In this episode, I sit down with Erin Haley Hitz, President of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), to explore the critical challenges and opportunities facing dental hygienists today. Erin shares her journey from practicing clinician to leading the ADHA, offering valuable insights on how the profession can evolve to meet the needs of a changing dental hygiene landscape. From workforce well-being and advocacy to the importance of community support, Erin’s vision is one of empowerment and proactive change for dental hygienists nationwide. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the future of dental hygiene and how each professional can make a lasting impact.

About Erin: Erin Haley Hitz, RDH, is the current President of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), where she leads efforts to advance the profession and support dental hygienists across the country. With a clinical background and a passion for advocacy, Erin is dedicated to improving working conditions, promoting well-being, and empowering dental professionals. Her leadership within the ADHA reflects a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community-building, making her a strong advocate for the dental hygiene field.

Links or Resources Mentioned:

•American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Website: ADHA.org

•ADHA Membership Information: Learn more about becoming a member and the benefits at ADHA Membership

•Wellness and Workforce Resources: For information on support programs and resources for dental hygienists, visit ADHA Wellness Resources

•Upcoming ADHA Events: Keep an eye on upcoming conferences and events at ADHA Events

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: Hello@TheAlignedHygienist.com

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

If you're struggling with ergonomics and pain and want additional support, please email me at: Hello@TheAlignedHygienist.com

I would love to see how I can support you!

CONNECT W/ CAITLIN:

• Find Caitlin on Instagram (@thealignedhygienist)
• Connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn
• Check out The Aligned Hygienist Website (www.thealignedhygienist.com)

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, I chat with Kristen Geist, a dental professional whose journey through airway health has transformed her approach to patient care. Diagnosed with upper airway resistance syndrome herself, Kristen shares how her personal experiences inspired her to become an advocate for sleep apnea awareness and the importance of airway health. Listen in as we dive into her path from dental hygiene to working with adults on airway, sleep apnea, and tongue tie releases, and how she collaborates with other providers to help patients uncover hidden sleep disorders that impact their quality of life.

Kristen Geist is a dental professional with over eight years of experience specializing in airway health, sleep apnea, and adult laser tongue tie release. After being diagnosed with upper airway resistance syndrome, Kristen became passionate about spreading awareness around sleep-related breathing disorders, especially in patients who may not fit the typical profiles. She now collaborates with various healthcare providers to bring comprehensive care to her patients and aims to educate the dental community on the profound effects of airway health. Kristen resides in upstate New York with her husband, son, and two rescue dogs, and is dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through awareness and treatment of airway health issues.

Want to connect with Kristen?
https://www.instagram.com/pranawithdrkristen/

Resources from Today's Episode:
- Breathing Book by James Nestor
- https://sliiip.com/

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: Hello@TheAlignedHygienist.com

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

If you're struggling with ergonomics and pain and want additional support, please email me at: Hello@TheAlignedHygienist.com

I would love to see how I can support you!

CONNECT W/ CAITLIN:

• Find Caitlin on Instagram (@thealignedhygienist)
• Connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn
• Check out The Aligned Hygienist Website (www.thealignedhygienist.com)

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, I sit down with AnnMarie DePalma, a seasoned dental professional and educator known for her advocacy around dental hygiene onboarding and team-based continuing education. AnnMarie shares her journey from clinical practice to becoming a sought-after coach for dental teams, highlighting her insights on the importance of thorough onboarding and consistent professional growth. Tune in to learn how her passion for education drives positive change in dental practices and empowers hygienists to deliver better care while building thriving, cohesive teams.

AnnMarie DePalma, CDA, RDH, MEd, FADIA, FAADH, FADHA, is a distinguished dental hygienist and educator with years of clinical experience. She’s known for her work in advancing dental hygiene through effective onboarding processes and continuing education for entire dental teams. AnnMarie’s passion lies in fostering professional growth, improving patient care, and helping practices thrive by implementing team-focused CE programs. Her work has inspired countless hygienists to embrace learning as a lifelong journey in an ever-evolving profession.

Want to connect with AnnMarie?

Email: annmariedepalma@gmail.com
Website: https://depalmaannmarie.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariedepalma/

Want to thrive in your role as a dental professional? Whether you’re struggling with ergonomics, managing pain, or just looking for guidance to elevate your practice, I’m here to help! As a dental hygienist, coach, and consultant, I’m passionate about empowering you to work more comfortably and effectively.

🎉 Get Your Free Chairside Guide – a quick, practical resource designed to support you in providing top-notch patient care while taking care of yourself with chairside yoga exercises, ergonomic tips, and more!

Learn more about The Aligned Hygienist here.

Let’s connect:

• Instagram: @thealignedhygienist

• LinkedIn: Connect with me here

• Email: Hello@TheAlignedHygienist.com

Looking forward to helping you align your passion with your well-being!

Be well,
Caitlin

If you're struggling with ergonomics and pain and want additional support, please email me at: Hello@TheAlignedHygienist.com

I would love to see how I can support you!

CONNECT W/ CAITLIN:

• Find Caitlin on Instagram (@thealignedhygienist)
• Connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn
• Check out The Aligned Hygienist Website (www.thealignedhygienist.com)