Your Official ADHA Podcast
This show is the official podcast for the ADHA! Join us as we discuss relevant thoughts, ideas, and best practices for hygienists throughout the United States. Be sure to reach out with ideas for our show on any of the social media channels!
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AI in Dentistry (Ep 132)
04/16/2024
AI in Dentistry (Ep 132)
Artificial Intelligence is here whether we're ready to embrace it or not. Listen in as Matt previews soon-to-be released research on this topic with Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian from ADHA and Kathy Copas, RDH of Heartland Dental. Learn how AI is being innovatively applied in dentistry and how it might help you, as an oral care provider, improve your patient outcomes and boost your marketability. Matt offers a sneak peek into upcoming events plus some updates from the ADHA in this special episode sponsored by Heartland Dental.
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Innovation in Early Oral Cancer Detection (Ep 131)
04/02/2024
Innovation in Early Oral Cancer Detection (Ep 131)
Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer affects over 700,000 individuals annually worldwide. Early cancer detection is critical to improving survival rates. To kick off Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Matt sat down with Dr. Bruce Lieberthal, Chief Innovation Officer at Henry Schein, Inc. to discuss early oral cancer detection. Dr. Lieberthal explains his personal connection and dedication to early detection that has led to his innovative diagnostic work at the forefront of oral cancer detection and new cutting-edge point-of-care technology. Matt also shares other important updates from ADHA. This episode is sponsored by Henry Schein Dental. Oral Cancer & The Dental Hygienist, April 27: adha.org/OCW New Oral Cancer Fact Sheet: adha.org/clinical Oral Cancer Resources: adha.org/oralcancer
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The Truth About 1099s in Dentistry (Ep 130)
03/26/2024
The Truth About 1099s in Dentistry (Ep 130)
Don’t miss this timely episode that addresses the importance of correct employment classification for dental hygienists. Your host Matt Crespin sits down with Joe Fogg, CEO at OnDiem, to uncover the complexities and pitfalls of incorrect classification and what that means for your taxes and beyond. They also highlight OnDiem’s unique membership partnership with ADHA and the benefits that offers members. Joe explains the company’s inspiration and backstory, his motivation for advancing and safeguarding the dental hygiene workforce, and how OnDiem is reshaping temporary employment in our profession. To sign up with OnDiem visit: Read the partnership announcement: For more details on the Workforce Shortages Report:
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Integrating Oral Health into Primary Care (Ep 129)
03/12/2024
Integrating Oral Health into Primary Care (Ep 129)
Tune in for a compelling glimpse into the innovative intersection of dentistry and medicine. Matt discusses medical-dental integration with Dr. John Ahern, MB BCh BAO, BDentSc, MSc, PhD who is both a dentist and physician with a dedicated emphasis on public health and primary care. Dr. Ahern shares how he is championing the integration of oral health into medical care and how teledentistry can increase collaboration and referral. In March we also celebrate International Women's Day, Earth Day, and Developmental Disabilities Awareness. Matt provides updates on the latest happenings at ADHA and shares a sneak peek at an upcoming episode featuring our friends at OnDiem who will share timely tips for tax time.
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Oral Health Community Projects Making a Difference (Ep 128)
02/27/2024
Oral Health Community Projects Making a Difference (Ep 128)
In celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month, we are shining a light on the remarkable work of two hygienists improving the oral health of children in their communities. Dr. Yvette Reibel, RDH, EdD, MSDH and Dr. Stacey Onofrietti, RDH, MS, PhD, CHP, FADHA share the impact that the Mars Wrigley Foundation’s Healthier Smiles Grant from the ADHA Institute for Oral Health has had on their initiatives. They share their passion for serving the community, especially children, and recount their professional oral health journeys. February is also Black History Month and Matt shares the origins of this celebration and this year's theme. Matt also brings you up to speed on important ADHA updates including anticipation for ADHA 2024 in New Orleans for which registration has opened.
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Dental Hygiene From a Global Lens (Ep 127)
01/23/2024
Dental Hygiene From a Global Lens (Ep 127)
The International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) is a global organization that unites national dental hygienist organizations across the world, by fostering leadership and collaboration in the profession. ADHA is a member organization. In this special podcast episode, Matt is joined by IFDH President Wanda Fedora, RDH, and IFDH President-Elect Jill Rethman, RDH, BA, FADHA, as they fill us in on IFDH's focus for 2024 and beyond. They also discuss the upcoming International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) this summer in Seoul, South Korea. Matt shares other important ADHA updates and deadlines quickly approaching and more! Important links: https://ifdh.org https://www.isdh2024.com Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow ADHA and Matt on social media @youradha @crispyrdh
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IOH Foundation: Advancing Careers, Access & Care (Ep 126)
12/19/2023
IOH Foundation: Advancing Careers, Access & Care (Ep 126)
The ADHA Institute for Oral Health (IOH) Foundation offers scholarships, research grants and community service grants to fulfill its goals to advance the dental hygiene profession and expand access to oral health care. Matt is joined by IOH Chair and ADHA Immediate Past President Dawn Dean, RDH, MSDH, CTTS, FADHA, who explains what IOH is all about. IOH scholarship and grant recipients Jessica Suedbeck, RDH, MSDH and Alicia Smith RDH, BS, share the impact of their awards in their careers as oral health professionals. Matt wraps up the final episode of the year with reflections on 2023 and the celebration of ADHA’s 100-year anniversary. Jessica's research: IOH Foundation:
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Partners in Public Health (Ep 125)
11/21/2023
Partners in Public Health (Ep 125)
The National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) promotes access to oral health care for underserved populations. For this episode, Matt sat down with NNOHA Education Director Candace Hsu Owen, RDH, MS, MPH, at the recent NNOHA Annual Conference in Denver, CO. They chat about her journey and how she landed at the organization and the many resources and opportunities available through NNOHA. Matt also shares IOH news and highlights the Giving Tuesday fundraising push coming up at the end of November. NNOHA: ADHA IOH:
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Giving Kids a Head Start (Ep 124)
10/31/2023
Giving Kids a Head Start (Ep 124)
Wrapping up National Dental Hygiene Month 2023, tune in as guests Gina Sharps, MPH, RDH, CTTS, FADHA, and Ren Reyes, MBA, HCA, BSDH, RDH, discuss the important work of the Dental Hygiene Liaison Project with your host Matt. Through a long-standing partnership between ADHA, The Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, the DHL Project is helping to improve access to oral health services for children and families served by Head Start. Matt also shares updates about the 2024 ADHA Awards including the new Ann Battrell Visionary Legacy Award. DHL Project: https://www.astdd.org/head-start-state-dental-hygienist-liaisons-information 2024 ADHA Awards: https://www.adha2024.org Ann Battrell Award: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center:
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Everyday Extraordinary (Ep 123)
10/16/2023
Everyday Extraordinary (Ep 123)
In celebration of National Dental Hygiene Month, Matt chats with Colgate's Associate Manager for Community Oral Health, Anaika Forbes-Grant, CDA, RDH, MS, CSM, about Colgate's Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education and prevention program that she leads, which has reached more than 1.6 billion children since its inception in 1991. Anaika is Everyday Extraordinary both in the world of dental health and in her amazing community outreach role with #HashtagLunchbag Brooklyn, where she helps to address food insecurity affecting the vulnerable members of her community. ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month resources include links to ways you can volunteer and give back to your community and profession. Contact Anaika: Instagram @hashtaglunchbagbk ADHA Events:
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Think Believe Dream Dare
09/19/2023
Think Believe Dream Dare
ADHA is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on this episode and chatting with ADHA President Dr. Becky Smith. Becky shares her journey and what HHM means to her growing up as a Cuban American in Florida. Becky also shares her experiences as a Jai Alai player, which is a male dominated sport, along with updates on efforts the Board of Directors is working on. Matt shares updates on his recent visit to DC representing ADHA at the Dental and Dental Hygiene Compact Legislative Summit along with information about speaking at ADHA24 in New Orleans. Finally Matt shares a tribute to Diane Flanagan, a former colleague who contributed much to the dental hygiene community and profession, and who sadly passed last month.
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Tooth Mounted Sensors? Oh My! (Ep 121)
08/22/2023
Tooth Mounted Sensors? Oh My! (Ep 121)
Tune in to a new episode! Your podcast host, Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA, welcomes Emily Berry and Mina Ghorbani, dental hygiene students from West Los Angeles College who recently won 1st Place in the #ADHA23 Undergraduate Student Professional Presentation Program sponsored by Haleon. Emily and Mina discuss their project on microchip tooth sensors and the impact these devices could have on oral systemic health. Matt also shares updates from ADHA and highlights articles on ADHA Hygienist Hub.
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Serving and Protecting the Community In More Ways Than One (Ep 120)
07/25/2023
Serving and Protecting the Community In More Ways Than One (Ep 120)
On this episode, Matt welcomes Crest+Oral-B Hygienist Proud Student Award Winner, Darren Green, RDH, CPT. They chat about Darren’s resilient journey and his new experiences at the ADHA23 Annual Conference. He shares his views of the future of dental hygiene from a newly minted RDH perspective and the significance of being honored with this special student award. Darren shares how his role in law enforcement led him to find his calling and passion for improving oral health. Matt also shares his own highlights from ADHA23 plus upcoming ADHA events.
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Know Before You Go - ADHA 2023 (Ep 119)
06/29/2023
Know Before You Go - ADHA 2023 (Ep 119)
This special edition podcast features ADHA Director of Meetings and Corporate Events, IOH, Leah Johnson, CMP, DES, joins Matt to discuss everything you need to know before you head to the 2023 ADHA Annual Conference in Chicago! Get tips and updates on everything from shuttles and getting around, to what to do and what to expect. See you soon!
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100 Years of Progress (Ep 118)
06/27/2023
100 Years of Progress (Ep 118)
In anticipation of ADHA’s 100th Celebration at ADHA23, your host Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA, is joined by multiple past presidents sharing memories, ADHA accomplishments and successes over the century. Matt also shares a tribute for former ADHA CEO and past president Ann Battrell, MSDH, who passed away June 7, 2023.
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Mental Health Mindfulness (Ep 117)
05/23/2023
Mental Health Mindfulness (Ep 117)
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, your host Matt Crespin talks with Leciel Bono, RDH-ER, MS, about mindfulness and the importance of bringing awareness to mental health. They discuss strategies one can use to practice mindfulness and Lecile shares a special sneak peek of what to expect at her course that she will present at ADHA23 in Chicago this July. With these valuable insights, listeners can get a head start on learning how to use mindfulness to enhance their personal and professional lives. The conversation also delves into the CliftonStrengths® assessment and how this valuable tool was used in Leciel's dental hygiene education program. The two discuss their personalized results, what they mean to them, and how you can leverage your own strengths to enhance your daily routine and live your best life. Read Leciel's article "Utilizing CliftonStrengths® to Increase Professional Development in Dental Hygiene Students" in the Journal of Dental Hygiene: https://jdh.adha.org/content/97/1/43 Learn more about CliftonStrengths® at Link to article about Dr. Harold Henson: Link to register for virtual Critical Connection Virtual CE: Link to ADHA IOH Wellness Challenge:
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Elevating the role of dental hygienists as healthcare professionals (Ep 116)
05/09/2023
Elevating the role of dental hygienists as healthcare professionals (Ep 116)
Tune in as Andrew Smith, executive director at ADSO, and Summer Lamoureaux, RDH, director of PDS Institute & Hygiene Operations, join your host, Matt Crespin, in an illuminating discussion about the vital role of dental hygienists in ensuring patients' oral and overall health. They share insights into how ADSO and ADHA are teaming up to elevate the dental hygiene profession through legislative and regulatory advocacy. Matt, Andrew and Summer elaborate on how DSOs are paving a path for professional development and leadership opportunities, and companies like Pacific Dental Services are making strides to integrate and prioritize oral health with overall health for both staff and patients. ADHA 2023 Conference: ADSO website: PDS website:
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Oral Cancer: Awareness, Risks & Screening (Ep 115)
04/25/2023
Oral Cancer: Awareness, Risks & Screening (Ep 115)
In recognition and support of Oral Cancer Awareness Month during April, Matt discusses the importance of oral and oral pharyngeal cancer screening with Jo-Anne Jones, RDH. Jo-Anne is an internationally recognized speaker from Canada and subject matter expert on this vital topic. Jo-Anne offers insights into the risk factors associated with oral cancer and what providers can and should be doing to educate their patients and spread awareness. Jo-Anne shares a sneak preview of what to expect if you attend her session at the ADHA Annual Conference in Chicago this summer. Matt also discusses the loss of a dental hygiene lead in Winnie Furnari, MS, RDH, FAADH, FAAFS, FADE along with updates from the ADHA on education, conferences and learning opportunities.
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SDF - Dry, Apply and Say Goodbye (Ep 114)
04/11/2023
SDF - Dry, Apply and Say Goodbye (Ep 114)
On this episode, sponsored by Elevate Oral Care, Matt explores recently published research comparing the effectiveness of SDF (silver diamine fluoride) to sealants as a preventive for occlusal caries with Ryan R. Ruff, PhD, MPH, and Jeremy H. Keeper, DDS, PhD. You may be surprised by the results. Matt discusses study design and outcomes with Dr. Ruff, a principal investigator of the CariedAway school-based research network, followed by a discussion of the clinical applications of these findings and other non-invasive caries prevention and treatment strategies with Dr. Keeper, Director of Clinical Innovation at CareQuest Innovation Partners. Links: Full Study: NYU Article:
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How CMS addresses oral and overall health through partnership and policy (Ep 113)
03/24/2023
How CMS addresses oral and overall health through partnership and policy (Ep 113)
How CMS addresses oral and overall health through partnership and policy Listen in as your host, Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA, discusses oral and overall health with Natalia Chalmers, DDS, MHSc, PhD, the first-ever Chief Dental Officer in the Office of the Administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Dr. Chalmers highlights ways in which CMS is collaborating with organizations like ADHA to improve the public's oral and overall health and access to oral health for all CMS beneficiaries through all their programs – Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace. From medical-dental integration and improving the oral health of seniors to new payment opportunities for providers, CMS develops and operationalizes policy and programs that support health for all people served by these programs, regardless of their differences, as a key to reducing disparities and advancing health equity. Matt also dives deeper into some ADHA23 Annual Conference highlights and provides other timely updates from the association. For details and registration for the ADHA23 Annual Conference visit Details on the ADHA Professional Fellows Program can be found at
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Medical Dental Integration Continues to Advance (Ep 112)
02/23/2023
Medical Dental Integration Continues to Advance (Ep 112)
In celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month, Matt dives deeper into medical-dental integration with both Thomas Huffer, MD, MS, FAAP, and Olivia Morzenti, RDH, CDHC, MS, of Previa Health. Previa is the first health system in Wisconsin to integrate a dental hygienist into their medical care teams. These two pioneers share why this integration makes sense and how it works. Matt also discusses other medical dental integration resources along with access to care issues for young children. NCDHM Resources: https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/national-childrens-dental-health-month Children's Health Alliance MDI Resources: https://www.chawisconsin.org/initiatives/oral-health/wisconsin-medical-dental-integration/ Colorado MDI Resources: ADHA Annual Conference:
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Health equity is no spectator sport (Ep 111)
02/01/2023
Health equity is no spectator sport (Ep 111)
This week Matt explores health equity with Matt Allen, DDS, and Abraham Nussbaum, MD, MTS, co-authors of a recently published paper that offers a fresh look at the topic. If you’ve seen the depictions of health equality vs equity of different height people at a baseball game or on different bikes or even trying to pick apples, Drs. Allen and Nussbaum offer a new perspective. Dr. Allen is the CEO and Founder of DifferentKind and Dr. Nussbaum is the Chief Education Officer at Denver Health. Their friendship and passion for improving health equity led them to team up on this important topic. Check out the new ADHA website: Check out the article on health equity: or at Connect with Dr. Nussbaum: Connect with Dr. Allen:
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Using innovation to solve the dental staffing conundrum (Ep 110)
01/17/2023
Using innovation to solve the dental staffing conundrum (Ep 110)
Matt kicks off 2023 and the start to ADHA’s 100-year celebration with some history and some background of the new ADHA brand identity and logo. Then Matt chats with TempStars founder and CEO, Dr. James Younger, DDS about his career journey and how he thought “outside the box” to reimagine and solve the dental staffing issues he was experiencing. James also shares tips for hygienists about how to ensure you find a career home where you are valued and respected. Listen to this week’s episode and let’s kick off the ADHA’s Centennial Celebration with the Official ADHA Podcast. TempStars: ADHA: ADHA Conference:
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Real-life license portability challenges (Ep 109)
12/21/2022
Real-life license portability challenges (Ep 109)
This week Matt chats with Melissa Calhoun, RDH, MSDH, MAADH, who has moved states multiple times as a military spouse and been licensed in every single one. Melissa shares some of the professional challenges she faced moving from Florida to Tennessee to Maryland and now California, including having to re-take her clinical board exam in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic on a mannequin. Melissa is currently the president-elect of the American Academy of Dental Hygiene (AADH) and shares a little bit about the organization and her new role. Learn more about the AADH at Learn more about dental hygiene licensure at For more information on the progress of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Interstate Licensure Compact visit ADHA Annual Conference and awards information is at
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Improving Oral Health from Outside the Op (Ep 108)
11/29/2022
Improving Oral Health from Outside the Op (Ep 108)
Improving value-based care, medical-dental integration and dental therapy are important initiatives that ADHA® member Misty Davis, RDH, BS, actively works on. Misty serves in a unique role, expanding and elevating these initiatives as the oral health program manager for the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA). Listen in as your host, Matt Crespin, RDH, MPH, uncovers what drives Misty’s resolve and passion for furthering and advocating for improved oral health access and outcomes, and her hopes for the future of our profession! More information about MPCA's oral health initiatives can be found at
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Empowerment in Dental Hygiene (Ep 107)
10/31/2022
Empowerment in Dental Hygiene (Ep 107)
This week, the ADHA podcast closes out National Dental Hygiene Month 2022 with our partner from Colgate®. Your host, Matt, focuses on the theme of empowerment and continues the conversation with Phyllis Martina, RDH, MBA of Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mandy Dennis, RDH, Nicole Ortega, RDHAP, and Jessica Allbritten, RDH. Get empowered by these authors, entrepreneurs, direct access providers, practice movers and shakers, business managers, and then some! This podcast will leave you feeling inspired and ready to shape the career path you envision for yourself.
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Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss (Ep 106)
09/20/2022
Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss (Ep 106)
This week, Matt is joined by Jennifer Frame, RDH, BSDH and author/speaker Rachel Lewis to discuss pregnancy loss and how to best support patients, spouses, friends and colleagues during an extremely challenging time in their lives. As dental providers, we are often among the first to know when a patient is expecting and when a pregnancy loss occurs. By sharing her personal story of loss as a mother, Rachel discovered her passion for writing and speaking as a way to help others cope and continue to hope. Rachel's website and additional resources: Additional grief and loss resources:
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Representation Matters (Ep 105)
08/30/2022
Representation Matters (Ep 105)
This week Matt sits down with recent ADHA Presidential Citation recipient Latisha Canty, RDH, BS, MSN to chat about her role as the president of the National Dental Hygienists’ Association (NDHA). Listen in to learn about the great work NDHA is doing under Latisha's leadership to advocate for improved access to care, and to encourage and support more minority dental hygienists to enter the profession. They also discuss the ongoing efforts between ADHA and NDHA to strengthen the relationship and join forces to advance our shared passion for oral health. Matt also lets us in on a few highlights from his recent trip across the pond to the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) in Dublin, Ireland. Listen now! ADHA Apology for role in systemic racism:
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The Oral Microbiome and Antimicrobial Interventions (Ep 104)
08/16/2022
The Oral Microbiome and Antimicrobial Interventions (Ep 104)
This week we’re entering the microbiome zone with Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS, to talk about new clinical data on adjunctive oral hygiene regimens and what barriers to adoption there might be for some patients. Matt and Maria discuss the research and address questions that came up during the recent webinar on the topic, as well as the special issue of the Journal of Dental Hygiene that hit ADHA member mailboxes last month. Matt also shares some exciting updates about the initial draft of the Dentist and Dental Hygiene Compact legislation and ways you can contribute to the next phase of this important work. Podcast sponsored by Listerine. Listen in!
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Taking The Lead (Ep 103)
07/19/2022
Taking The Lead (Ep 103)
This week, Matt chats with Jeanette Lalli, RDH, who is the recent winner of the ADHA 2022 Esther Wilkins Future Leader Award. As Community Service Committee Lead, SADHA Secretary, and the current President of the Arizona Dental Hygienists’ Association, Jeanette is inspiring fellow hygienists with her passion and drive. Tune in for more about their favorite moments from ADHA22 Louisville and how Jeanette’s journey as a hygienist has shaped her approach to leadership and advocacy.
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