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515 The Current Model of Prevention is Broken with Tim Ives!

A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Release Date: 11/26/2025

532 What We’re Missing: An Oral Pathologist on Red Flags, Referrals, and Reality show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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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Episode Overview

In this thought-provoking episode, Tim Ives joins the show for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of dental hygienists, the ongoing challenges in oral health, and the importance of behavior change and communication in achieving better patient outcomes. The discussion delves into dental education, interprofessional collaboration, measuring success in hygiene, and innovative ideas for the profession’s future, such as independent hygiene practices and high street outreach.

Key Topics

  • Defining the Role of the Dental Hygienist:
    Tim Ives challenges listeners to rethink the traditional image of the hygienist and advocates for a broader understanding among patients, dentists, and hygienists themselves.

  • Barriers to Change in Dental Health:
    Discussion on why oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal disease remain prevalent and the systemic issues preventing progress.

  • Measuring Success in Hygiene:
    How hygienists can (and should) measure patient health outcomes, and why communication and behavior change skills should be prioritized.

  • Business vs. Healthcare:
    The difficulties in balancing profitability and genuine health care—especially in corporate/group practice settings.

  • Ideas for the Future:
    Envisioning hygienists as independent professionals on the high street, specialists in behavioral change, and as accessible advisors to the public.

  • Education Pathways and Research:
    Insight into the innovative programs at O’Hehir University, including international bachelor’s and master’s degrees for dental hygienists, and the recently launched journal publishing condensed (400-word) research papers.

  • Behavioral Change & Stress in Oral Health:
    Exploring newer research that ties socioeconomic status, stress, and cortisol to dental caries risk, and the need to address systemic social issues to truly improve health.

  • Professionalism & Interprofessional Education:
    The impact of UK programs where hygienists and dentists are trained side by side, and how this fosters professionalism and teamwork.

  • Direct Access & Practice Ownership:
    How changes in UK policy now allow hygienists to own practices, employ dentists, and offer direct patient access.

  • Personal Reflections:
    Tim Ives shares his candid views on career development and success, plus a fun closing discussion on football and Wrexham’s promotion odds.

O’Hehir University Programs

  • 6-month Bachelor’s program — open globally to licensed dental hygienists

  • 18-month Master’s program — focused on oral health promotion, leadership, and research

  • New journal featuring concise, practice-relevant research summaries

Learn more and contact Tim Ives:

Connect

  • For more information about O’Hehir University or to reach

    Tim Ives

    • Email: tim@ohehiruniversity.com

Shout-Out

Huge thanks to Tim Ives for his insights and dedication to the profession, and to all listeners for supporting these important conversations that help shape the future of dental hygiene.

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