Your Official ADHA Podcast

ADHA President Lancette Van Guilder join host Matt Crespin for the conversation every dental hygienist needs to hear right now. ADHA's modernized governance structure is finally enabling rapid response to today’s real legislative threats that challenge your livelihood, while ADHA pushes toward self-regulation – hear why this matters for your career. Their candid conversation addresses barriers to change – fear, mindset, and resistance – making a compelling case for why now is the best opportunity in decades for dental hygienists to claim their role in healthcare as disease prevention specialists. Lancette reveals record membership growth, new career-stage categories and new strategic partnerships. Essential listening for any hygienist ready to be part of the solution. Guest: Lancette Van Guilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA   ADHA Newsroom https://www.adha.org/Newsroom ADHA At Work for You https://www.adha.org/WorkingForYou ADHA Hygienist Hub https://www.adha.org/HygienistHub ADHA CE Smart https://www.adha.org/CEsmart

When Nevada's Senate Bill 495 threatened to eliminate educational requirements for dental hygienists, ADHA and local Nevada hygienists sprang into action. In this must-listen episode, ADHA President Elect Lancette VanGuilder of Nevada together with Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian, Nevada's Karen Solie and host Matt Crespin - all ADHA past presidents - reveal the inside story of the legislative strategy and success in Nevada. Hear how tight coordination between national and state efforts paired with relentless "boots on the ground" advocacy and mobilization of the dental hygiene community contributed to the defeat of dangerous legislation that could have compromised public safety. This is a blueprint with the practical insights you need in order to stay on top of legislative threats coming to your state - the strategy, the critical importance of early ADHA partnership and proven tactics that work. With other states already in the crosshairs, this pod episode is essential listening for dental hygienists nationwide, to unite and protect professional standards and public safety. Guests: ADHA President Elect Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA; Caryn Solie, RDH, FADHA and JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA   Workforce Growth Initiatives    https://www.adha.org/WorkforceGrowth2025 ADHA Advocacy Action Center https://www.adha.org/takeaction ADHA Working for You https://www.adha.org/WorkingForYou Nevada Dental Hygienists' Association https://nvdha.com/ A Battle Well Fought in Nevada https://www.adha.org/hygienist-hub/a-battle-well-fought-in-nevada/  ADHA Newsroom https://www.adha.org/Newsroom 

Malia Taylor, RDH shares her incredible journey of obtaining licenses in nine states since graduating in 2019. What started as a necessity for her during the COVID-19 pandemic became a unique career showcasing the challenges and opportunities of multi-state practice. Malia shares her insider perspective with Host Matt Crespin, including navigating complex licensing requirements, managing multiple renewals and tracking varied continuing education across states. She discusses practical realities from straightforward applications to those requiring additional law exams and extensive documentation. They discuss how the growing Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) Compact will transform professional mobility. From her favorite practice location to the costly licensing process, Malia offers valuable insights for hygienists considering travel and multi-state opportunities or geographic relocation. Essential listening for any dental hygienist interested in expanding their practice locations. This podcast is sponsored by GoTu. Guest: Malia Taylor, RDH Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Emily Boge brings her passionate advocacy to the forefront as she shares her journey from pharmacy student to influential voice in dental hygiene. Host Matt Crespin engages Dr. Boge in a candid discussion about how the profession’s code of ethics and clinical standards serve as the bedrock of public trust. They tackle head-on the alarming industry trends threatening to dilute educational requirements across multiple states. Dr. Boge makes a compelling case for why ADHA membership isn't just beneficial – it's an ethical imperative for every dental hygienist. Don’t miss this energizing conversation filled with practical wisdom for maintaining professional integrity and navigating ethical challenges – essential for every dental hygienist committed to advancing our profession.  Guest: Emily Boge, EdD, RDH, CDA, FAADH, FADHA, CDIPC  Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA Important Links:  Emily's Hygienist Hub Article: https://www.adha.org/hygienist-hub/our-professional-association-is-important/ Standards for Dental Hygiene Care: https://www.adha.org/education-resources/standards/  ADHA Code of Ethics: https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ADHA-Code-of-Ethics_FY24_10_18.pdf ADHA and IFDH Joint Statement on Qualified Dental Hygiene Providers: https://www.adha.org/newsroom/adha-ifdh-joint-position-statement-qualified-dental-hygiene-providers/     

Michelle Strange brings 20 years of dental hygiene expertise to this compelling episode, sharing her journey from practicing across multiple states to establishing her own independent hygiene practice in Colorado. She candidly discusses overcoming resistance to her independent model, navigating complex state licensure requirements and her unwavering focus on evidence-based care and infection control. Michelle highlights how professional associations have supported her advancement in the field and offers practical advice and inspiration for hygienists at any career stage. Her story of setting ambitious goals and embracing change provides a roadmap for colleagues looking to explore new possibilities in dental hygiene. Guest: Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, CDIPC Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

Work culture can make or break dental practice success. Host Matt Crespin welcomes Kara Kelley, CEO of Clinical HR LLC, for a conversation about creating positive workplace environments in today's dental landscape. Kara shares valuable insights on effective communication, and helping dental hygienists understand practice owners' perspectives while advocating for their own needs. Discover how workplace culture varies across practices nationwide and pick up some practical guidance for both employers and providers for healthier work environments. Kara also cautions dental professionals about social media presence in our interconnected dental community. This important episode delivers practical wisdom for navigating workplace dynamics and building successful professional relationships. Matt also provides updates on ADHA's latest position statements regarding scaling assistants, community water fluoridation, and concerning changes to the CDC Oral Health Division. Guest: Kara Kelley, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CEO of Clinical HR LLC Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA

ADHA's pivotal Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice have been updated for the first time since 2016. Host Matt Crespin welcomes ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz and Crest + Oral-B representatives Beth Jordan and Andrea Johnson to discuss this momentous release. Beth, who also served as a Content Expert on the Standards Committee, shares insights on key changes including the shift to person-centered care, the importance of dental hygiene diagnosis, and evidence-based recommendations. The conversation covers the role of Crest + Oral-B in sponsoring and supporting this new revision and emphasizes how these standards serve as a crucial guidebook for all dental hygienists, providing consistent protocols for quality care while reflecting the profession's ongoing evolution. Learn why dental hygienists should share these standards widely and how to implement them in practice as a foundation for advancing oral healthcare practice. Guests: Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH, ADHA President; Beth Jordan, RDH, MS, FADHA, Crest + Oral-B; Andrea Johnson, RDH, MS, Crest + Oral-B Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA https://www.adha.org/education-resources/standards/  

The "Hygienist Inspired" chairside recruitment program launched this week – a partnership between ADHA and the Foundations of Delta Dental. Three incredible dedicated Advisory Committee members share their dental hygiene journeys with host, Matt Crespin, and explain how this initiative builds diversity in dental hygiene and addresses workforce shortages while improving access to care in underserved communities. Learn about becoming a Hygienist Inspired Ally in this movement and how dental hygienists can inspire future professionals through direct chairside conversations and person connections. Matt shares the latest ADHA news from a busy start to 2025. Guests: Marlyce James, MEd, RDH, CDA, FADHA; Richard Robinson, BS, RDH; Ryan D. Rutar, RDH, MAM, FADHA, MAADH (Hygienist Inspired Advisory Committee) Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA   www.adha.org/HygienistInspired www.adha.org/Newsroom  

Hospital-based dental hygiene care is literally saving lives by preventing infections. ADHA member Katharine Martinez joins Matt during National Children’s Dental Health Month to share her unique work as a prevention educator at Phoenix Children's Hospital using a successful innovative care model that other states could easily adopt. She shares her passion for reaching pediatric patients and ensuring they remain free of preventable infections. Matt also shares the latest ADHA news and some National Children's Dental Health Month updates. Guest: Katharine Martinez, RDH, MPH Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA www.adha.org www.adha.org/ncdhm Www.adha.org/events  

Fluoride misinformation spreads faster than the facts. Spring Hatfield joins host Matt Crespin for an important conversation about fluoride information, identifying credible scientific sources and how to spot misinformation online. Their conversation examines how dental professionals can effectively evaluate and address fluoride misconceptions and problematic claims that are appearing in publications, online and in social media channels. Drawing on 80 years of research and public health data, Matt and Spring explore the scientific consensus on fluoridation's safety and efficacy and equip oral health professionals with tools to have informed conversations about this proven public health measure.   Guest: Spring Hatfield, RDH, BSPH Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA   www.adha.org/fluoride  

End-of-Year Episode! Matt catches up with ADHA officers on crucial dental hygiene issues, recent concerning proposals that impact the profession, patient care and scope of practice, and how the organization is opposing and addressing these. They look back at 2024 successes and look forward at the work ahead in 2025 work on professional autonomy, recruitment, education, policy, leadership development and more. The key is involvement through membership, upcoming leadership opportunities, advocacy, events and ADHA25 in Long Beach, CA.  Guests: ADHA President Erin Haley-Hitz, RDH, BSDH, MS, FADHA, MAADH; President-Elect Lancette VanGuilder, BS, RDH, PHEDH, CEAS, FADHA; Vice President Jessica August, MSDH, CDA, RDH, FADHA Host: Matt Crespin, MPH, RDH, FADHA Important Links:  www.adha.org/news www.adha2025.org https://alec.org/model-policy/dental-access-model-act/    

The ADHA's Institute for Oral Health Foundation is in the spotlight for this episode of the pod. Matt chats with IOH Foundation Chair Becky Smith, CRDH, EdD, FADHA and Emily Ludwig, RDH, BSDH, MS, PhD(c), recipient of an IOH Foundation Research Grant. Becky shares the mission and focus of the Foundation and Emily discusses how her award has allowed her to advance her research on bias in the field of dental hygiene. Consider making a donation during this season of giving to the IOH Foundation and support its mission to advance the dental hygiene profession and expand access to oral care through scholarships, research grants and community service grants.   www.adha.org/ioh

In this episode, recorded live at ADHA's recent Milwaukee CE event, host Matt Crespin welcomes an interdisciplinary panel of healthcare experts to discuss comprehensive diabetes care. Guests include Hannah Lochner, RD, LD, CDCE, Amy Stinson, MS, RDN, CD, CDCES, Gary Rothenberg, DPM and Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA. The distinguished panel shares insights on diabetic foot care, vision health, nutrition and oral-systemic connections. Gain valuable knowledge about collaborating with other care providers and understanding the multi-faceted needs of individuals in your chair who have diabetes. Make unique care connections with podiatry, nutrition, diabetes education and dental hygiene. Matt shares a preview to two upcoming episodes on the ADHA IOH and the challenges to fluoridation that patients and providers are talking about.  Www.adha.org/events www.adha.org/newroom www.ilikemyteeth.org  

Bonus Episode! Matt welcomes Erin Haley-Hitz for an eye-opening conversation about ADA’s recent resolutions on approaches to solving the dental hygiene workforce shortage, a clarification of what resolutions are, and what this could actually mean in terms of policy. Plus, a frank conversation about professional autonomy for dental hygienists as a preview for a free January webinar on the topic. A “can’t miss” 30-minute episode these ADHA leaders.  Www.adha.org/join www.adha.org/renew www.adha.org/January15 www.adha.org/newsroom  

Oral care implications of sleep disorders are multifaceted. Dental professionals are increasingly vital in identifying and supporting treatment for sleep disorders. Dr. Radfar shares with host Matt Crespin, the keys to the successful integration of sleep medicine into his dental practice. He bridges the gap with insights, treatment implications for oral health, and practical tools to help you support and advocate for those in your care who suffer from sleep disorders. This episode is generously sponsored by Aquoral.  

Dr. Jonathan Norris joins Matt on this episode of the podcast to discuss his philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry.  Dr. Norris has grown multiple pediatric practices across the New England area that has increased access for Medicaid patients.  Dr Norris has a unique approach to providing care that doesn't involve using a drill (in most cases) to treat dental decay and is doing so with tremendous success and patient acceptance.     https://montshirepediatricdentistry.com/  

In celebration of National Dental Hygiene Month, your host Matt Crespin welcomes Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC and Phyllis Martina, RDH, MBA, FADHA to explore this year's NDHM theme "RDH Investigates". They emphasize the importance of dental hygienists keeping their detective hats on when treating patients, to ensure they are thoroughly investigating and identifying issues to prevent, advise and recommend treatment and products to their patients. The conversation covers dental hygiene diagnosis, collaborative care approaches, and Colgate's partnership with ADHA to support hygienists and the profession. Matt shares other upcoming events in celebration of NDHM. www.adha.org/ndhm  

Think you have what it takes to swim with sharks? Hear from entrepreneur Samantha Coxe, CEO and Founder of Flaus, who shares her lightbulb moment as a dental patient that led to her invention of Flaus – an electric flosser – and the journey that helped her pitch and reel in support on ABC’s Shark Tank. Sam shares the complexities behind the product development and what kept her drive alive as she tackled the challenging startup process. Matt shares updates about upcoming celebrations for National Dental Hygiene Month and other happenings at ADHA. www.goflaus.com www.adha.org/NDHM2024        

Peek behind the corporate curtain as ADHA member Jen Post, RDH, MDH, a clinical applications specialist with Solventum, takes you from product concept to nationwide launch. Jen shares her inspiring journey with Matt and discusses her unique role with the company. Uncover Solventum's surprising identity and why it might be more familiar than you think! Matt also catches you up on the latest happenings at ADHA and Hispanic Heritage Month coming up! https://www.solventum.com https://www.adha.org/NDHM2024 https://www.adha.org/events https://www.adha.org/CESmart https://www.adha.org/newsroom https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov      

Recruitment of our future workforce is critical and ADHA is excited to partner with Delta Dental Foundation to announce a new ground-breaking project. Matt is joined by ADHA President Elect Lancette VanGuilder and Delta Dental Foundation Executive Director Holli Seabury to share a sneak peek at this new partnership aimed at growing the dental hygiene workforce in numbers and representation. Learn how ADHA, Delta Dental Foundation and hygienists across the country will team up to innovate dental hygiene recruiting…chairside.     Delta Dental Foundation & ADHA Press Release: https://www.adha.org/newsroom/adha-ddf-chairside-recruitment-program/ Chairside Recruitment Program: https://www.adha.org/chairside/ Delta Dental Foundation: https://www.deltadental.foundation/