The Oral Preventive Assistant Model: Access, Efficiency… or a Turning Point for Dental Hygiene?

Why Continuing Education & Networking Matter More Than Ever in Dental Hygiene

Continuing education and networking are about far more than collecting CE credits. In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia dives into why staying connected, educated, and engaged matters deeply in modern dental hygiene. From burnout and isolation to patient care, advocacy, leadership, and the future of the profession — this is an honest conversation about why professional connection still matters. Email me: scalingthetruth@gmial.com or Submit your stories and episode ideas here: https://forms.gle/BhnWxJAJPzboZkhs8 #dentalhygiene #scalingthetruth #dentalhygienist #RDH #oralhealth #dentalhygieneadvocacy

Dry Mouth, Burning Tongue & Being Dismissed: The Oral Health Side of Perimenopause and Menopause

Dry mouth. Burning tongue. Changes in taste. More cavities. More mouth sores. For many women navigating perimenopause and menopause, these symptoms are very real—and far too often dismissed. In this episode, Alicia explores the connection between hormonal changes and oral health, shares her own experience with dry mouth and burning mouth symptoms, and discusses why dental professionals need to take these concerns seriously. Listener Submission Form: https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit Email: scalingthetruth@gmail.com #ScalingTheTruth #DentalHygiene #Perimenopause #Menopause #BurningMouthSyndrome #DryMouth #Xerostomia #WomenInHealthcare #OralHealth #DentalPodcast #RDH #DentalHygienist #PatientAdvocacy #WomensHealthMatters

“I Hate the Dentist”: Turning Anxiety Into Trust in the Hygiene Chair

Dental anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to oral healthcare — and as dental hygienists, we see it every single day. In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a deeper, more personal look at what it really means to care for anxious patients through a trauma-informed lens. From emotional safety and shame reduction to practical chairside strategies and communication shifts, this conversation explores how small moments of compassion can completely change a patient’s experience in the dental chair. This episode is a little different than previous conversations. It’s slower, more reflective, and focused on the human side of dental hygiene — because trust matters just as much as clinical care. Topics include: * Trauma-informed dental hygiene care * Dental anxiety and fear * Communication strategies for anxious patients * Emotional safety in healthcare * Shame and avoidance in dentistry * Practical chairside comfort techniques * The emotional realities of hygiene practice If you’ve ever had a patient say: “I hate coming to the dentist…” This episode is for you. Submit your story or topic ideas here: Scaling the Truth Submission Form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3PoR6fqq_WUzOlbdOivMO--OZJYbnQ_soP407kzJYzMMUvw/viewform?usp=header&utm_source=chatgpt.com] Email: scalingthetruth@gmail.com #DentalHygiene #TraumaInformedCare #DentalAnxiety #ScalingTheTruth #RDH #DentalPodcast #PatientCare #DentalProfessionals #HygieneUnfiltered #OralHealth

The Doctorate Debate: Is Dental Hygiene Ready for an Entry-Level Doctorate?

The ADHA has officially adopted policy supporting an entry-level doctorate degree for dental hygienists by 2032 — but what would that actually mean for the profession? In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a balanced deep dive into: * the reasoning behind the doctorate movement, * comparisons to the physical therapy model, * expanded scope and professional recognition, * workforce shortages, * rural healthcare concerns, * educational accessibility, * and what this could mean for the future of dental hygiene in states like Tennessee. This is not a debate episode. It’s an honest conversation about where the profession is headed — and who could be impacted along the way. Listener submissions: Scaling the Truth Submission Form

The Oral Preventive Assistant Model: Access, Efficiency… or a Turning Point for Dental Hygiene?

The Oral Preventive Assistant model is gaining traction across dentistry—but what does it actually mean for patient care, access, and the future of dental hygiene? In this episode of Scaling the Truth, Alicia takes a deep dive into the OPA model, breaking down what it is, why it’s being proposed, and the growing controversy surrounding expanded preventive duties for dental assistants. From workforce shortages and efficiency pressures to clinical judgment, patient safety, and the value of comprehensive preventive care, this conversation goes far beyond “who can do a cleaning.” This episode also features a powerful Hygiene Unfiltered listener story that highlights why assessment and critical thinking matter in every preventive appointment. Whether you support the model, oppose it, or are still figuring out where you stand—this episode is designed to inform, challenge, and start honest conversations about where dentistry is headed next. 🎧 Topics Discussed: • What the Oral Preventive Assistant model actually is • Workforce shortages and access-to-care arguments • The difference between procedures and clinical judgment • Risks of underdiagnosing periodontal disease • Education and training disparities • Prevention as a discipline—not just a task • The future of dental hygiene and preventive care 📩 Submit your stories, questions, or experiences for future Hygiene Unfiltered segments: https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit [https://bit.ly/scalingthetruthsubmit] 📧 scalingthetruth@gmail.com [scalingthetruth@gmail.com] #ScalingTheTruth #DentalHygiene #RDH #PreventiveCare #OralPreventiveAssistant #DentalPodcast #DentalHygienist #PeriodontalDisease #HygieneUnfiltered #DentalAdvocacy