In this episode, we sit down with Shelley Brown to talk about what happens when creativity, clinical care, and advocacy collide.

Shelley shares the story behind her "side gig," Homebound Smiles, and how a simple idea grew into meaningful work serving patients who often fall through the cracks of traditional care models. We explore what it really takes to build a full professional life—without burning out or losing your spark.

This conversation goes beyond business. Shelley opens up about advocacy in dental hygiene, recognizing unmet needs, and staying creatively energized. Whether you're dreaming about a side project, craving more purpose, or simply trying to keep your creativity flowing, this episode will leave you inspired and grounded.

• How Homebound Smiles came to life—and why it matters

• Navigating side gigs while maintaining balance and boundaries

• Advocacy as both action and mindset in dental hygiene

• Giving yourself permission to evolve professionally

Resources:

The end of an era as Andrew hangs up the mic as host of A Tale of Two Hygienists after more than 10 years. But this isn't a sad day, it's a day to celebrate as we welcome in the two new co-hosts for 2026.. but you have to listen to find out who it is!

Spice/K2 is incredibly problematic. Not only is it unhealthy, it's also inconsistent and regularly laced with unknown additives and other drugs. Listen to Tom Viola as he explains the main concerns with this recreational drug!

Resources:

Be sure to reach out to him if you have any questions by emailing [email protected], visit his website TomViola.com or check out his social media - @pharmacologydeclassified

We go through different phases of our life and sometimes we are very healthy and sometimes we aren't. Unfortunately, we humans judge books by covers - we think thin is health and heavy is not. In this episode with Machell Hoover she reminds us of what health really looks like, what her journey has been, and how to partner with the right providers to get exactly what your body needs to be healthy.

Resources:

[email protected]

What to see an alarming stat? 77% of OBGYNs report that their pregnant patients are declined routine dental care. There is plenty of stigma and misunderstanding swirling about in the dental community regarding pregnant patients, so give this episode with Katrina Sanders as she shares 8 important tips for treating pregnant patients!

Resources:

More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/

Have you ever been in that weird in-between spot where you are in holiday mode but still have work but want the year to be over for a reset but still need to process the happenings of the previous 12 months? Of course you have, and many of us have been in that exact spot! In this episode we take a proactive approach to making 2026 just that much better with 5 steps you can start today!

Resources:

https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-stop-ruminating-on-the-past#rumination-vs-obsession

In this episode, we dive into the concept of burnout. Burnout has turned into a massive industry buzzword and quite frankly, its mostly misused. Additionally, the solutions that have been given to beat burnout are often addressing something that isn't getting to the root of the problem. Give this episode a listen to see where you stand on the topic!

Resources

https://news.mit.edu/2024/most-work-is-new-work-us-census-data-shows-0401

https://mhanational.org/resources/burnout-signs-causes-recover/

Screening For Depression vs Burnout with Mental Health America

Listen in to this week's episode with Katrina Sanders as she explains when a patient TRULY needs scaling and root planing!

Resources:

More Fast Facts: https://www.ataleoftwohygienists.com/fast-facts/ Katrina Sanders Website: https://www.katrinasanders.com Katrina Sanders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/

In this thought-provoking episode, Tim Ives joins the show for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of dental hygienists, the ongoing challenges in oral health, and the importance of behavior change and communication in achieving better patient outcomes. The discussion delves into dental education, interprofessional collaboration, measuring success in hygiene, and innovative ideas for the profession's future, such as independent hygiene practices and high street outreach.

• Defining the Role of the Dental Hygienist: Tim Ives challenges listeners to rethink the traditional image of the hygienist and advocates for a broader understanding among patients, dentists, and hygienists themselves.

• Barriers to Change in Dental Health: Discussion on why oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal disease remain prevalent and the systemic issues preventing progress.

• Measuring Success in Hygiene: How hygienists can (and should) measure patient health outcomes, and why communication and behavior change skills should be prioritized.

• Business vs. Healthcare: The difficulties in balancing profitability and genuine health care—especially in corporate/group practice settings.

• Ideas for the Future: Envisioning hygienists as independent professionals on the high street, specialists in behavioral change, and as accessible advisors to the public.

• Education Pathways and Research: Insight into the innovative programs at O'Hehir University, including international bachelor's and master's degrees for dental hygienists, and the recently launched journal publishing condensed (400-word) research papers.

• Behavioral Change & Stress in Oral Health: Exploring newer research that ties socioeconomic status, stress, and cortisol to dental caries risk, and the need to address systemic social issues to truly improve health.

• Professionalism & Interprofessional Education: The impact of UK programs where hygienists and dentists are trained side by side, and how this fosters professionalism and teamwork.

• Direct Access & Practice Ownership: How changes in UK policy now allow hygienists to own practices, employ dentists, and offer direct patient access.

• Personal Reflections: Tim Ives shares his candid views on career development and success, plus a fun closing discussion on football and Wrexham's promotion odds.

• 6-month Bachelor's program — open globally to licensed dental hygienists

• 18-month Master's program — focused on oral health promotion, leadership, and research

• New journal featuring concise, practice-relevant research summaries

• Email: [email protected]

• O'Hehir University Website: https://ohehiruniversity.org/

• For more information about O'Hehir University or to reach

  Tim Ives

  • Email: [email protected]

Huge thanks to Tim Ives for his insights and dedication to the profession, and to all listeners for supporting these important conversations that help shape the future of dental hygiene.

• Subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists on your favorite podcast platform

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Thanks for tuning in!

Episode Overview

This episode is a recording of a CE-Caliber presentation led by Tanya Dunlap, Vice President of Clinical and Business Development, and research liaison for Perio Protect.

Key Topics Covered

• Chronic Oral Infections & Systemic Health: Tanya Dunlap explains why chronic oral infections are not just a local problem, but can affect overall health—especially for patients with conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more.

• Prescription Tray Therapy Explained: Learn the science behind Perio Protect's periodontal medicament carrier trays—how they deliver low-concentration hydrogen peroxide deep into periodontal pockets to fight infection and improve gum health.

• Case Studies & Clinical Outcomes: See real-world examples of patients who used Perio Protect, including those with crowns, implants, advanced periodontal disease, and systemic health concerns. Hear about measurable reductions in bleeding, improved gum scores, and even systemic improvements in markers like hemoglobin A1c.

• Impact on Restorations & Implants: Tanya Dunlap discusses how Perio Protect can help maintain the longevity of crowns and implants, prevent peri-implant mucositis, and support healthy tissue around restorations.

• Patient Communication & Compliance: Tips for presenting the treatment in a way patients can understand, including how to use the "gum score" as an objective health metric. Strategies for boosting patient commitment and overcoming common objections.

• Safety, Usage, and Cost: Answers to audience questions on sensitivity, safety of low-concentration peroxide, compatibility with other dental products, recommended usage duration, and the typical costs for trays and gel.

• Insurance & Coding: Insights into dental insurance coverage for Perio Protect, recommended CDT codes, and how to handle FSA/HSA payments for patients.

Featured Speakers

• Tanya Dunlap

Resources & Links

• For more information, visit Perio Protect's website or check out their research at periprotect.com/research.

• You can also find additional patient-facing materials and educational brochures mentioned in the episode.

Takeaways Whether you're a dental professional looking to improve patient outcomes, or just curious about the link between oral and systemic health, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical tips. Hear audience questions answered live, learn how Perio Protect fits into comprehensive care plans, and see how this adjunctive therapy can elevate your clinical results.

Connect Don't miss out on future updates—follow A Tale of Two Hygienists, subscribe, and sign up for the newsletter!

If you have further questions or want access to slides or studies mentioned, be sure to contact Tanya Dunlap directly via the contact information provided in the episode.

Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to another insightful episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists! This week, Andrew Johnston is joined by none other than Dr. Alan Mead—podcaster, dentist, mentor, and community builder. Dr. Mead shares how the dental podcasting landscape has evolved over the years, what it takes to maintain endurance in dentistry, and how the profession continues to change.

Highlights from This Episode:

• Podcasting Roots & Mentorship: Andrew Johnston credits Dr. Alan Mead as the reason this very podcast exists, touching on early Facebook communities, learning tech, and the supportive culture of dental podcasters.

• CE, Learning, and Growth: Dr. Mead discusses his experience at recent Bioclear courses, the tendency to fall back into comfortable habits, and the challenges of integrating new techniques into everyday practice.

• The Changing Face of Dental Podcasting: The conversation covers the shift from traditional audio podcasts to video and social-focused content, the pros and cons of new tools, and how AI is changing audio editing and show notes.

• Dentistry Over the Years: Reflections on what's changed in the profession, from new grads facing massive debt, to decreasing engagement on platforms like Facebook, and the difference in career expectations from Dr. Mead's early days to now.

• Advice for New Podcasters: Dr. Mead offers sage advice for anyone starting a podcast: don't obsess over download numbers, focus on genuine engagement and conversation, make your show personal and relatable, and always prioritize the audience's needs.

• Looking Ahead – The Future of Dentistry: Thoughtful (and candid) takes on whether Dr. Mead would encourage a new grad to enter the profession, the importance of finding fulfillment outside of work, and how impermanence—among both dental staff and patients—might affect long-term patient relationships.

Voices of Dentistry Podcast and Event

Dr. Alan Mead also talks about the return of the Voices of Dentistry conference—a unique gathering for dental podcasters, listeners, and anyone interested in the dental podcasting community.

• Voices of Dentistry 2026

  Dates: January 16th and 17th, 2026

  Location: Implant Pathway, Arizona

  Details & Tickets: Voices of Dentistry website

  Note: Limited tickets due to fire codes! This is an intimate event with great speakers and loads of podcasters—not to be missed if you're a fan of dental podcasts.

You can also check out the Voices of Dentistry Podcast for discussions with some of the biggest names in dental podcasting.

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Thank You for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving a review and sharing with a friend. Have thoughts or want to connect? Reach out to the show or join the discussion on Facebook.

This episode is a production of Endeavor Business Media.