510 Hygienists (and Teeth!) On The Move with Tom Viola, Misty Mattingly, and Renata Nehme!
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Release Date: 10/22/2025
526 Pediatric Medical Emergencies & Anesthesia: Prepared, Not Panicked
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, hosts Jessica Atkinson and David Torres sit down with Brittnee Thibault and Lindsay Richmond—two hygienists who graduated with no pediatric local anesthetic practice in school and went on to become confident clinicians providing local anesthesia for children. Brittnee and Lindsay share how they developed pediatric anesthesia skills after graduation, building confidence through preparation, mentorship, and real-world experience. They discuss behavior management, anesthesia techniques, and parent-provider communication—highlighting how...
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525 Choosing Pediatrics: Training, Practice, and the Art of Caring for Kids
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Johnson, a dedicated pediatric dentist (pedodontist), to explore what makes pediatric dentistry truly unique—and why it’s about so much more than just teeth. From mastering parent communication to handling unexpected holiday emergencies, Dr. Johnson shares real-world insights from the front lines of pediatric care. 🦷 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Dr. Johnson Became a Pedodontist Dr. Johnson shares the personal and professional journey that led him to specialize in pediatric dentistry, and what continues to inspire his passion...
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524 Why Sharpening Matters: Instrument Care with Christine Jeffs
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Christine Jeffs, co-founder of Acuti Sharpening, to talk about why sharpening isn’t optional—it’s essential. Christine shares how she got started in the sharpening business and how Acuti Sharpening came to life alongside co-founder Melia Lewis, RDH. We unpack the often-overlooked role instrument sharpness plays in ergonomics, efficiency, patient comfort, and long-term career longevity. This conversation goes beyond the what and into the why. Christine explains how sharpening directly impacts clinical outcomes and why making it a consistent...
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523 From Dental Hygiene to Glam: The Story Behind Glam Studio
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, we introduce The Pros at Glam Studio and the passion behind their work. As licensed dental hygienists with decades of experience, they share how they combine dental hygiene and aesthetics to help clients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We talk about their approach to safe, personalized care, their expansion into hygienic piercing services, and why client comfort, education, and confidence are at the heart of everything they do. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How Glam Studio blends dental hygiene and aesthetics The importance of safety, certification, and client care Why...
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522 The Co-Host Compatibility Test
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, we welcome our new co-host, Jessica and David with a fun, question-based game to get to know each other on (and off) the mic. Instead of a formal intro, we dive into stories, laughs, and a few unexpected answers. We talk about how this co-hosting partnership came together, what excites us about this new chapter, and why having fun is at the heart of great conversations. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How Jessica & David joined the podcast A get-to-know-you game with surprising moments What’s ahead for the podcast? Resources: Jessica's Email - ,
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521 From Dental Chair to Design Dreams: Ashley Kear on Building an Etsy Shop
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, we chat with Ashley Kear about starting her Etsy shop and what happens when you stop trying to niche yourself into a box—and instead combine everything you love. Ashley shares how her journey began not just with creativity and curiosity, but with encouragement from friends who saw her talent and pushed her to go for it. We explore letting ideas evolve, trusting your instincts, and allowing fun to be part of the process. Sometimes the magic comes from experimenting, playing, and building something that feels like you. What You’ll Hear in This...
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520 More Than a Side Gig, Evolving Your Career with Shelley Brown!
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Shelley Brown to talk about what happens when creativity, clinical care, and advocacy collide. Shelley shares the story behind her “side gig,” Homebound Smiles, and how a simple idea grew into meaningful work serving patients who often fall through the cracks of traditional care models. We explore what it really takes to build a full professional life—without burning out or losing your spark. This conversation goes beyond business. Shelley opens up about advocacy in dental hygiene, recognizing unmet needs, and staying creatively energized....
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519 And The New Co-Hosts Are...
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
The end of an era as Andrew hangs up the mic as host of A Tale of Two Hygienists after more than 10 years. But this isn't a sad day, it's a day to celebrate as we welcome in the two new co-hosts for 2026.. but you have to listen to find out who it is!
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Spice/K2: A Pharmacists Perspective with Tom Viola
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Spice/K2 is incredibly problematic. Not only is it unhealthy, it's also inconsistent and regularly laced with unknown additives and other drugs. Listen to Tom Viola as he explains the main concerns with this recreational drug! Resources: Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing , visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified
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518 Being Thin Does NOT Equal Health with Machell Hoover, RDH
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
We go through different phases of our life and sometimes we are very healthy and sometimes we aren't. Unfortunately, we humans judge books by covers - we think thin is health and heavy is not. In this episode with Machell Hoover she reminds us of what health really looks like, what her journey has been, and how to partner with the right providers to get exactly what your body needs to be healthy. Resources:
info_outlineEpisode Overview
In this special, nostalgia-fueled episode, Andrew takes a look back at meaningful conversations from prior episodes, bringing in crucial advice for dental professionals and hygienists that's just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you’re a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from Tom Viola and Renata Nehme on topics crucial to the dental hygiene field.
Key Topics and Highlights
1. Dental Hygiene Training and Qualifications (with Tom Viola)
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Rigorous Training: Tom shares insights from his experience teaching pharmacology to hygienists, highlighting the level of stress, acumen, and stringent requirements of dental hygiene programs.
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Anesthesia Rights for Hygienists: Discussion on why dental hygienists should be qualified to administer local anesthesia in every state and the process Georgia undertook to make this a reality.
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Inter-Professional Trust: Tom argues that dentists often lack understanding of hygienists’ training. If they witnessed the training firsthand, their confidence in hygienists’ skills would grow.
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Education & Reciprocity: Andrew and Tom debate how state-to-state differences in training impact reciprocity of credentials and the importance of maintaining high standards.
2. Palatal Expansion in Adults (with Renata Nehme)
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Early Intervention Matters: Renata explains how early observation of jaw growth and dental spacing in children can predict future needs for orthodontic intervention.
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Adult Expansion Experience: She shares her personal journey with palatal expansion as an adult—including the use of MARPE (mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander), the procedure, and recovery.
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Relapse & Muscle Function: The conversation dives into the importance of myofunctional therapy for lasting results and the role of tongue and muscle habits in dental relapse.
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Facial Changes: Renata explores how palatal expansion affects not only occlusion but also facial structure, including cheekbones, lips, and nasal width.
Must-Listen Moments
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Tom recalling the intense nature of hygiene school and advocating for robust education standards.
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Insights into how anesthesia training and workflow advances have elevated the hygiene profession.
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Renata’s deeply personal account of her orthodontic journey, the challenges, and the transformative facial changes she experienced.
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Practical advice on early dental intervention and the significance of myofunctional therapy from a seasoned clinician.
Connect with Today’s Guests
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Tom Viola:
Website: tomviola.com
Social: @PharmacologyDeclassified -
Renata Nemi:
Instagram: @myomoves
Airway Circle: airwaycircle.com
Courses for hygienists at Myo University
How to Support the Show
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Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that subscribe button!
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Newsletter: Sign up for our updates on our website.
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Engage: Follow us on social media and let us know what you’d like covered in future episodes.
Produced by Endeavor Business Media.
Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest? Drop Andrew a line through the website or on social media!