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)

In this episode of The Aligned Hygienist, I sit down with Lily, a dental coach who started her journey in the industry as a dental assistant – and her story is anything but typical. What began with a spur-of-the-moment job offer during a root canal turned into a fulfilling career in practice management. Lily shares how she made the transition from hands-on clinical work to coaching, with a focus on helping pediatric offices improve patient care and streamline office operations. Tune in to hear about her path, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she’s empowering other dental professionals to build thriving, aligned practices.

Lily began her journey in the dental field as a dental assistant, quickly discovering her passion for patient care and practice management. Today, she’s a dedicated dental coach, specializing in helping pediatric dental offices streamline operations and enhance patient experiences. Join us in this episode to hear how Lily’s unique blend of clinical and coaching experience is transforming dental practices and supporting professionals at every level.

Curious to learn more from Lily? She’s hosting an upcoming event focused on helping pediatric dental teams elevate their practices and patient care. It’s a perfect opportunity for pediatric dentists and practice owners to dive deeper into her approach and connect with others in the field.

Connect with Lily and LCP Coaching: https://www.lcpcoaching.com/

LCP Coaching Conference for Pediatric Dental Owners: https://www.lcpcoaching.com/conference

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LCPCoaching

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 podcast, we’re diving into a topic that’s crucial for every dental practice: ergonomics. As dental professionals, we face unique physical challenges every day—static postures, repetitive movements, and less-than-ideal workspace setups. But did you know that these issues can lead to chronic pain, reduced productivity, and even higher turnover rates? That’s where ergonomic consulting comes in.

Join me as I explore how ergonomic consulting can revolutionize your practice by improving team health, enhancing productivity, and boosting job satisfaction. I’ll walk you through the common ergonomic challenges we face, the benefits of making ergonomic adjustments, and how my consulting services can help your team thrive. Whether you’re a practice owner or a dental professional, this episode will give you the insights you need to create a healthier, more efficient work environment.

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 podcast, I open up about my personal battle with carpal tunnel syndrome—a journey that began while I was working at the front desk of a dental office before becoming a licensed dental hygienist. I share how the pain crept in slowly, how it intensified to the point where it affected everyday tasks like opening jars, and the emotional toll it took on me. But this story isn’t just about pain; it’s about healing.

I dive into the specific yoga therapy practices, strength-building exercises, and ergonomic adjustments that helped me not only avoid surgery but completely recover within just a few weeks. If you’re struggling with similar issues or want to prevent them, this episode is packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you take control of your health and well-being.

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 Linda Miller, the founder of PDT (Paradise Dental Technologies), at RDH Under One Roof 2024. Linda shares her inspiring journey to launching PDT, where she combines her passion for ergonomic instruments with a mission to empower dental professionals. We discuss the importance of ergonomics in dentistry, how PDT’s innovative tools are changing the game, and Linda’s dedication to education and uplifting the dental community. Tune in for practical insights and inspiration on how to enhance your practice and well-being.

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)

Learn About and Purchase PDT Instruments:
PDT Website: https://pdtdental.com
Connect on Instagram

About Linda and PDT: "PDT, Inc. was born in my two-car garage in 2000 – a new beginning based on more than 30 years experience in the dental industry.

I wanted to bring fresh and improved products to clinicians, growing out of those decades of listening to your observations, ideas, suggestions, and new technology. The corporate name, Paradise Dental Technologies, came from my determination that our employees, our dental partners, and your patients should have the finest possible products available in the dental marketplace. It should be Paradise!

Dental instrument design, evolution, and development have been my professional life for thirty-plus years and it has always been fascinating and rewarding. It has been fun and interesting to work in clinics around the world, see new techniques and address ongoing issues. There are always new technologies to explore and examine and so many ways to make things better.

I am proud to offer what I believe are the most carefully designed and hand-crafted dental instruments available, as well as the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective instrument sharpening system I have ever seen!

We love what we do, and we enjoy working with all of you. Come by our booth at tradeshows, attend one of our training sessions, phone one of our representatives with your questions, or give us a call. We plan to continue introducing exciting and innovative products to improve your lives, and we are grateful that you have made us the fastest-growing dental instrument company in the World!"

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)

Welcome back to another episode of The Aligned Hygienist! This week, I chatted with Amanda Hill, a keynote speaker and dental hygiene educator, at RDH Under One Roof 2024. In this episode, Amanda shares her journey to becoming a mega-session speaker and how embracing curiosity has fueled her personal and professional growth.

We explore the concept of curiosity in the dental field, exploring how staying curious about ourselves, our education and our patients can lead to more fulfilling and impactful careers. Amanda discusses her keynote, "Curiosity Revive the Cat," where she encourages dental professionals to bring curiosity into their daily practice to enhance patient care and personal well-being. Plus, Amanda shares her tips on celebrating small wins, navigating career changes, and confidently merging into new opportunities.

Tune in to discover how a curious mindset can transform your approach to dental hygiene, inspire continuous learning, and help you find joy in your professional journey.

CONNECT W/ CAITLIN:

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

Connect with Amanda Hill
Email: AmandaHillRDH@gmail.com
Facebook
Instagram
Linked In

Amanda Hill, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC, is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award-winning author. A sought-after thought leader contributing invaluable and inspiring insights into the current trends in dentistry. Affectionately known as the Waterline Warrior, she brings over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene and education to dentistry. Recipient of ADS’s Emerging Infection Control Leader award and an active participant with the advisory board for RDH magazine, Dentistry IQ, and ADS’s Infection Control In Practice Editorial Review Board, Amanda strives to make topics in dentistry accurate, accessible, and fun!

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)