Dental Hygiene Basics

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187

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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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60 recent

September 30, 202655 min

191: Consistency Over Perfection in Dental Hygiene School with Brionna Watson, MPA, RDH

Dana sits down with dental hygiene program director Brionna Watson @brionnawatson_, MPA, RDH, Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the Community College of Baltimore County, to discuss what it really takes to thrive in dental hygiene school, from trusting the learning process and developing resilient study habits to understanding why true competence comes from comprehension—not memorization. They also explore career growth beyond clinical practice, the importance of mentorship, financial and lifestyle preparation for school, and how emerging innovations like virtual reality are expanding dental hygiene education. 🟠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.

September 28, 202630 min

190: Dana's Dental Hygiene Story

Dana's path into dental hygiene is more winding than most, with several rejections, moments of self-reflection, and unexpected turns. In this episode, Dana shares her personal journey—from college rejections, career uncertainty, and questioning whether she was pursuing the right profession, to ultimately finding her place in dental hygiene and education. Tune in for practical advice she learned along the way, including why medical terminology matters, how previous dental and medical experience can boost your success, and why protecting your mental health is just as important as preparing academically. 🟠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.

September 23, 202649 min

189: Shaping Smiles and Minds with Billie Lunt, RDH

Bringing back one of our fav episodes with guest Billie Lunt in case you missed it! Dental hygiene educator and podcast host Billie shares what admissions committees are really looking for, along with practical advice for navigating the transition into dental hygiene school. Billie also shares her #RDHoriginstory and the experience that inspired her career in dentistry. This episode offers thoughtful, practical insight for any future dental hygiene student preparing for the next step, and we're happy to share it again! 🟠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.

September 21, 202614 min

188: How to Find Dental Hygiene Scholarships

Applying for scholarships in dental hygiene school sounds like a great way for students to make some quick cash, but it's knowing where to get started that holds them back. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for finding dental hygiene scholarships at the national, state, local, and school levels, along with simple ways to organize applications and make the most of your personal statement. You'll also hear why smaller scholarships are worth pursuing, how consistency increases your chances of success, and where many students overlook funding opportunities. 🟠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.

September 16, 202638 min

187: Michael Suruy from the DHY Boys on Chasing Success in Dental Hygiene

Michael Suruy, current dental hygiene student and co-host of the DHY Boys podcast, joins Dana to discuss his unconventional path into dental hygiene. With a background in manufacturing and no prior experience in dentistry, Michael shares how he utilized intentional preparation, evidence-based study strategies, and a willingness to adapt to help him be accepted into a competitive dental hygiene program. This episode is full of practical topics for current or future DH students, including time management, active recall, clinical preparation, financial planning for dental hygiene school, and the mindset shifts that support long-term success. 🟠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.

September 14, 202617 min

186: Are you a Procrastinator? Or a Perfectionist in Disguise?

Are you truly a procrastinator, or is perfectionism keeping you from moving forward? Dana unpacks why last-minute productivity can feel effective but also cause you more stress and decision fatigue. Dental hygiene students who find themselves in a rut of procrastination while preparing for exams and projects should take the time to self-reflect on this. Dana shares a practical framework built around breaking assignments into manageable "micro chunks" that create steady progress without sacrificing quality. Check out our episode on Dana's Number One Tip for Procrastinators in Dental Hygiene School for more: https://shows.acast.com/649b18ee9a383f0011828cbd/666cd44332663000123077fd. 🟠Free Dental Hygiene School Interview Guide → https://www.dentalhygienebasics.com/pl/2148797760 🟠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.

September 9, 202626 min

185: Build a Dental Hygiene Career That Fits You with Irene Iskander

Finding your dream path in dental hygiene rarely happens immediately after you graduate, but guest Irene Iskander shares how you can get there eventually. In this episode, Irene talks about how her unexpected start in dentistry, the challenges she faced in dental hygiene school, and years of exploring different practice settings ultimately led her to airway dentistry and myofunctional therapy. Dana and Irene discuss why it's normal to feel like you're memorizing just to make it through school, how lifelong learning continues well beyond graduation, and why asking yourself, "What do I want?" can shape a more fulfilling career. 🟠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.

September 7, 202618 min

184: Design Your Dream Life as a Dental Hygienist

For many aspiring dental hygienists, the goal is clear: get accepted into dental hygiene school, graduate, and start your career. But what happens after that? In this episode, you'll learn why building a fulfilling career starts by thinking beyond admission and boards. Rather than designing your life around a job title, consider what you want your everyday life to look and feel like—and how dental hygiene can support that vision. Dana didn't start asking what her dream life looked like until years after graduating from DH school, and it led to years of unfulfillment. She shares the basic steps of how she designed her dream life so you can too. 🟠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.

September 2, 202628 min

183: Lessons from a New Grad Dental Hygienist with Emma Yegan

Recent dental hygiene graduate Emma Yegan navigated multiple application cycles to DH school before being accepted on the third try, despite earning her bachelor's in biology and having experience as a dental assistant. She shared all her best tips on improving your dental hygiene school application, overcoming challenges in clinic, and performing well didactically. Emma also shed light on paying for the many costs associated with dental hygiene school. Whether you're still applying, currently in the midst of a demanding semester, or preparing for boards, this conversation serves as a reminder that progress often comes through persistence, reflection, and a willingness to adjust your approach when needed. 🟠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 31, 202623 min

182: I Think I'm Hurting My Patients When I Debride! Help!

If you've ever wondered whether you're being too heavy-handed during instrumentation, you're not alone. In this episode of the Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast, we break down why patient discomfort happens in the dental hygiene chair, how to recognize the origin of patients' pain, and which fundamentals have the greatest impact on patient comfort. You'll learn practical strategies for improving scaling techniques, strengthening instrument adaptation and angulation, using powered scalers properly, and communicating with patients in a way that builds trust and confidence. Whether you're in dental hygiene school, preparing for clinical boards, or beginning practice as a registered dental hygienist, this episode offers a simple reminder: when something doesn't feel right, return to your fundamentals! 🟠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.