• Finding Your Passion: A Hygienist's Journey to Corporate Success
    Jan 10 2026

    Join Olivia Bodunde as she interviews Carol Jahn, Director of Professional Marketing at Water Pick, who shares her inspiring journey from the operatory to corporate leadership. Carol reveals what it really takes to transition careers, the secrets behind product development and clinical research, and what she looks for when hiring hygienists for industry roles.

    Plus, get her candid thoughts on the future of the dental hygiene profession, why storytelling beats statistics every time, and her best advice for hygienists contemplating their next career move.

    Whether you're curious about non-clinical opportunities or just love hearing how fellow hygienists are shaping the industry, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

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    34 mins
  • From Plaque to Pitches - Miranda's Tips for Transitioning into Sales
    Nov 24 2025

    Host Olivia Bodunde interviews Miranda about her path from working as a dental hygienist to transitioning into a sales role. Miranda shares how she started in dental hygiene during the recession, her experiences working with patients, and the satisfaction she found in the job. After an injury, she moved into sales, using her communication skills and patience to succeed. The discussion covers her daily life in sales, tips for job seekers, handling corporate culture, and the importance of networking. Miranda also talks about her presence on social media and gives advice to new graduates about perseverance and embracing opportunities.

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    33 mins
  • Redefining Dental Care for the Homebound: Dr. Gabby's Story
    Sep 29 2025

    In a compelling episode of the Hygiene Elevated podcast, hosts Nicole and Joffree interview Dr. Gabby, a pioneering figure in mobile dentistry. Focusing on geriatric and home-bound patients, Dr. Gabby shares her journey from traditional dentistry to mobile care, emphasizing her background in psychology and its influence on her patient interactions. The conversation delves into the logistical challenges of mobile dentistry, such as maintaining sterility and the use of portable equipment, while highlighting the rewarding aspects of providing accessible dental care. Dr. Gabby also discusses balancing her professional life with being a mother of four, emphasizing the flexibility that mobile dentistry offers. Finally, she reflects on the importance of creating a future specialty in mobile dentistry to meet the growing needs of an aging population and shares her aspirations for advocacy and education in this field.


    Instagram: mahlermobiledental

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    46 mins
  • Airways, Innovation & Elevation: A Conversation with Karese Laguerre
    Sep 24 2025

    In this episode of Hygiene Elevated: Conversations & Innovations, host Olivia brings on the amazing Karese Laguerre, RDH, OM, MAS to share her not-so-traditional journey into dental hygiene and how she carved her path as an entrepreneur and speaker. They dive into the world of myofunctional therapy—why it’s a game-changer for kids with airway issues, how it blends beautifully with dental hygiene, and the simple ways you can spot oral dysfunctions in everyday practice.

    Karese also dishes out tips for keeping patients motivated, growing professionally, and even pitching courses that wow. 🎤The episode wraps with a fun chat on mouth taping (yes, mouth taping!) and why addressing root causes is the secret to healthier, happier patients.

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    30 mins
  • Amanda Hale: Embracing Change, Elevating Hygiene
    Sep 15 2025

    The podcast episode features an interview with Amanda Hale, who shares her journey from an uninspired college student to a passionate dental hygienist. Amanda discusses her unexpected entry into dental hygiene, her challenging early experiences, and her eventual relocation to Utah during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she met Joffree. She describes her involvement with Hygiene Elevated, various professional growth opportunities, and her development of a passion for holistic dental hygiene. Amanda talks about her shift into functional and biological health approaches, her participation in educational programs, and her new podcast venture focusing on these areas. The conversation highlights Amanda's growth, her commitment to community impact, and her advice for other dental hygienists. The episode concludes with reflections on mentorship, support, and personal growth within the professional community.

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    50 mins
  • Building Bridges: Heather Wong on Career Growth and Dental Education
    Sep 1 2025

    In this podcast episode of 'Hygiene Elevated: Conversations and Innovations,' Heather Wong shares her journey in dental hygiene, starting from her high school nickname 'Smiley' to becoming a corporate educator at Tepe. Heather discusses her educational path, including attending Indiana University and obtaining her master's degree while teaching at Pasadena Community College. She recounts the extensive clinical work she did, which led to burnout and a shift towards teaching and corporate roles. Heather emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with patients, creating boundaries, and continuous learning. She reflects on her personal experiences and challenges, offering insights into resilience, self-awareness, and the value of varied roles in the dental profession. Heather concludes by discussing the diverse opportunities in corporate dental hygiene and encourages listeners to reach out with questions about such roles.

    Instagram: Toothwisehygienist

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    40 mins
  • Beyond Drill and Fill: The Holistic Journey of Airway Exploration
    Aug 25 2025

    In this conversation between the hosts of 'Hygiene Elevated' and Dr. Ingo Mahn, the discussion revolves around Dr. Mahn's professional journey in dentistry with a special focus on airway treatment and holistic approaches in dental care. Dr. Mahn shares his background, his shift from traditional to holistic dentistry, and his keen interest in airway health, influenced by a transformative experience at a conference. He elaborates on the significance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms, particularly sleep and breathing issues, through innovative techniques and epigenetic appliances like the homeoblock. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of hygienists in identifying early signs of airway problems and educating patients about the connection between oral and overall health. Additionally, Dr. Mahn discusses myofunctional therapy and its impact on airway health, as well as the importance of nutrition, proper dental development from birth, and continuous learning in the field of dentistry.


    Instagram: Dringomahn

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    48 mins
  • Whitening Inside Out: A Deep Dive with Rachel Hicks
    Jul 18 2025

    In this episode of Hygiene Elevated Conversations and Innovations, host Amanda interviews Rachel Hicks, also known as Mentor Rach on Instagram, about the intricacies of teeth whitening. Rachel shares her journey from being a dental assistant in Canada to opening her own teeth whitening studio. She explains the business models of B2C and B2B, the differences between hydrogen and carbamide peroxide, and the importance of using a light source for effective whitening. Rachel also discusses market trends, economic factors, and the emotional triggers that drive consumers towards teeth whitening. She provides practical advice for dental professionals considering launching their own whitening businesses, emphasizing the importance of budgeting and marketing. The episode is a deep dive into the science, business, and emotional aspects of teeth whitening in the dental industry.

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    49 mins