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
532 What We’re Missing: An Oral Pathologist on Red Flags, Referrals, and Reality
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with oral pathologist Dr. Bryan Trump to discuss the important role dental professionals play in identifying abnormalities and knowing when to refer patients to a specialist. Dr. Trump shares valuable insight into what clinicians might be missing during routine exams and how to strengthen their confidence when suspicious findings arise. The conversation dives into practical strategies for performing thorough oral cancer screenings, recognizing key red flags, and navigating patient conversations...
info_outline
531 When Advocacy Doesn’t Win: How to Respond When Legislation Goes the Other Way
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Joffree Bunleang to unpack one of the most challenging realities in professional advocacy—what happens when legislation doesn’t go the way you hoped? The conversation centers around Oral Preventive Assistants (OPAs) and the evolving landscape of dental practice. Joffree brings clarity to what OPAs are, why they’re being introduced in various regions, and how their presence impacts dental hygienists and the broader dental team. Key topics discussed include: ...
info_outline
530 Legislation 101 for Hygienists: What Actually Moves the Needle
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Legislation impacts your daily practice more than most clinicians realize. In this episode, we sit down with Derik J. Sven to break down what truly drives change in dental hygiene policy — and what doesn’t. Derik shares insight into the realities behind dental care standards, the ongoing fight for hygienist autonomy, and the complex supervision structures that shape scope of practice across the country. He also explains why legal expertise often carries significant influence in regulatory conversations and how business, public health, and law intersect in advancing the profession....
info_outline
Comfort, Confidence & Stronger Smiles
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Tooth sensitivity can make everyday things—like drinking cold water or even getting a routine cleaning—uncomfortable for patients. In this TIPisode, Dr. Marc Geissberger shares his experience beta testing ReminGel, a professional-strength remineralizing gel from PerioProtect designed to reduce sensitivity and support enamel health. Marc Geissberger DDS, MA shares how patients in his practice used the gel with PerioProtect trays for just 15 minutes a day, with many reporting dramatic reductions in sensitivity after only one week. If you treat patients who struggle with sensitivity,...
info_outline
529 Advocating for Yourself Without Burning Out
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Advocacy can feel exhausting — especially in a profession that already demands so much emotionally and physically. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Bethany Montoya, MBA, BAS, RDH to talk about how to stand up for yourself, your patients, and your profession without sacrificing your well-being. Bethany shares her personal journey through challenge, change, and growth — and how embracing the storm can actually make you stronger. From navigating the pressures of clinical life to stepping into new leadership roles, she reminds us that authenticity and community are essential...
info_outline
528 From Complaining to Constructive: Turning Frustration Into Advocacy
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Danyelle Evans to explore her path from an invested clinician to becoming a state and national advocate for oral health and access to prevention. Danyelle shares the moment that shifted her perspective from frustration to action: caring for a patient who could no longer continue treatment in a traditional brick-and-mortar dental office. Watching him lose access to care sparked her desire to create opportunities to continue caring for patients in more accessible, patient-centered ways. From that experience, Danyelle’s advocacy journey...
info_outline
527 Practicing With Purpose: Lessons From the Wind River Reservation
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Dr. Johnson returns to the podcast to share a powerful and often-overlooked perspective on tribal dentistry, career fulfillment, and why passion truly matters in dentistry. This conversation goes beyond clinical techniques and dives into purpose, opportunity, and loving the work you do. 🦷 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Understanding Tribal Dentistry: A Unique Perspective Dr. Johnson offers an inside look at tribal dentistry—how it operates, who it serves, and why it plays a vital role in improving access to care in underserved communities. Navigating Job...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
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)
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
Early Intervention Matters: Renata explains how early observation of jaw growth and dental spacing in children can predict future needs for orthodontic intervention.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Facial Changes: Renata explores how palatal expansion affects not only occlusion but also facial structure, including cheekbones, lips, and nasal width.
Must-Listen Moments
-
Tom recalling the intense nature of hygiene school and advocating for robust education standards.
-
Insights into how anesthesia training and workflow advances have elevated the hygiene profession.
-
Renata’s deeply personal account of her orthodontic journey, the challenges, and the transformative facial changes she experienced.
-
Practical advice on early dental intervention and the significance of myofunctional therapy from a seasoned clinician.
Connect with Today’s Guests
-
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
-
Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—hit that subscribe button!
-
Newsletter: Sign up for our updates on our website.
-
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!