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Dental Hygiene Basics

Dental Hygiene Basics

Hosted by Dental Hygiene Basics

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Episodes

203

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
October 21, 202623 min

197: From Academic Setbacks to Successful Progress with Mahdi Mohseni

Mahdi Mohseni @idham_mohseni is a current dental hygiene student whose journey to getting into dental hygiene school did not follow the traditional path. In this episode, Mahdi shares how he went from having no dental experience and several F's on his transcript to getting into a dental hygiene program. His academic setback changed how he approaches school by asking instructors for help, building strong study habits, and taking the first semester seriously because it becomes the foundation for clinical success. His story is a practical reminder that one difficult semester does not have to define your future, and improving your academic habits and taking responsibility for your learning can change everything for the better. 🟠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.

October 19, 202619 min

196: Why Your Prerequisites Matter in Dental Hygiene School

Your prerequisite courses do more than help you qualify for dental hygiene school—they build the foundation you'll rely on throughout your education and clinical career. There's a common narrative being shared that anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, communication, and even math are "just boxes to check," but this is far from the truth. Challenge yourself to see how these subjects connect directly to patient care, critical thinking, pharmacology, periodontal disease, instrumentation, and clinical decision-making. This episode offers a practical perspective on why prerequisites matter for the future RDH and how strengthening your study skills early can make dental hygiene school more manageable. 🟠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.

October 16, 202618 min

Bonus Episode: Whitney DiFoggio and the Dental Hygiene Month Party: Celebrating Our Profession

Whitney DiFoggio joins Dana to share her RDH origin story, how she got into content creation in 2015, and now working on her doctorate in health science! Whitney hosts a yearly Dental Hygiene Month Party, a free virtual event celebrating the dental hygiene community through connection, games, giveaways, and the inaugural Future Hygienist Award. Her story highlights how a dental hygiene career can grow in unexpected directions while creating opportunities to educate, connect, and support the next generation of hygienists. 🟠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.

October 14, 202642 min

195: Dannia's Secrets to Success in Dental Hygiene School

Dannia's @danniardh episode was so good, we had to share it again for those who missed this amazing conversation! She talked about her inspiring journey getting into dental hygiene school at the age of 19 as a first-gen college student. Dannia's story is one you don't want to miss! We discussed 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. Even after dental hygiene school, she is active in the profession through her work in her local dental hygiene association and giving the best DH advice on her 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.

October 12, 202616 min

194: Three Lesions You Should Absolutely Know for Dental Hygiene Clinic AND Boards

Dental hygienists are responsible for scanning each patient for abnormal lesions in the mouth- known as an intraoral exam. To an untrained eye, oral lesions can look very similar, but the way to manage each is very different. In this episode, Dana explains how to distinguish herpetic lesions, aphthous ulcers, and traumatic ulcers by focusing on four practical factors: location, appearance, patient history, and clinical management. Recognizing active HSV-1 (herpes labialis) lesions is essential for patient care, infection control, and board exam 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.

October 7, 202619 min

193: Guest Host Michael Suruy with Liliet Quiroga

Current dental hygiene student and special guest host Michael Suruy from @DHY_Boys sits down with Liliet Quiroga @sparklingsmileslge, RDH, for a conversation about the realities of dental hygiene school and the transition into clinical practice. Liliet's inspiring story of moving to the States at 20 years old without speaking English shows that dental hygiene is a career path possible for anyone willing to put in the effort! Michael and Liliet also explore what it means to be teachable, how to separate feedback from self-worth, and why organization, rest, and choosing an office that values the standard of care matter just as much as your clinical skills. 🟠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.

October 5, 202624 min

192: Struggling through Preclinic in Dental Hygiene School?

Preclinic is typically the most intimidating class for dental hygiene students in their first semester, but it's also where the habits that shape your clinical career begin. In this episode, Dana talks about practical strategies to approach instrumentation, competencies, and hand skills with realistic expectations, rather than perfectionism. Whether you're struggling in preclinic, preparing for a practical exam, or trying to build confidence with instrumentation, this episode offers practical guidance to help you focus on steady improvement, strong fundamentals, and the clinical habits that will support both your patients and your long-term career as a dental hygienist. Looking for more help with instrumentation? We offer tutoring! Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/243303954248054 🟠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 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.

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