Episodes

  • Jevonah, @the.happy.RDH, sheds light on her journey to becoming a registered dental hygienist and, although she had some bumps in the road, she remains positive and strives to spread happiness by integrating healthy mental habits. She is what we call a "second-time" girly and did not get into hygiene school on her first try. Jevonah shares her tips on improving her application to get in on her second try as well as her personal struggles through hygiene school in hopes of helping future students!

    Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.

    Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Jevonah’s RDH Origin Story

    (03:03) How She Boosted her GPA

    (10:06) Why Students Drop from Hygiene School

    (13:46) Getting Her Bachelor in One Year

    (19:02) Lottery-System Applications

    (22:39) Personal Struggles for Jevonah

    (28:59) Her Fav Dental Hygiene School Memories


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today's episode provides incoming dental hygiene students with the best advice on how they can make mental connections while in school. This is a tip to help you learn better and faster. It will also help you to perform stronger on your exams!


    Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request.

    Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Mental Connections

    (00:53) Pattern Recognition

    (03:11) Memorization Techniques


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • On this bonus episode of the Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast, Dana interviews Areal, a registered dental hygienist living in Canada. Areal's RDH origin story starts with her dropping out of high school, but ends with her becoming an RDH, of course! Areal shares her story in a way that will inspire any person who may be holding onto limiting beliefs about their future career. Plus, there is a valuable lesson to be learned about getting your vaccination records together sooner rather than later!


    Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Transcript available upon request


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Katie Steger shares her amazing story of overcoming mental health struggles like anxiety and depression to now becoming a dental hygienist and educator. She’s had a non-linear path to dental hygiene school and talks about the impact of her undiagnosed ADHD and autism through it all. Katie is now an incredible resource for current dental hygiene students and shares her perspective on patient care for those with autism through her social media. Tune in to hear how she went from C’s and D’s in high school to becoming the valedictorian of her hygiene class! See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (01:51) Katie’s Not-So-Linear Path

    (05:04) Her Undiagnosed ADHD and Autism

    (11:27) Application and Interview Process

    (13:56) Managing Mental Health Through School

    (17:30) Katie’s Stressors in Hygiene School

    (22:17) Advice to Students as an Educator


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Founder of Dental Hygiene Nation, Caitlyn, joins me for a special bonus episode! She talks about how a career in dental hygiene can have more diversity than you think! She combined her passion for dentistry and graphic design as well as her experience in sales to build her successful business. Caitlyn's merch has built a community of hygienists who are proud to represent this profession and I could not be more excited to see our field continue to evolve. I hope this episode ignites a passion for your future career because it truly can open so many doors for you!!

    Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Caitlyn’s RDH Origin Story and the Birth of Dental Hygiene Nation

    (07:45) Transition from Clinical Hygiene to Sales

    (14:34) Full-Time vs Part-Time Hygiene

    (20:10) Dental Hygiene as a Nation

    (24:00) High School Straight into Hygiene School

    (28:29) Paying for Hygiene School

    (30:12) Caitlyn’s Challenges

    (34:05) Words of Wisdom


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Are you stuck in a cycle of procrastination? This episode has the best tip on how to curb this habit while in school. Find out how to make the best out of your education with some preparation and engagement here!

    Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.

    Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Pros and Cons of Procrastinating

    (02:05) My Number One Tip

    (05:42) Preparation Powers Performance


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Arianna Cazares graduated from dental hygiene school one year ago and joins host Dana on this episode to share her experiences working in the clinical setting. Her passion is to educate patients with low dental health literacy and spread awareness through her social media. This episode sheds light on many topics for aspiring dental hygienists such as paying for school, finding patients, preventing dismissal from your program, and so much more! Go give Ariana a follow on Instagram @thergvrdh

    Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcripts are available on Apple or by request.

    Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) The RGV RDH’s Origin Story

    (04:58) Her Journey to Dental Hygiene School

    (12:13) Paying for School

    (18:50) How to Stand Out Without an Interview

    (22:00) Perks of Programs in Rural Cities

    (29:11) Struggles of Finding Patients

    (36:26) Dropping from Dental Hygiene School


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • As a lifelong learner, Dana has found the BEST ways to retain information. One of her most reliable methods is self-explaining. It is simple yet very efficient when having to learn difficult concepts like histology or embryology. These tips are not only important to do well on your tests, but also to provide better care to patients in the clinical setting!

    Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request.

    Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:59) Self-Explaining

    (03:43) Treat Learning Like a Game


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Letitia, also known as Toothfairytish, is a mentor for newly graduated dental hygienists and has her own Podcast, Sunday Scalies! She offers amazing advice for incoming hygiene students and discusses her own personal struggles through school. Both Letitia and host, Dana get vulnerable as they tell their stories of being pre-dental before hygiene school. Tune into this episode to hear all about Letitia's journey to become a dental hygienist! Then give her a follow on Instagram @toothfairytish See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (01:20) Letitia’s RDH Origin Story

    (21:00) Second-Time Girly

    (24:59) Working in Hygiene School

    (31:25) Letitia’s Struggle


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode, I talk about my love for dental hygiene while also addressing the challenges in this field. It's so important to focus on the positive aspects of the job and highlight the growth in the dental hygiene profession. I encourage all aspiring dental hygienists to focus on the positives just as much- if not more than the negatives. Some of my favorite things about being a dental hygienist is the satisfaction of removing calculus, interacting with patients, and being able to work with new technology and resources. There are so many opportunities to explore the various specializations and career opportunities available in dental hygiene. You don't want to miss my "pros" of being a dental hygienist!

    See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics. Email:[email protected]


    SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:57) Negativity in Dental Hygiene

    (03:47) What I Love About This Profession

    (07:58) Using Your Soft and Hard Skills


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Neurobics can be utilized when studying to improve the retention of information faster and longer. It can also help to strengthen hand skills, which is a very important aspect of dental hygiene. Today's episode focuses on how dental hygiene students can utilize these studying methods to succeed in their preclinic course!

    Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Transcript is available on Apple or by request.

    Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Neurobics

    (01:55) How to Use Neurobics When Studying


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dana is a public health hygienist, educator, tutor, entrepreneur, and more. In this episode, she reflects on her journey to becoming a dental hygienist and shares what she would have done differently. She emphasizes the importance of not rushing the process and recommends gaining work experience in the dental field prior to dental hygiene school. She also encourages finding volunteering opportunities that align with your personal interests and values, rather than just focusing on what looks good on an application. Seeking out resources and support, such as tutors and teachers, is another great way to improve your application experience! Make sure to drop any questions for Dana via email or DM! See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:29) Don’t Rush the Process

    (08:31) Find Your Own Passions

    (10:36) Seeking Tutoring Services

    (12:15) Remember Your “Why”


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ash, also known as the Redhead RDH, is an amazing mentor for hygiene students and registered hygienists. This episode focuses on her path to becoming a hygienist and the struggles she overcame during hygiene school. She reveals how she got into hygiene school with a secret weapon despite having C's on her transcript and got through the program with three kids. You don't want to miss Ash's nuggets of advice on this episode! See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics. Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics. Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Ash’s RDH Origin Story

    (04:43) Juggling Three Kids in Hygiene School

    (16:01) Ash’s Secret Weapon for Acceptance

    (19:40) Moving States for School

    (27:03) Advice for Applying to Hygiene School


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Do you find yourself losing motivation and confidence through dental hygiene school? I'm here to remind you that this is a marathon, not a sprint! Just like some of the best athletes, dental hygienists require so much practice before become skilled. No one becomes a great hygienist overnight so just remember to go easy on yourself and celebreate the small wins. This episode covers more tips on how you can improve your clinical skills and be successful through hygiene school! 🦷✨ See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics. Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (01:28) Normalizing Struggling in Hygiene School

    (03:00) Starting from the Bottom

    (06:20) Practicing and Perfecting Your Clinical Skills


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Did you know students are responsible for scheduling their own patients in dental hygiene school? This can sound terrifying for some people, especially because some schools will give you a zero if you don't have a patient in your chair! This episode is all about ways you can prevent this from happening. Listen here for all my best tips on finding patients. 🎉 Calendly is an online scheduling tool that can be a great resource for students! Find the link HERE. ✏️🗓️ See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics. Twitter: @DH_Basics. Email:[email protected]


    SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (00:47) Resources for Finding Patients

    (05:38) Business Cards and Flyers

    (06:57) Precautions to Take

    (09:00) Organizing your Patient Calendar


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Our special guest, Dannia, shares her inspiring journey into dental hygiene school. From her early interest in dental hygiene sparked by her father's dental issues to her proactive approach in aligning high school courses with her goals through dual enrollment and AP classes, Dannia's story is one you don't want to miss! We discuss networking, the costs of hygiene school, and the continuous improvements you can make to be successful in school. Dannia's personal adversities and her determination to secure shadowing opportunities showcase her resilience. She also shares her passion for art and how she used that to make her a better applicant. Tune in to discover the diverse opportunities available in the field beyond clinical work, as Dannia shares her experiences in non-clinical roles and leadership positions in dental hygiene associations. See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:18) Dannia’s RDH Origin Story

    (08:53) Taking College Classes in High School

    (14:06) Finding Shadowing Opportunities

    (24:39) Costs for Hygiene School

    (30:07) Dannia’s Application to Hygiene School


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • On this episode of Dental Hygiene Basics, Dana sits down with Alexis, a registered dental hygienist and entrepreneur, to discuss her inspiring journey into the field. Alexis shares her personal story of overcoming challenges such as being a working mom through school. Alexis also delves into the importance of sustainability in the dental industry and how she promotes eco-friendly dental products through her business, Freshies Co. This episode highlights the demands of dental hygiene education, the significance of self-care, and the diverse opportunities within this profession. Tune in to hear Alexis's advice for students and growth in dental hygiene. See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email: [email protected].


    SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Freshies Co. Founder

    (07:46) Alexis’ RDH Origin Story

    (11:16) Being a Mom through Hygiene School

    (12:54) Applying to Hygiene School Three Times

    (16:40) Working through School

    (19:40) Paying Tuition and Fees

    (20:50) Difficulties with the Application Process

    (25:25) Managing Stress through Dental Hygiene School


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Get ready to dive into the essential concepts that you should know before starting dental hygiene school! This episode covers the basics of cellular biology and how it ties to your education throughout courses like pharmacology, radiology, and histology. Don't miss out on this helpful review to excel in your future classes! See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: bold.org/scholarships/dental-hygiene-basics-scholarship/


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Intro to The Cell

    01:27 The Cells of the Oral Cavity

    02:16 Why are Cells Relevant to Dental Hygiene?

    04:00 The Phospholipid Bilayer

    04:52 Reach Out With Questions!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • It's not what you know, it's who you know! Learn networking tips on this episode and hear about Dana's captivating transformation from a shy individual to a confident networker in the dental hygiene field. Explore the significance of networking early in the hygiene application process, joining pre-dental societies, and seeking shadowing opportunities. Discover the benefits of building relationships with professionals through in-person and online networking. Tune in to this episode for valuable insights on long-term career success and personal growth in the dental hygiene community. See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Intro

    (02:24) How to Start Networking

    (05:47) Using Social Media

    (07:41) Ways to Network for Specific Hygiene Programs

    (09:00) Building Relationships and Maintaining Them


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Bethany Montoya, creator of Human RDH is a dental hygienist specializing in dental sleep medicine. She takes us through her incredible career journey, from music education to finding her true passion in dental hygiene. She shares how she overcame challenges, including expulsion from high school, dropping out of college, and being a mom in dental hygiene school through determination and hard work. Bethany also emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship and building a supportive network for personal and career growth. Don't miss this inspiring conversation! See the full transcript HERE. Want a question answered on the show? Fill out the DHB Questionnaire HERE. Slide into my DMs HERE: Instagram: @dentalhygienebasics Facebook: Dental Hygiene Basics Twitter: @DH_Basics Email:[email protected]


    Timestamps:

    (00:00) Bethany’s RDH Origin Story

    (06:40) Specializing in Sleep Apnea and TMJ Disorders

    (16:08) Bethany’s Struggles in High School

    (28:30) Her Hygiene Application Process

    (31:00) Balancing Kids and Hygiene School

    (33:26) Final Advice for Students


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.