Traditional learning in dental hygiene can often feel repetitive and uninspiring, but what if education could be engaging, interactive, and fun? In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, I sit down with Maggie Moodie, a dental hygienist, educator, and founder of Play with a Purpose, a game-based learning consultancy specializing in dental hygiene education.

With a background in public health, chiropractic care, and instructional design, Maggie brings a unique and innovative approach to education—one that supports both students and educators in making learning more effective and enjoyable.

🚀 In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ How game-based learning enhances engagement and retention in dental education

✅ The connection between ergonomics, education, and student success

✅ Why incorporating movement, play, and creativity into training is so important

✅ The challenges students and educators face in dental hygiene programs

✅ How Maggie is transforming traditional learning methods to create sustainable, accessible, and effective education

💡 If you’re a student, educator, or lifelong learner in dentistry, this episode will inspire you to rethink how we teach and absorb information in the profession!

About Maggie: Maggie Moodie is a dental hygienist and the founder of "Play with a Purpose," a game-based learning consultancy specializing in dental hygiene. As a former rural public health hygienist with a chiropractic assistant background, she understands the challenges of physical and mental well-being in this demanding profession.

Maggie has a unique blend of expertise which includes: Dental Hygiene, Higher Education, Instructional Design and Game Design. Her passion is to support both students and educators by creating learning materials that are engaging, effective, and fun.

Connect with Maggie Moodie: 

🔗 Maggie Moodie’s Website

🔗 Follow Maggie on LinkedIn

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

Burnout is a reality for many dental professionals, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your career. In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, I sit down with Heather DeYoung, a practicing hygienist and burnout coach, to discuss the hidden dangers of chronic stress in dentistry and how to build a sustainable, fulfilling career.

We get real about what burnout looks like, why so many hygienists experience it, and—most importantly—how to recognize the warning signs before it takes over your life. Heather shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout, the emotional and physical toll it took, and how she transformed her struggles into a passion for helping others.

🚀 In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The biggest misconceptions about burnout and why it happens in dentistry

✅ How mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion can show up in unexpected ways

✅ The importance of nervous system regulation in managing workplace stress

✅ Why movement, mindfulness, and mindset shifts are key to long-term career success

✅ Practical burnout recovery strategies you can start using today

✅ How to advocate for yourself in the workplace and create boundaries that support your well-being

💡 If you’ve ever felt exhausted, unmotivated, or unsure about your future in dentistry, this conversation will give you hope, tools, and next steps to take back control of your career and well-being.

About Heather: Heather DeYoung is a practicing hygienist of over 15 years in Denver, Colorado. After recovering from her own burnout, Heather decided to start sharing her burnout story and become a stress & burnout coach for hygienists with the hopes of preventing others from experiencing burnout's dark pitfalls. When she's not in the op or coaching, she enjoys snowboarding with her husband and dog, running, and practicing yoga.

Connect with Heather on Instagram!

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, I sit down with Heather Kenney, a Registered Dental Hygienist with nearly 20 years of experience across general practice, DSOs, periodontology, and holistic dentistry. As an HIAOMT-certified practitioner and oral health coach with Bristol Health, Heather is passionate about bridging traditional dental care with integrative health approaches.

Her work focuses on the oral microbiome, salivary diagnostics, and the oral-systemic connection, helping patients and dental teams take a comprehensive, root-cause approach to care.

🚀 In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ Heather’s journey from traditional hygiene to holistic and integrative dentistry

✅ Why salivary diagnostics are key to understanding oral and systemic health

✅ How the oral microbiome impacts overall wellness and disease prevention

✅ The connection between airway health, myofunctional therapy, and dentistry

✅ Tips for dental professionals to prioritize whole-body wellness in patient care

💡 If you’re interested in the future of dentistry, functional health, and how to integrate a more holistic approach into your practice, this episode is for you!

About Heather: Heather Kenney is a Registered Dental Hygienist with nearly 20 years of experience in general practice, DSOs, periodontology, and holistic dentistry. As an HIAOMT-certified practitioner and Oral Health Coach with Bristle Health, she bridges traditional care with integrative approaches, focusing on the oral microbiome, salivary diagnostics, and the oral-systemic connection. Heather empowers patients and dental teams to prioritize prevention, address root causes, and deliver comprehensive care. Her mission to “put the head back on the body” drives her passion for redefining health through collaboration and education.

Connect with Heather & Bristle Health: 

🔗 Bristol Health Website

🔗 Follow Heather on Instagram

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, I sit down with Deb Dencik, a Registered Clinical Dental Hygienist, Certified Ergonomicist, and Yoga Teacher, to discuss the intersection of ergonomics, innovation, and well-being in dentistry. Deb is a nationally recognized speaker and educator known for her expertise in instrumentation, AI, and ergonomic solutions for dental professionals.

As the inventor and CEO of Cordeze, an award-winning ergonomic tool designed to enhance clinicians' comfort and efficiency, Deb shares the inspiration behind her innovation and how it is transforming the way dental professionals work.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ Deb’s journey from clinical hygiene to inventing an ergonomic solution

✅ The importance of proper ergonomics in preventing workplace pain and burnout

✅ Why the mind-body-spirit connection is essential for sustainable careers

✅ Tips for dental professionals to optimize their posture and workflow

💡 If you’ve ever struggled with pain in your hands, wrists, or shoulders from clinical practice, this episode is for you!

About Debi: Debi Dencek is a registered clinical dental hygienist, certified ergonomist, and yoga instructor dedicated to the mind-body-spirit connection. She earned her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Northern Arizona University and has shared her expertise through nationally published articles, industry webinars, and podcasts. 

As a sought-after speaker, she presents continuing education courses and workshops at national dental conferences, empowering professionals with innovative strategies for instrumentation, ergonomics and AI. As the inventor and CEO of the patented, clinically proven and award-winning ergonomic solutions CordEze® and ACE™, Debi is committed to advancing wellness across all areas of healthcare. Follow her @_cordeze_

Connect with Debi & Check Out Cordeze:

https://cordeze.com/collections/dental-1

https://www.instagram.com/_cordeze_/

Use code "ALIGNED" for 10% off your purchase!

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Debora Carrier, a trailblazing dental hygienist, inventor, and entrepreneur. With over 40 years of clinical experience, Debora shares her journey from dental hygiene to founding Twice as Nice Uniforms, a company revolutionizing medical and dental apparel with temperature-regulating technology. Learn how persistence, innovation, and a passion for supporting others drive her mission to empower dental professionals and entrepreneurs alike. From stories of resilience to practical advice, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

About Debora: Debora Carrier is a celebrated dental hygienist, inventor, and entrepreneur with over 40 years of clinical experience. Known for her innovative spirit, Debora is the founder and CEO of Twice as Nice Uniforms, a company revolutionizing the dental and medical industries with patented temperature-regulating uniforms and lab coats. Her dedication to enhancing professional apparel has earned her accolades for creating products that are stylish, comfortable, and safe. A passionate advocate for mentorship and community building, Debora also co-founded the CPR Sisters Training Center, raising awareness about cardiac arrest and CPR education. Her work continues to inspire and empower dental professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Connect with Debora, CPR Sisters, and Twice as Nice Uniforms: 

• CPR Sisters Training Center: [email protected]
• Twice as Nice Uniforms: https://twiceasniceuniforms.com/
• Debora's Email: [email protected]

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist podcast, Caitlin is joined by Janiece Ervin, the self-proclaimed “classy, sassy, and a little messy RDH.” With 20 years of experience in dental hygiene, Janiece has mastered more than just clinical work—she’s also become a pro at pivoting through life’s challenges.

Janiece shares her journey from a failed business partnership to finding her footing as an entrepreneur, building small businesses that thrive with a mix of grit and humor. Now, she’s rediscovering her passion for dental hygiene while inspiring others with her messy, magical story. Get ready for an uplifting and relatable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and embracing the unexpected.

Janiece Ervin is a registered dental hygienist with 20 years of clinical experience and a passion for reinvention. Known for her blend of grit, humor, and authenticity, Janiece has transitioned from a challenging business partnership to creating successful small businesses that reflect her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. She’s now rediscovering her love for dental hygiene and sharing her journey of personal and professional growth with audiences everywhere. Whether through speaking, mentoring, or storytelling, Janiece inspires others to embrace life’s twists and turns with humor and determination.

Key Discussion Topics:

•Janiece’s journey from a failed business partnership to building thriving small businesses.

•Tips for rediscovering passion and resilience in your career.

•The importance of humor and authenticity in navigating life’s challenges.

•Lessons learned from 20 years as a dental hygienist and entrepreneur.

•Embracing the messy and magical parts of personal and professional growth.

Connect with Janiece:

• www.janiece.one  
• www.thedenlist.com
• www.denstudyclub.com

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist podcast, Caitlin chats with Anne Rice, a seasoned dental hygienist with over 35 years of experience, who is making waves in the world of dementia prevention. Anne is a passionate speaker, writer, and consultant focused on educating medical and dental communities about the crucial link between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease.

Anne dives into the risk factors for dementia that can be identified and addressed within the dental office and emphasizes the role dental professionals can play in promoting overall brain health. Whether you’re a dental professional or simply interested in the connection between oral health and cognitive well-being, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating a healthier future.

Anne Rice is a dental hygienist, speaker, writer, and consultant with over 35 years of experience in the dental field. She has dedicated much of her career to dementia prevention, educating both medical and dental professionals about the vital connection between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease. Anne’s work highlights how addressing risk factors in the dental office can positively impact brain health and overall wellness. She serves on several advisory boards, contributing her expertise to advancing the understanding of oral-systemic health. When not working, Anne enjoys sharing her knowledge through speaking engagements, writing, and consulting projects.

Key Discussion Topics:

•The connection between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease.

•Risk factors for dementia that can be assessed and addressed in the dental office.

•The role of dental professionals in dementia prevention and overall brain health.

•Practical ways to educate patients about the importance of oral-systemic health.

•Anne’s insights from over 35 years in the dental field and her work in dementia prevention.

Connect with Anne: 

• www.anneorice.com
• Email: [email protected]
• https://www.facebook.com/anneorice
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneorice/
• https://www.instagram.com/anneorice/

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist podcast, Caitlin welcomes Karese Laguerre, a registered dental hygienist and myofunctional therapist, to discuss her mission to connect oral health with whole-body wellness. As the founder of The Myo Spot, Karese helps patients of all ages address tongue ties, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, bruxism, anxiety, and orofacial dysfunction through teletherapy.

Karese is also the author of Accomplished: How to Sleep Better, Eliminate Burnout, and Execute Goals, where she shares practical advice on improving sleep and achieving a balanced, productive life. In this episode, Karese shares her journey into myofunctional therapy, the transformative potential of oral wellness, and tips for reducing burnout in both patients and practitioners.

Join us for an insightful conversation about the power of oral health and its connection to overall well-being!

Karese Laguerre is a registered dental hygienist, myofunctional therapist, and founder of The Myo Spot, a practice dedicated to amplifying oral wellness to improve whole-body health. Through innovative teletherapy solutions, Karese helps individuals overcome challenges like tongue ties, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, and anxiety. A passionate educator and advocate, Karese is the author of Accomplished: How to Sleep Better, Eliminate Burnout, and Execute Goals. She balances her thriving career with life as a devoted wife and mother of four.

Connect with Karese:

• Website: [email protected]
• @themyospot on FB and Instagram
• @karese.laguerre on FB and LinkedIn

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist podcast, Caitlin sits down with Brandi Hooker Evans, a dental hygienist and trailblazer redefining patient care in dentistry. Brandi shares her unique philosophy of moving away from a “herding cattle” approach to fostering exquisite, individualized care for each patient. With her Idaho roots and sunny personality, Brandi brings a fresh perspective on cultivating rewarding professional careers for dental professionals.

From actionable insights to inspiring stories, this conversation will empower you to enhance your patient care approach and create better days in your clinical practice. So, grab your boots and roll up your sleeves—this episode is packed with wisdom and positivity!

Brandi Hooker Evans is a dynamic dental hygienist, speaker, and advocate for personalized patient care. Hailing from Idaho, Brandi combines her small-town values with big ideas to revolutionize the way dental professionals approach patient interactions. With a deep passion for mentoring others, Brandi helps clinicians cultivate rewarding careers and create meaningful connections with their patients. Her vibrant personality and commitment to excellence make her a sought-after educator and thought leader in the dental community.

Connect with Brandi:

• Website: www.BrandiHookerEvans.com
• Email: [email protected]
• @StellarOutcomes on FB and Instagram
• @BrandiHookerEvans on FB, Insta, and LinkedIn

Get Brandi's Book, Dentists, Hygienists, and Cows 

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, Caitlin Parsons shares her personal journey with chronic pain and the wellness strategies that have transformed her career and life. Chronic pain is a reality for so many dental professionals, yet it’s rarely talked about openly. In this episode, Caitlin dives into the most common pain issues in dentistry—neck and shoulder pain, lower back strain, and hand/wrist discomfort—and how these challenges can impact work and life.

Drawing from her experience as a chronic pain survivor and Certified Yoga Therapist, Caitlin offers actionable strategies to help you find relief and build a sustainable career. Topics include:

Ergonomics: Tips for optimizing posture, positioning, and workspace setup, plus must-have ergonomic tools like saddle stools, cordless handpieces, and ergonomic loupes.

At-Home Exercises: Yoga, stretching, pilates, and strength training to reduce tension and build resilience.

Stress Management & Lifestyle Changes: How nutrition, hydration, sleep, and finding joy can support your overall well-being.

Whether you’re dealing with discomfort now or looking to prevent chronic pain in the future, this episode will empower you with tools, insights, and hope. You’re not alone in this journey—and there are solutions to help you thrive.

Additional Resources:

💡 Learn more about Caitlin’s Yoga Membership and access over 150 on-demand classes to reduce pain and stress: https://thealignedhygienist.com/yoga-membership/

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: [email protected]

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin