535 What Do You Say? Oral Cancer Screening Verbiage That Builds Trust
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Release Date: 04/22/2026
543 The Origin Story- Mr. & Mrs. Ultrasonics: How the Paschkes Changed the Way We Scale
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
Jessica and Dave sit down with Noel and Richard Paschke—known throughout dentistry as Mr. and Mrs. Ultrasonics. Noel, a pioneering dental hygienist, educator, inventor, and industry leader, joins her husband Rich, an ultrasonic engineer and innovator, to share the story behind their partnership and the impact they've had on ultrasonic scaling technology. Together, they discuss how clinical experience and engineering expertise came together to drive product innovation, improve ergonomics, and shape many of the ultrasonic technologies clinicians use today. They also share...
info_outline
Why Dry Mouth Is More Than Just a Lack of Saliva: New Insights into Xerostomia Care
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, Tanya Dunlap of Perio Protect sits down with renowned periodontist and researcher Dr. Sam Low to discuss the growing challenge of xerostomia (dry mouth) and innovative approaches to managing it. They explore the science behind Periosciences' new product, Moisyn™, including its KyoTech™ technology, and discuss how combining Moisyn with AO ProVantage® Gel may provide enhanced support for patients suffering from dry mouth. The conversation covers the importance of saliva quality—not just quantity—the role of minor salivary glands, and how inflammation may...
info_outline
542 The Art of the Stroke: Hand Instrumentation in Dental Hygiene
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome back Dr. Emily Boge to explore the evolving balance between ultrasonic technology and hand instrumentation in modern dental hygiene. We dive into why ultrasonics are powerful tools — but not magic wands — and why mastering hand instrumentation remains essential for effective patient care. We look into a humbling calibration story that changed the clinical approach and the importance of diagnostic instruments, assessment skills, and clinician awareness in achieving better outcomes. This conversation is a...
info_outline
541 Implant Instrumentation: Preserving the Implant While Treating the Patient — From Single Implants to Full-Arch Fixed Prostheses
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave sit down with implant maintenance expert Alison Stahl to unpack the hidden risks surrounding dental implants — and why successful implant therapy requires far more than simply placing the implant. Alison explains why implants remain vulnerable to periodontal and systemic disease, why water flossers are essential for long-term implant health, and how palpation and 3D radiographs can dramatically improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. She also reveals why stainless steel instruments may be damaging implants without...
info_outline
540 More Than a Credential: The Responsibility, Trust, and Purpose Behind Licensure
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
About This Episode: What does it really mean to hold a dental hygiene license? In this episode, Dave and Jessica sit down with Amanda Hill — speaker, consultant, award-winning author,to unpack what licensure truly represents for dental hygienists. This is not a conversation about paperwork and renewal fees. It is a candid, thought-provoking discussion about responsibility, public trust, and what it means to show up for your patients at the highest level of your profession. What We Cover: Why "access to care" can become "babysitting disease" in dentistry A clarion call...
info_outline
539 You’re Not a Student Anymore — Advocating for Yourself as a Professional
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 Billie Lunt, RDH, BA, MSDH, to explore the pivotal transition from student to practicing professional—and what it really means to advocate for yourself in today’s dental hygiene landscape. The conversation dives into the gap between school and real-world practice, challenging the mindset many hygienists carry into their careers. Billie shares insight on how to step confidently into your role, define your own standards of care, and navigate the complexities of patient relationships...
info_outline
Not All Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Is Created Equal
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode of Fast Facts Ask the Expert, Dr. Jen discusses the science behind nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and why not all fluoride-free formulations are created equal. Learn why concentration, crystal quality, and science-backed formulation matter when it comes to enamel protection and oral health. For more information or to schedule a CE for your team, visit:
info_outline
538 Clinic Isn’t the Real World — But It Wasn’t Useless Either
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with Kevin Lopez to unpack the gap between clinical education and real-world dental hygiene practice. Kevin shares honest insights from his experience, highlighting what truly matters once you step outside the classroom and into patient care. What We Talked About: Why disclosing is non-negotiable in dental hygiene practice and its impact on patient outcomes Understanding vitals, liability, and staying within your scope of practice The realities of transitioning from clinic to real-world settings Why...
info_outline
537 What We’re Actually Worried About: Graduating Hygienists Speak
A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast
In this episode, David Torres and Jessica Atkinson dive into the real concerns and experiences of graduating dental hygienists as they transition from school into the professional world. This candid conversation highlights the emotional and professional challenges new hygienists face, along with practical insights to help them navigate this pivotal stage of their careers. What We Talked About: First job anxiety and the pressure of entering the workforce Why hygienists must stay actively involved in their careers beyond graduation Adjusting to life after school and...
info_outline
536 Caring for the Cancer Patient
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 Melia Lewis, MEd, to discuss the critical role dental hygienists play in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment. Drawing from her personal experience with her father’s cancer diagnosis, Melia brings a deeply meaningful perspective to the conversation. She highlights the emotional and clinical impact of cancer care, and how dental hygienists can become essential advocates and providers within a patient’s healthcare journey. Key topics discussed include: * Melia’s...
info_outlineIn this episode, Alyssa Aberle shares her powerful personal journey through a patient diagnosis, surgery, and tongue reconstruction, offering a perspective that deeply resonates with dental professionals. The conversation emphasizes the critical role hygienists play in early detection of oral cancer and why cutting corners is never an option when it comes to patient care.
Alyssa, along with David and Jessica, dives into practical strategies for oral cancer screenings, including how to communicate findings with confidence and compassion. They also discuss when and how to refer patients to specialists, ensuring the best possible outcomes. A key highlight is the discussion around effective screening scripts and the importance of the 10–14 day rule in monitoring suspicious lesions.
What We Talked About:
Alyssa’s personal experience with her patients diagnosis, surgery, and tongue reconstruction
The responsibility of dental professionals to thoroughly screen for oral cancer
Why you should never cut corners during exams
How to confidently refer patients and choose the right specialist
Verbiage and scripts that build trust during oral cancer screenings
Understanding and applying the 10–14 day rule
Call to Action:
This episode is designed to empower dental hygienists to take ownership of their role in patient care. By listening, you’ll gain the confidence, language, and clinical mindset needed to perform thorough screenings and advocate for your patients’ health.
Resources and Links:
Connect with Alyssa: linktr.ee/alyssardh