Episode Overview

In this special, nostalgia-fueled episode, Andrew takes a look back at meaningful conversations from prior episodes, bringing in crucial advice for dental professionals and hygienists that's just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you’re a long-time listener or just finding the show, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories from Tom Viola and Renata Nehme on topics crucial to the dental hygiene field.

Key Topics and Highlights

1. Dental Hygiene Training and Qualifications (with Tom Viola)

• Rigorous Training: Tom shares insights from his experience teaching pharmacology to hygienists, highlighting the level of stress, acumen, and stringent requirements of dental hygiene programs.

• Anesthesia Rights for Hygienists: Discussion on why dental hygienists should be qualified to administer local anesthesia in every state and the process Georgia undertook to make this a reality.

• Inter-Professional Trust: Tom argues that dentists often lack understanding of hygienists’ training. If they witnessed the training firsthand, their confidence in hygienists’ skills would grow.

• Education & Reciprocity: Andrew and Tom debate how state-to-state differences in training impact reciprocity of credentials and the importance of maintaining high standards.

2. Palatal Expansion in Adults (with Renata Nehme)

• Early Intervention Matters: Renata explains how early observation of jaw growth and dental spacing in children can predict future needs for orthodontic intervention.

• Adult Expansion Experience: She shares her personal journey with palatal expansion as an adult—including the use of MARPE (mini-implant-assisted rapid palatal expander), the procedure, and recovery.

• Relapse & Muscle Function: The conversation dives into the importance of myofunctional therapy for lasting results and the role of tongue and muscle habits in dental relapse.

• Facial Changes: Renata explores how palatal expansion affects not only occlusion but also facial structure, including cheekbones, lips, and nasal width.

Must-Listen Moments

• Tom recalling the intense nature of hygiene school and advocating for robust education standards.

• Insights into how anesthesia training and workflow advances have elevated the hygiene profession.

• Renata’s deeply personal account of her orthodontic journey, the challenges, and the transformative facial changes she experienced.

• Practical advice on early dental intervention and the significance of myofunctional therapy from a seasoned clinician.

Connect with Today’s Guests

• Tom Viola:
  Website: tomviola.com
  Social: @PharmacologyDeclassified

• Renata Nemi:
  Instagram: @myomoves
  Airway Circle: airwaycircle.com
  Courses for hygienists at Myo University

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Produced by Endeavor Business Media.

Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest? Drop Andrew a line through the website or on social media!