Dental Hygiene Basics

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181

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Are you dreaming of becoming a dental hygienist? The Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast is your go-to resource for getting in, getting through, and graduating dental hygiene school . Never miss an episode, study tips, or upcoming events! Sign up for our newsletter: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/newsletter Hosted by Dana Paladino, RDH (educator, mentor, and founder of Dental Hygiene Basics), this is the only podcast dedicated solely to guiding future and current dental hygiene students from start to finish. Whether you're prepping your application, tackling first-semester stress, or studying for the NBDHE/NDHCE, you’ll find clear, practical, and uplifting guidance here. At Dental Hygiene Basics, we offer a full-circle support system: 🎙️ Podcast 📚 Tutoring 🎓 Scholarships 🧡 Educational Resources This podcast helps you navigate every stage of your dental hygiene journey — from getting accepted to succeeding in school and building your career. You’ll learn how to stand out in your application, prepare for interviews, and develop the study skills, clinical techniques, and instrumentation confidence needed to thrive in hygiene school. We also cover board exam prep (NBDHE/NDHCE), explore both traditional and alternative career pathways for RDHs, and share real stories from hygienists who’ve been in your shoes. Plus, you’ll hear about scholarships and student resources designed to support you along the way. We answer the questions students actually have — like how to get into dental hygiene school, what to expect once you’re in, and how to prepare for interviews. We break down the biggest challenges students face, how to improve instrumentation and clinical confidence, and the most effective study strategies. We also explore career options after graduation and how to find scholarships and support as a dental hygiene student. Our Mission: We’re building a supportive, uplifting community where hygienists help aspiring hygienists succeed. 🧡 Our big goal is to award $100,000 in dental hygiene scholarships by 2035 and open doors for the next generation of RDHs. If you're committed to becoming a registered dental hygienist, this podcast will walk with you every step of the way. Subscribe now and start your journey to becoming an RDH! 🎧✨ See All of Our Services: https://dentalhygienebasics.com/ Connect With Us on Socials: @dentalhygienebasics #dentalhygieneschool #dentalhygiene #futurerdh #studentrdh #dentalhygienebasics This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, dental, legal, or academic advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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August 17, 202622 min

178: What is Dentinal Hypersensitivity & How Can We Help Our Patients Manage it?

Dentinal hypersensitivity affects a large portion of patients in the dental hygiene chair, and as an RDH (or future RDH!), it is our responsibility to help patients manage it. In this episode, Dana explains what dentinal hypersensitivity is, its various causes, and effective management strategies dental professionals can share with their patients. This episode is sponsored by Curaprox. Learn more about Curaprox and their products at curaprox.us online or @curaproxusa on socials.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 12, 202629 min

177: Lessons from an RDH New Grad: Nancy Her’s Story

Recent dental hygiene graduate Nancy Her shares her career path from dental assisting and a biology degree to completing an accelerated dental hygiene program and entering clinical practice as an RDH. She and Dana discuss student loans, finding patients for school, accepting constructive feedback, and building confidence during the transition from dental hygiene student to practicing hygienist. Growth often comes from staying open to learning, seeking feedback, and focusing on steady progress rather than perfection. Apply this to any part of your dental hygiene journey and you'll see how much you can improve!🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 10, 202614 min

176: A Little Histology Breakdown for the Future RDH

Histology and embryology are often among students' least favorite classes in dental hygiene school, and many struggle to recognize the relevance they have in dental hygiene. As providers who treat disease, dental hygienists must thoroughly understand the development and function of the body's tissues. Dana shares a basic explanation of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in a practical, easy-to-follow way, helping to connect these concepts to the material in head and neck anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology, and clinical care. Before memorizing details, make sure to focus on understanding the progression from cells to tissues to organs. That framework can make future coursework, board exam preparation, and clinical concepts much easier to understand.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 5, 202622 min

175: Breaking Dental Hygiene Stereotypes with the DHY Boys

What does it look like to enter a profession where you don't see many people who look like you? In this episode, Dana sits down with the DHY Boys—Madhi, Javi, and Michael, three first-year dental hygiene students navigating the challenges, opportunities, and realities of hygiene school as men in a female-dominated profession. They share their experiences with managing the workload of dental hygiene school, finding their purpose, building confidence in clinic, and staying connected to the reasons they chose dental hygiene. This conversation is a great listen for anyone considering a career in dental hygiene- where there is room for everyone!🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

August 3, 202628 min

174: What the Top Dental Hygiene Students Do to Succeed in Dental Hygiene School

Top-performing dental hygiene students don't often get there by relying on natural intelligence- it has more to do with how they approach learning. In this episode, Dana breaks down the habits and mindset shifts commonly seen in successful dental hygiene students- from previewing material before class and using active recall to seeking feedback, setting clinical goals, and reflecting on mistakes without letting them define their progress. Whether you're struggling to keep up, questioning your abilities, or simply looking for more effective study strategies, this conversation offers practical guidance rooted in real-world experience. You'll walk away with actionable ways to improve your study habits, strengthen your clinical performance, and build the resilience needed to navigate dental hygiene school and beyond.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 29, 202619 min

173: How Dana Schmitt Found Her Place in Dental Hygiene

Career growth in dental hygiene rarely follows a straight line. In this episode, Dana Schmitt, RDH, shares how a sociology degree, nonprofit work in Ecuador, and a later start in dental hygiene helped shape a fulfilling career where she supports dental hygiene students and educators nationwide with Cloud Dentistry. If you're a dental hygiene student or new grad wondering whether you're behind or unsure of your next step, this conversation offers a practical reminder that meaningful careers are often built one decision at a time.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 27, 202624 min

172: Dental Hygiene School Loans- Know Before You Go

Taking out student loans is a reality for many dental hygiene students, but understanding how they work before you borrow can make a significant difference in your future financial situation. Dana is breaking down the basics of federal and private student loans, interest, repayment options, scholarships, and budgeting during dental hygiene school. You'll learn how to evaluate borrowing decisions with your future career goals in mind and why tracking your debt, building an emergency fund, and planning ahead can create more financial flexibility after graduation. If you're preparing for dental hygiene school or looking for practical student loan advice for dental hygiene students, this episode offers a grounded framework for making informed financial decisions. Also, check out my episode with Florie HERE for her wild student debt repayment story!🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 22, 202631 min

171: Saying Yes to Growth in Dental Hygiene with Melanie Boyd, RDH

Guest Melanie Boyd, BS, RDH, and founder of New Wave Perio, discusses her journey from dental school rejection to building a successful dental hygiene business centered around periodontal endoscopy. She faced challenges in dental hygiene school, navigated self-doubt, learned to accept constructive feedback, pushed herself to explore different career opportunities with her RDH degree, and used all this experience to build her business model. This is a story that showcases how crucial it is to be comfortable being uncomfortable- because that's how greatness is achieved. 🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 20, 202626 min

170: How are You Getting Ready for Dental Hygiene School?

Preparing to start dental hygiene school can look different for everyone. Dana is sharing how you can be ready to embark on this two year jourey by managing your finances, strengthening your study habits, building a support system, and protecting your mental and physical health. She also discusses the most common challenges students face when starting a rigorous dental hygiene program and offers realistic strategies to help you start with a stronger foundation. If you're preparing for dental hygiene school, this episode provides actionable guidance to help you enter the program with greater clarity, confidence, and support. If you're looking for more resources on preparing for dental hygiene school, sign up for the Dental Hygiene Basic Training program here: https://dentalhygienebasics.thinkific.com/courses/dental-hygiene-basic-training🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 15, 202634 min

169: The Highs and Lows of Dental Hygiene with Tooth Fairy RDH Felicity

Felicity DeLemos, aka Tooth Fairy RDH, joins the podcast to share her path from dental assisting to dental hygiene school, career burnout as a newly graduate, and eventually expanding into entrepreneurship. Felicity shares tips on setting boundaries in school with practical study strategies, time management habits, and the importance of checking in with yourself before burnout takes over. If you’ve been searching for realistic advice on dental hygiene school, RDH burnout, student loans, or career flexibility in dentistry, this episode delivers grounded insight without the pressure to have everything figured out.🟠Start here: Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events →https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletter🟠 When you're ready for boards: Become a StudentRDH VIP member → https://www.studentrdh.com/national-dental-hygiene-board-review-nbdhe-studentrdh-vip-club?utm_source=Referral%60&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DHBasics&utm_content=DVIP3🟠Want extra support + events? Get your free CloudU student membership (monthly events + giveaways) → http://clouddentistry.com/r/vxn1🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships🟠 See all FREE upcoming student events: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.