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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.
146 Episodes
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Lisa Curbow, RDH, shares her dental hygiene journey from grocery store work to dental assisting— and how it led her to a long-term career in dental hygiene, including a specialized role in special needs dentistry and hospital coordination. Her story reinforces a steady truth for both dental hygiene students and early-career clinicians: your direction often becomes clear through patient care, not before it. One patient experience led her to build a niche serving an underserved population, reminding listeners that growth in clinical dental hygiene often starts with curiosity and a willingness to adapt. She also offers grounded insight into common challenges like finding patients in clinic, paying for dental hygiene school, and navigating workplace culture—emphasizing that the right office environment and continued education (like CE courses and conferences) can shape long-term satisfaction in the profession.Start here:Get dental hygiene school tips, free resources, and access to upcoming student events → https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/newsletterWhen you're ready for boards:Join StudentRDH VIP → 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=DVIP3Want 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Dana walks through what to do after an unsuccessful board exam attempt, starting with the first 48 hours—when processing the disappointment matters just as much as planning your next step. Once the initial emotions settle, the real work begins: reviewing your failure report, identifying gaps in foundational dental hygiene knowledge, and shifting from passive review to active recall, spaced repetition, and full-length practice exams that mirror the real test experience.🟠Start here → 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Learning information in dental hygiene school is one thing—retaining it long enough to use it in practice is another. In this episode, Jaskiren explains why connecting classroom knowledge to real clinical experiences is one of the most reliable ways to strengthen memory retention in dental hygiene school. Instead of “learning and dumping” material after exams, students can reinforce concepts by actively applying them in clinic.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Instrumentation isn't something you simply learn with enough practice. Many dental hygiene students find themselves repeating mistakes without knowing why. In this episode, Dana explores how visualization—a strategy used in sports and supported in dental education—can strengthen the neural pathways behind fine motor skills and improve clinical performance.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here. 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Not every dental hygienist started their journey with a perfect GPA or a clear path. Guest host Julio talks with current dental hygiene student Cailin Hawn about navigating dental hygiene school prerequisites, competitive admissions, and the realities of clinic and coursework. This episode is a reminder that dental hygiene school is challenging, but with preparation, support, and balance, it’s absolutely doable!Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here. 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dental hygiene school can make it feel like you need to memorize everything—but not every topic carries the same weight. In this episode, Dana breaks down how to recognize high-yield dental hygiene topics—the concepts that show up repeatedly across classes, impact patient safety, and are commonly tested on exams and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Instead of spreading your study time thin, start paying attention to patterns: what instructors repeat, what appears on multiple quizzes, and what connects to real clinical decision-making. Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services here.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dental hygiene students assume the key to passing boards is as simple as hitting the textbooks—but that approach often falls short. In this episode, Claire Jeong, founder of Student RDH- a National Boards Prep Company, explains why traditional study methods don’t always work and shares her expertise on what students can do instead. Drawing from her own academic journey and years of helping students prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), Claire shares how learning how to study—not just what to study—can change everything!Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services HERE. 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Preparing for the dental hygiene national boards can feel overwhelming, especially when you're wondering if you’re even studying the right things. In this episode, Dana walks through a clearer, more effective approach to dental hygiene boards prep that helps you retain information without burning out. Instead of trying to master every detail at once, focus on building a structured study plan that starts with identifying your strongest and weakest subjects, then uses spaced repetition—returning to topics at strategic intervals—to strengthen recall over time. Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!Thank you to our sponsor, Student RDH, for supporting Dental Hygiene Basics! You can access more information on their national boards prep services HERE.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dana sits down with former dental hygiene student Aliyah to unpack what it really looks like to navigate the unexpected in dental hygiene school. From an unplanned career change, setback in her acceptance, and grieving a family loss during the program, Aliyah shares how preparation, a strong support system, and clear priorities helped her stay grounded without losing track of the ultimate goal- to become a registered dental hygienist. Find her on TikTok @aliyahburrelll and IG @aliyahrdh_ Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!This episode is sponsored by StudentRDH. Check out all of their services to help you get ready for boards HERE.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When time is limited—and it usually is in dental hygiene school—studying more isn’t the answer. Studying with intention is. In this episode, Dana talks about evidence-based study strategies designed for dental hygiene students juggling full clinic days, coursework, and multiple exams. Focus your efforts where they actually count, without adding pressure or unrealistic expectations.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE!This episode is sponsored by StudentRDH. Check out all of their services to help you get ready for boards HERE.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Julio Cesar is back for part 2, sharing how his journey of getting into dental hygiene school is going so far. He is being deliberate in his application process by pacing hsi science courses, choosing grades over speed, dropping a class when needed, and building strong relationships with professors. This episode normalizes taking the long route while staying accountable and intentional, especially for first-generation and nontraditional dental hygiene students.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Midterms tend to trigger panic-studying and self-doubt. This episode walks through how to prioritize content, manage time realistically, and avoid the common mistakes that make midterms harder than they need to be.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Julio Cesar, future RDH and current expanded-function dental assistant, is sharing his path to dental hygiene school after thirteen years of experience in dentistry as an assistant! He's always had a passion for dentistry and shares how excited he is to be able to merge his skills as an expanded-function assistant and dental hygienist to provide comprehensive care to his patients in the future. Dana and Julio also talked about possible changes to the profession of dental hygienists as dental assistants continue to expand their scopes of practice. Stay tuned for part 2 of their conversation! Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To succeed in dental hygiene school, it's important to step away from memorizing the lecture material and focus on the skill of asking why. Dana explains why knowing facts isn’t enough—and how exam questions, clinical reasoning, and long-term retention all depend on understanding cause-and-effect. Here's the tip she gives to students to maximize their comprehension: when studying, practice explaining concepts out loud without notes. If you can’t clearly explain the concept, that’s your cue to go deeper. This simple habit improves exam performance, clinical confidence, and your ability to think like a dental hygienist—not just pass a test.Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The dental hygiene profession has faced threats to lower standards of care and allow lesser-trained individuals to do our jobs in some states. Bethany has come back on the podcast to explain her role with the Oral Health Awareness Project and how they are addressing legislative threats by educating both the dental community and the public on the depth of hygienists’ education, clinical judgment, and role beyond “just a cleaning.” A simple place for clinical hygienists to support this movement is to be intentional when explaining their assessments, education, and scope to patients, because everyday clarity in the operatory shapes long-term change.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Although your GPA does not define you, it should be used as crucial feedback. It shows how you’re managing coursework, using resources, and adjusting when things don’t go as planned. Admissions committees for dental hygiene programs look closely at GPAs, especially relevant science courses, because it reflects your readiness for their program. Dana shares great tips on how to polish your dental hygiene school application to put your best foot forward. 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A hand injury for a dental hygienist can be career-ending, yet many don't have a backup plan in place if it were to happen to them. Miranda Linkous shares how her wrist injury led her to pivot from clinical hygiene into dental sales. It's a refreshing reminder that the skills developed in dental hygiene translate beyond the operatory. If you're interested in learning how she did it, check out this episode and then head over to her YouTube channel, @MirandaLinkousRDH. 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Consider this episode a check-in with your personal advisor, Dana, for your dental hygiene school prerequisites. Dana walks through the common pre-req courses for dental hygiene programs. There's so much emphasis put on these science courses because they directly prepare you for the intensity of dental hygiene coursework, so they can really make or break your application. Choosing two to three target programs and tailoring your prerequisite plan to their requirements is a more effective and less overwhelming approach. Dana also normalizes having C's on your transcript, reminding listeners that strong planning, experience, and thoughtful applications can matter just as much as grades. 🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you want the honest truth about dental hygiene—not the sugar-coated version you see on social media? Dana gets into the real downsides of dental hygiene on this episode, including musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain, burnout, lack of autonomy, difficult workplace dynamics, emotional fatigue, and the tough transition from school expectations to real-world practice. It's important to recognize none of these challenges automatically mean dental hygiene isn’t right for you—but they do mean you have to be intentional. You can set yourself up to have a great career early on by prioritizing ergonomics, strength, and self-check-ins. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Identify the issue you can change and make a small shift. Having an honest conversation about the downsides of dental hygiene is crucial if you’re deciding whether this career truly fits you.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dana welcomes back Britt from Brush with Britt on the podcast to discuss finances for dental hygienists—beyond just the hourly rate. New grads and early-career hygienists often overlook crucial factors when picking a job as a result of putting so much emphasis on their compensation package. Dana and Britt agree that work environment, commute, schedule flexibility, equipment quality, and long-term financial planning are equally important when accepting a job. Britt shares her best tips for negotiating pay, asking for creative bonuses, avoiding early burnout, and starting retirement savings like a Roth IRA—even without employer benefits. A higher hourly wage doesn’t always equal a better job or a better life. Before accepting or renegotiating a position, write down your top five non-negotiables (schedule, commute, culture, equipment, growth opportunities) and evaluate the offer as a whole—not just the number. If finances feel overwhelming or you’ve only been taught to chase the highest rate, this episode will help you zoom out, advocate for yourself, and make smarter money moves from the start.🟠 Struggling in school? https://dentalhygienebasics.mykajabi.com/pl/2148740487🟠 Socials: @dentalhygienebasics🟠 Scholarships: www.dentalhygienebasics.com/scholarships Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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