, RDH, EdD, Associate Professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

Links: https://www.adha.org | https://www.adha.org/foundation | https://www.adha2025.org

Final day from the ADHA25 exhibit floor brings conversations on collaboration, global leadership, and innovation. Amber Mendoza of Heartland Dental discusses building career ecosystems for 6,000 hygienists through mentorship infrastructure. Dr. Bill Paveletz with VOCO chats with Matt about the latest prevention products on the market.  IFDH President Jill Rethman shares the federation's global white paper series and previews the 2026 International Symposium in Milan. ADHA President Lancette VanGuilder joins Gary Pickard from PDS Health to announce a groundbreaking dental care benefit program for ADHA members and their families through PDS Health's 1,200+ practices. Katrina Sanders reveals Waterpik's Precisionist Campaign—a patient-centric approach to customized home care protocols that empowers periodontal patients with targeted self-care tools.

Guests: Amber Mendoza, RDH, Director of Hygiene Operations, Heartland Dental; Bill Paveletz, DMD North America Clinical Educator, VOCO; Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA, President, IFDH; Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA, ADHA President; Gary Pickard, Senior Director, Government and Industry Affairs, PDS Health; Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, MEd, RF

Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

Links: https://heartland.com | https://ifdh.org | https://www.smilegenerationdentalplan.com/adha | https://www.waterpik.com | https://www.adha.org | https://www.adha2025.org

ADHA25 Podversations Saturday (Ep 167)

Day two from the ADHA25 exhibit floor features conversations on prevention and professional longevity. Haley Buckner of Elevate Oral Care highlights their All Day Dry Mouth line and reveals how combining povidone iodine with fluoride varnish prevents 31% more decay than varnish alone. Ergonomics specialist Katrina Klein introduces Philips' new Sonicare 7400 electric toothbrush with thinner brush head design and advanced pressure distribution. Jen Post from Solventum unveils ClinPro Clear—a water-based fluoride varnish designed for better patient acceptance. Bennett Blakeman, CEO of K Pharmaceuticals, explains how Aquoral's lipid-based formula creates lasting relief for chronic xerostomia patients. Dr. Kyle Hubbell from Kenvue presents clinical research supporting three-step oral hygiene routines and discusses Listerine's partnership with ADHA in advancing disease prevention education.

Guests: Haley Buckner, RDH, FADHA, Elevate Oral Care; Katrina Klein, RDH, CEAS, CPT, Philips; Jennifer Post, RDH, MDH, Solventum; Bennett Blakeman, CEO, K Pharmaceuticals; Dr. Kyle Hubbell, PhD, Senior Scientist, Kenvue

Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

Related Links: https://www.elevateoralcare.com | https://ergofitlife.com | https://www.solventum.com | https://www.aquoralspray.com | https://www.philips.com/sonicare | https://www.listerine.com | https://www.adha2025.org

Straight from the Long Beach Convention Center, Matt takes you to the exhibit floor of the ADHA25 Annual Conference. Joining him is Jennifer Hill, ADHA CEO in her first appearance on the program discussing ADHA's recent governance transformation to a competency-based board, the newly completed three-year strategic plan focusing on autonomy for the profession, and she shares exciting news about a rebrand of this podcast program: look forward to "Hygiene RisingTM" launching in October during National Dental Hygiene Month. Industry leader Linda Miller, CEO of PDT Dental. discusses her 41-year journey in dental instruments, the ergonomic innovations behind her designs, and how clinician feedback shapes product development. Hygienist Inspired Ambassadors Hali Householder and Justin Nance share their passion for recruiting the next generation of dental hygienists through chairside conversations and high school career events across all 50 states.

Relate Links:

American Dental Hygienists' Association Rebrands Podcast to "Hygiene Rising™"

National Dental Hygiene Month 2025

Visit Paradise Dental Technologies

Hygienist Inspired Program, sponsored by Delta Dental Foundation

Take the Pledge! Become a Hygienist Inspired Ally

Matt Crespin welcomes Michelle Strange as co-host for a timely conversation with Michelle Lee from the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) during Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM). When the CDC eliminated its Division of Oral Health back in April, ADS stepped up to fill the gap. They launched the ADS Institute for Dental Safety and Science to oversee the dental infection prevention guidelines that thousands of practitioners rely on daily. Michelle Lee talks through the ADS's innovative "Ask ADS" AI chat tool — your go-to for vetted infection control answers. She also shares important upcoming dental infection events. Your hosts address common misconceptions in infection control compliance and the importance of moving beyond legacy errors. This episode is packed with practical insights every dental professional needs to keep patient safety front and center.

Guest: Michelle Lee, CPC, Executive Director, Association for Dental Safety
Co-Hosts: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA and Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH

Important Links: 

https://www.myads.org
https://www.myads.org/press-releases
https://www.myads.org/ask-ads
https://www.myads.org/resources

Get ready for ADHA's Annual Conference returning to California for the first time in 25 years! ADHA Director of Meetings, Leah Johnson, joins host Matt Crespin with everything you need to know before heading to Long Beach, Oct. 4-6. Discover exciting new events including Colgate's Science Hub demo, fireside chats, free professional headshots, rapid-fire education sessions, beach cleanup, and celebrations. Plus AI transforms you into a dental hygienist Barbie at the Malibu-themed reception and much more! Get Leah's insider details for first-time attendees, hands-on learning, community service events and navigating the event. From travel logistics to the Foundation's Wellness Challenge listen in to maximize your ADHA25 experience!
Guest: Leah Johnson, CMP, DES, Director of Meetings & Corporate Development, ADHA Foundation 
Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

https://www.adha2025.org

ADHA President Lancette Van Guilder join host Matt Crespin for the conversation every dental hygienist needs to hear right now. ADHA's modernized governance structure is finally enabling rapid response to today's real legislative threats that challenge your livelihood, while ADHA pushes toward self-regulation – hear why this matters for your career. Their candid conversation addresses barriers to change – fear, mindset, and resistance – making a compelling case for why now is the best opportunity in decades for dental hygienists to claim their role in healthcare as disease prevention specialists. Lancette reveals record membership growth, new career-stage categories and new strategic partnerships. Essential listening for any hygienist ready to be part of the solution.

Guest: Lancette Van Guilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA

Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

ADHA Newsroom
https://www.adha.org/Newsroom

ADHA At Work for You
https://www.adha.org/WorkingForYou

ADHA Hygienist Hub
https://www.adha.org/HygienistHub

ADHA CE Smart
https://www.adha.org/CEsmart

When Nevada's Senate Bill 495 threatened to eliminate educational requirements for dental hygienists, ADHA and local Nevada hygienists sprang into action. In this must-listen episode, ADHA President Elect Lancette VanGuilder of Nevada together with Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian, Nevada's Karen Solie and host Matt Crespin - all ADHA past presidents - reveal the inside story of the legislative strategy and success in Nevada. Hear how tight coordination between national and state efforts paired with relentless "boots on the ground" advocacy and mobilization of the dental hygiene community contributed to the defeat of dangerous legislation that could have compromised public safety. This is a blueprint with the practical insights you need in order to stay on top of legislative threats coming to your state - the strategy, the critical importance of early ADHA partnership and proven tactics that work. With other states already in the crosshairs, this pod episode is essential listening for dental hygienists nationwide, to unite and protect professional standards and public safety.

Guests: ADHA President Elect Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA; Caryn Solie, RDH, FADHA and JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA
Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

Workforce Growth Initiatives   
https://www.adha.org/WorkforceGrowth2025

ADHA Advocacy Action Center
https://www.adha.org/takeaction

ADHA Working for You
https://www.adha.org/WorkingForYou

Nevada Dental Hygienists' Association
https://nvdha.com/

A Battle Well Fought in Nevada
https://www.adha.org/hygienist-hub/a-battle-well-fought-in-nevada/ 

ADHA Newsroom
https://www.adha.org/Newsroom 

Malia Taylor, RDH shares her incredible journey of obtaining licenses in nine states since graduating in 2019. What started as a necessity for her during the COVID-19 pandemic became a unique career showcasing the challenges and opportunities of multi-state practice. Malia shares her insider perspective with Host Matt Crespin, including navigating complex licensing requirements, managing multiple renewals and tracking varied continuing education across states. She discusses practical realities from straightforward applications to those requiring additional law exams and extensive documentation. They discuss how the growing Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) Compact will transform professional mobility. From her favorite practice location to the costly licensing process, Malia offers valuable insights for hygienists considering travel and multi-state opportunities or geographic relocation. Essential listening for any dental hygienist interested in expanding their practice locations. This podcast is sponsored by GoTu.
Guest: Malia Taylor, RDH
Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Emily Boge brings her passionate advocacy to the forefront as she shares her journey from pharmacy student to influential voice in dental hygiene. Host Matt Crespin engages Dr. Boge in a candid discussion about how the profession's code of ethics and clinical standards serve as the bedrock of public trust. They tackle head-on the alarming industry trends threatening to dilute educational requirements across multiple states. Dr. Boge makes a compelling case for why ADHA membership isn't just beneficial – it's an ethical imperative for every dental hygienist. Don't miss this energizing conversation filled with practical wisdom for maintaining professional integrity and navigating ethical challenges – essential for every dental hygienist committed to advancing our profession. 
Guest: Emily Boge, EdD, RDH, CDA, FAADH, FADHA, CDIPC 
Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

Important Links: 

Emily's Hygienist Hub Article: https://www.adha.org/hygienist-hub/our-professional-association-is-important/

Standards for Dental Hygiene Care: https://www.adha.org/education-resources/standards/ 

ADHA Code of Ethics: https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ADHA-Code-of-Ethics_FY24_10_18.pdf

ADHA and IFDH Joint Statement on Qualified Dental Hygiene Providers: https://www.adha.org/newsroom/adha-ifdh-joint-position-statement-qualified-dental-hygiene-providers/