The Inspired Hygiene Podcast

Join me as I share insights gained from over 20 years of experience observing, coaching and training hundreds of dental hygiene teams. With a keen eye for what creates transformational change, we’ll deliver practical strategies that positively impact patients, practice owners, and dental teams alike. Each season of the podcast focuses on a single powerful topic, breaking it down into actionable advice, authentic stories from the field, and tools you can implement immediately. Whether you're a dental practice owner, dentist, dental hygienist or practice manager, The Inspired Hygiene Podcast offers thought provoking insight designed to impact both your clinical and business results.

S1 E1: The Hygiene Reality Check: Facing the Storm and Finding the Wins Welcome to Episode 1 of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast—now on YouTube! 🎉 I’m Rachel Wall, RDH & Founder of Inspired Hygiene, and after two decades inside thousands of hygiene ops I’m pulling back the curtain on what really drives a high-performing, patient-focused hygiene department.   In this kickoff episode you’ll discover 🔍 Why NOW? The “staffing crisis” & wage reality reshaping dentistry Proven ways practice owners can stay profitable and competitive How hygienists can safeguard (and super-charge) their careers by working at the top of their license Culture, compensation, capacity & clinical standards—the four levers every leader must master The “triple win” filter we use with clients to be sure changes serve patients, providers and the practice   Download the free guide mentioned in the show “17 Tips to Attract a Hygienist” → Get instant access here! Resource shared: Dental Economics Annual Practice Survey   Work with Us: Ready to level-up your hygiene department? Visit InspiredHygiene.com to schedule a discovery call.   Stay Connected 👍 Like this video if it helped you 🔔 Subscribe for fresh, practical strategies every season ✉️ Share it with a colleague who needs a dose of inspiration

Hiring: From Crickets to Qualified Candidates | Inspired Hygiene Podcast Season 1 Episode 2   Looking for that right-fit hygienist (or any dental teammate) but your job post is getting 👀 zero traction? Rachel Wall, RDH, sits down with Inspired Hygiene’s Director of Operations Jennifer Steadman—a former assistant, hygienist and PE-backed multi-practice ops exec who staffed 17 locations & 200+ team members—to share the exact steps that turn silence into a steady stream of interviews.   FREE PDF: 17 Tips to Attract (and Keep) Exceptional Hygienists  Book a Discovery Meeting  Email us → info@inspiredhygiene.com    👍 Like if these tips level-up your hiring game 📝 Comment your biggest staffing challenge—we answer everyone! 🔔 Subscribe for weekly hygiene & practice-growth strategies   Thanks for tuning in—stay inspired!

S1 E3: Breaking the Cycle: Creative Fixes for Overloaded Hygiene Schedules 🦷 Hygiene Schedules Booked 6-8 Months Out? Here’s How to Break the Backlog Rachel Wall, RDH, sits down with lead hygiene productivity coach Connie Simmons, RDH—licensed in 9 states and still practicing chairside—to dissect the hygiene-capacity crisis and share battle-tested fixes that protect the Triple Win (patients • providers • practice).   📚 RESOURCES * Assisted Hygiene Online Bootcamp  * Hygienist Shares Real World Experience with Assisted Hygiene  * Assisted Hygiene: Burden or Benefit Webinar   * Schedule a Discovery Meeting  * Email us → info@inspiredhygiene.com     👍 LIKE this if you’re ready to end the 8-month waitlist   💬 COMMENT: What’s YOUR toughest scheduling bottleneck?   🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more practical hygiene & practice-growth strategies    Thanks for listening—stay inspired!

Unlocking Hygiene’s FULL Potential: Better Care, Energized Teams, Stronger Practices | Inspired Hygiene Podcast Ep 4 Rachel Wall, RDH, sits down with Lead Clinical Coach Katherine Gilliam, RDH to map out a step-by-step path—from “prophy + bitewings” to true whole-patient care. Discover the 3 tiers of expanded hygiene services, why hygienists must rebrand as health-care practitioners (not just “providers”), and how this mindset shift protects patients and the profession.   💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS Mindset first: call yourself a health-care practitioner—and practice like one.   Tier 1 must-dos: vitals ✔️ comprehensive perio chart ✔️ oral-systemic conversation ✔️   Adjunct power: targeted lasers, medical-grade ozone & tailored trays turn “maintenance” into healing.   Data drives trust: microbial & HbA1c testing give patients lab-level proof—and boost acceptance.   Start small, systemize, then scale: master one upgrade, lock workflows, communicate value, then add the next.   🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS FREE guide: 17 Tips to Attract & Keep Exceptional Hygienists → https://inspiredhygiene.com/17-tips-to-attract-a-hygienist-to-your-practice/   Book a Discovery Meeting →https://inspiredhygiene.com/talk/#meet-now   More about Katherine Gilliam → https://inspiredhygiene.com/coaching/   Email us → info@inspiredhygiene.com   👍 Like if you’re ready to elevate your hygiene department 💬 Comment: Which tier are you focused on next? 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss Season 2—deep-dive into periodontal diagnostics!   Thanks for joining us—stay inspired!

Hygiene Compensation Part 1: Benchmarks, Profitability & The New Reality | Inspired Hygiene Podcast Rachel Wall, RDH, breaks down the real numbers behind hygiene pay—why the classic 3:1 profitability benchmark matters, how higher wages + lower reimbursements squeeze margins, and what to do when a new hire wants more than your rock-star veteran team. Part 2 will cover specific pay models (hourly vs. performance-based) with real practice examples.   💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS 3:1 still rules: Net (collectible) hygiene production should be ~3× total hygiene comp to hit profitability. You can’t hide the pay gap: Bringing in a newbie at a higher rate without adjusting veterans = culture bomb. Fix revenue first, not just hours: Expand services and diagnostics instead of slashing appointment time. Blocks & models matter: Assisted hygiene (with a dedicated assistant) can increase access and quality. Prep for Part 2: Consider if an hourly-only model still fits your goals—performance plans can be a win-win. 🔗 RESOURCES FREE: 17 Tips to Attract & Keep Exceptional Hygienists → https://inspiredhygiene.com/17-tips-to-attract-a-hygienist-to-your-practice/ Book a Discovery Meeting → https://inspiredhygiene.com/talk/#meet-now Questions? Email us → info@inspiredhygiene.com 👍 Like if this clarified the numbers 💬 Comment: What’s your biggest comp challenge right now? 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2—real-world comp models & transition tips As always—stay inspired!

🎙️ Inspired Hygiene Podcast | From Paycheck to Partnership: Evolving the Hygiene Compensation Model Welcome back to the Inspired Hygiene Podcast! I'm your host, Rachel Wall—RDH and founder of Inspired Hygiene. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by long-time friend and lead coach Emme Sanders to dive deep into one of the hottest and most impactful topics in dentistry today: the shift from hourly paycheck to performance-based partnership in dental hygiene. 💡 We explore: Why traditional hygiene pay models are no longer sustainable What a performance-based model really looks like How to create a triple win for the patient, provider, and practice Real-world success from a legacy practice that made the transition Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them The critical role of clear communication in successful change Why this model enhances value, patient care, and professional longevity PLUS: Emme shares behind-the-scenes insights from one of her most challenging (and rewarding) consulting projects yet—and how they helped hygienists make more while serving patients better.   ✨ Ready to transform your hygiene department? Learn more or book a discovery meeting at https://inspiredhygiene.com/talk/#meet-now 📍 Next COLLABricon Event: November 14–15, 2025 | Nashville, TN 👇 Like, comment, and subscribe to never miss an episode! #DentalHygiene #InspiredHygiene #HygieneCompensation #TripleWin #DentalPodcast #PracticeProfitability #LeadershipInDentistry #DentalTeamSuccess  

🎙️ Inspired Hygiene Podcast | Season 2, Ep1: The #1 Missed Opportunity in Dental Hygiene   Welcome to Season 2 of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast! I'm your host, Rachel Wall—RDH and founder of Inspired Hygiene. After an incredible Season 1 focused on hot topics in hygiene, we're back with a powerful new series dedicated entirely to the #1 most common missed opportunity in dental hygiene: identifying and treating periodontal disease.   With over 30 years in the dental industry and 20 years coaching thousands of hygiene teams, I’ve seen the same gap in nearly every practice—and the data proves it. In this episode, we break down:   Real stats from 300+ practices representing 1.2 million patients   Why many hygiene departments only diagnose perio in 5–10% of cases   How to use the Perio Percentage Calculator to assess your practice’s performance   What’s holding teams back—and how to overcome it   The critical need for systems, leadership, and open communication   How you can reduce burnout by escaping the “prophy trap”   Whether you’re a practice owner, team leader, or clinician, this season is your step-by-step roadmap to boosting care, profitability, and professional satisfaction.   🎓 Perio Protocol Online Bootcamp: https://inspiredhygiene.com/perio-protocol/ 📞 Book a Discovery Call: https://inspiredhygiene.com/talk/#meet-now   🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your team or colleagues. Let’s create the Triple Win—for your practice, your team, and your patients.   #InspiredHygiene #DentalHygiene #PerioProtocol #PeriodontalDisease #DentalLeadership #HygieneCoaching #HygieneProfitability #TripleWin #DentistryPodcast #RachelWall #DentalHygienist #PracticeSuccess  

🎙️ Inspired Hygiene Podcast | From Mindset to Protocol: Creating a Standard of Care That Drives Results   Welcome back to the Inspired Hygiene Podcast! In this powerful follow-up to Episode 7, we explore what really needs to happen before your hygiene department can deliver consistent periodontal care—and it all starts with mindset and standards.   In this episode, host Rachel Wall, RDH, breaks down: ✅ The mindset shift from fixed to growth—and how it unlocks better patient care ✅ Why adding new tech isn’t the answer if your diagnostic protocols are broken ✅ The importance of a written Standard of Care to drive consistency and clarity ✅ Real examples of how patient lives have been transformed by periodontal care ✅ Free tools you can use NOW to start building your perio program   Whether you’re a hygienist, dentist, or practice owner, this episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and a clear call to elevate care for the benefit of your patients, your team, and your practice.   🔧 Download Your Free Tools: 📝 Standard of Care Worksheet: https://inspiredhygiene.com/standard-of-care-worksheet/ 📊 Perio Percentage Calculator: https://inspiredhygiene.com/perio-tool/ 🎓 Perio Protocol Bootcamp: https://inspiredhygiene.com/perio-protocol/   ❤️ Subscribe and join us as we help dental professionals reconnect with their why and build practices centered around trust, excellence, and whole-body health.   #InspiredHygiene #DentalPodcast #PeriodontalCare #DentalHygiene #HygieneProfitability #StandardOfCare #TripleWin #PracticeGrowth #OralSystemicHealth #HygienistLeadership

Inspired Hygiene Podcast | Special Episode from AADOM 2025: Leadership Multiplied with Jennifer Steadman In this special episode, recorded live at the AADOM Conference, host Rachel Wall, RDH sits down with Inspired Hygiene’s own Jennifer Steadman, BSDH, DAADOM—fresh off teaching the first-ever multi-site management course at AADOM: Leadership Multiplied. 🙌 With deep experience in leading multi-location dental organizations, Jennifer shares powerful insights on what it takes to scale successfully while preserving culture, consistency, and team engagement. 🔑 Key topics from the course: Why scaling starts with Core Values, Standard of Care, and SOPs How to unify multiple locations under one clear clinical and operational vision The importance of leading leaders and not just teams Overcoming challenges like spouse-led leadership, siloed SOPs, and remote visibility Creating fun, intentional culture moments across locations—even from afar This candid conversation goes beyond strategy—it touches the heart of leadership, the weight of serving others, and the power of shared experience. If you’re in the DSO space, managing multiple locations, or leading a team of leaders, this episode is packed with must-hear insights. 🧭 Ready to lead with clarity and connection? Book a Discovery Call today: https://inspiredhygiene.com/talk/#meet-now ❤️ Like, comment, and subscribe for more real-world strategies and inspiration for today’s dental leaders. #InspiredHygiene #DentalLeadership #MultiSiteManagement #DSO #AADOM2025 #LeadershipMultiplied #DentalPodcast #HygieneCoaching #CultureMatters #DentalTeamSuccess #LeadWithHeart #PracticeGrowth

🎙️ Inspired Hygiene Podcast | Why Even Innovative Dentists Hesitate to Upgrade Their Perio Systems Welcome back to Season 2 of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast! In this episode, host Rachel Wall, RDH dives deep into the top 5 concerns dental practice owners face when considering a proactive periodontal care program—and how to confidently move past them. 🧩 From staffing fears to patient reactions, we break down: “What if my hygienist leaves?” “What will our patients think?” “I don’t have time to manage this.” “My hygiene team is resistant to change.” “I don’t want to be too aggressive.” You'll also hear real-life stories from practices that overcame these exact concerns—and saw transformation in patient care, team morale, and profitability. 📈 Whether you're building your perio program solo or with help from a coach, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and actionable steps to start making meaningful progress today. 🛠️ Free Tools Mentioned: 🔢 Perio Percentage Calculator: https://inspiredhygiene.com/perio-tool/ 📝 Standard of Care Worksheet:https://inspiredhygiene.com/standard-of-care-worksheet/ 💬 Want guidance? Book a free discovery meeting: https://inspiredhygiene.com/talk/#meet-now ❤️ Like, subscribe, and share to help more teams elevate their standard of care and create the triple win—for patients, providers, and the practice. #InspiredHygiene #DentalPodcast #PeriodontalCare #HygieneSystems #DentalHygienist #PracticeSuccess #HygieneDepartment #HygieneLeadership #TripleWin #OralSystemicHealth  

Beyond the Prophy: Reclaiming the Purpose of Periodontal Maintenance   In this powerful episode, host Rachel Wall, RDH takes a deep dive into a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential: periodontal maintenance—and why it’s so much more than just checking a box.   🦷 Many dental teams unknowingly let patients slip through the cracks with under-evaluated perio protocols. Rachel walks through how to assess whether your perio program is stable or slipping, what your perio percentage really means, and how to identify red flags in maintenance care. She also breaks down the science, mindset shifts, and clinical strategies needed to deliver truly exceptional care—and protect the hard-earned healing your patients have achieved.   ✅ What you’ll learn in this episode:   What periodontal maintenance really is—and what it’s not   Why a low perio percentage might indicate a big problem   Four reasons perio patients are high-risk for relapse   The dangers of "bleeding blindness" and "stable inflammation"   Why documentation and consistent diagnostics are key   The CDT code breakdown for 4910 and what payers look for   How to reframe maintenance as proactive, life-saving care   Perio Calculator Tool  https://inspiredhygiene.com/perio-tool/   AAP Periodontal Health Paper https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/JPER.16-0517   Why Your Patients Are In Perio Purgatory- ACT Best Practices Show podcast episode https://www.actdental.com/podcast/?wchannelid=lla42lxvs4&wmediaid=nb08uv3o6p 🎯 Whether you're a hygienist, dentist, or practice leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink the way you approach maintenance—and unlock the hidden growth opportunities inside your hygiene program.   💬 If this episode resonated with you, leave a comment or review and share it with a colleague!   #InspiredHygiene #PeriodontalMaintenance #DentalPodcast #HygieneLeadership #PerioPercentage #ScalingAndRootPlaning #PracticeGrowth #HygieneCoach #BleedingBlindness #DentalCare #OralSystemicHealth #DSO #HygieneProduction