A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast

Every patient who sits in our chair brings more than just a mouth with them. Hormones, bone health, medications, and life stage can all influence what we see clinically.
 
In this episode, Jessica and Dave explore the connection between hormonal changes, bone health, and oral health—and why dental hygienists play an important role in recognizing the clues, starting conversations, and helping patients get the care they need.
 
What We Talked About:
How hormones and bone health influence oral health throughout a patient's lifetime
 
What clinicians may notice during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and beyond
 
Oral signs that may point to broader systemic or bone-health concerns
 
Why early screening can impact long-term health outcomes
 
Red flags and risk factors for premature bone loss and poor bone quality
 
How to discuss osteoporosis, bone density, and medications with patients
 
How to approach sensitive conversations with compassion and confidence
 
Three practical things every hygienist can start doing tomorrow
 
The Big Takeaway
The mouth can provide important clues about what is happening throughout the body. Understanding the connections between hormones, bone health, and oral health can help clinicians recognize risks earlier and provide more informed, whole-patient care.
 
Contact the guest:
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-evans-bs-mcl-rdh-thephrdh
 
Website: https://kristinevansrdh.wixsite.com/my-site-2

Jessica and Dave welcome Dr. Pamela Ray to discuss how hygienists can improve periodontal communication, help patients take ownership of their disease, and guide them toward informed decisions about their health.
This episode was brought to you by our friends at Net32.
 
What We Talked About:
Overcoming barriers to periodontal treatment acceptance.
 
Using the oral-systemic connection to motivate patients.
 
Effective language and communication strategies.
 
Strengthening communication with periodontists, physicians, and referral sources.
 
Handling patients who delay or decline treatment.
 
Practical tips for creating meaningful conversations that lead to action.
 
Call to Action:
Find your passion while practicing patient care.
 
Guest: Dr. Pamela Ray — drpamelaray@gmail.com
 
Hosts: Jessica and Dave — jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com | Dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) affect millions of patients, yet they remain widely misunderstood.
 
In this episode, Jessica and Dave explore a new way of thinking about TMD with Dr. Anthony Urbanek. After 36 years of performing TMJ surgery, Dr. Urbanek stopped and began researching the disease to better understand its causes and develop a nonsurgical approach.
 
What We Talked About:
 
Why the traditional TMD treatment paradigm needs to change
 
Common myths and misconceptions about TMD
 
The connection between occlusion, muscles, joints, inflammation, and symptoms
 
Why hygienists can be the first line of defense in TMD screening
 
Early recognition and practical screening strategies
 
Conservative, evidence-based approaches to TMD management
 
Helping patients understand their condition and treatment options
 
Where TMD research and treatment are headed
 
The big takeaway: The old paradigm treats symptoms. The new paradigm starts by understanding the disease.
 
Resources:
www.urbanektmj.com
https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/view/urbanek-tmj-device-is-designed-to-relieve-the-inflammation-that-causes-temporomandibular-disorder
https://www.dentaleconomics.com/science-tech/article/14299097/taking-the-bite-out-of-tmd
https://hub.dentalentrepreneur.com/podcasts/the-future-of-dentistry/episodes/2148166983
 
 
 
Contact Guest:
tony@tmjservices.net
 
https://www.facebook.com/TMJServicesofBrentwood
 
https://www.instagram.com/TMJServicesofBrentwood/
 
Contact the Hosts:
 
Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com
 
Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

Orthodontic treatment can make oral hygiene more challenging, with brackets and aligner attachments creating areas where biofilm can accumulate and contribute to demineralization and white spot lesions.
 
This episode was brought to you by our friends at Solventum.
 
In this episode, Jessica Atkinson and Dave Torres discuss the role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention and how Solventum™ Clinpro™ Clear can help protect enamel while fitting seamlessly into clinical workflows.
 
What We Talked About
 
Why brackets and aligner attachments make oral hygiene more difficult.
 
The impact of biofilm and demineralization during orthodontic treatment.
 
The role of fluoride in orthodontic prevention.
 
How Clinpro™ Clear can migrate around brackets and attachments to reach high-risk areas.
 
Its fast-acting, 15-minute eat-and-drink time.
 
Its self-contained design for simple chairside application.
 
How Clinpro™ Clear can support both patient experience and practice workflow.
 
Resources:
https://www.solventum.com/en-us/home/f/b5005503000/
 
https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/mmmspinco/clinpro-clear-brochure-ds-rps-enpdf
 
Contact the Hosts
Jessica Atkinson
jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com
 
Dave Torres
dtorres@endeavorb2b.com

In this tipisode, Amanda Hill - RDH explores the importance of biology-driven home care recommendations and why a one-size-fits-all approach may not meet every patient's needs.
From chronic inflammation and acute healing to xerostomia and remineralization, Amanda discusses how hygienists can match home care products to each patient's unique biology. She highlights the important role of saliva in oral health and shares strategies for supporting patients during the many months between dental hygiene visits.
The takeaway: Assess first, choose products second, and build a home care protocol around what the patient's biology actually needs.
Download the free Perio Protect and Periosciences treatment protocol for guidance on what to use, when to use it, and how to layer therapies.