Not every dental hygienist started their journey with a perfect GPA or a clear path. Guest host Julio talks with current dental hygiene student Cailin Hawn about navigating dental hygiene school prerequisites, competitive admissions, and the realities of clinic and coursework. This episode is a reminder that dental hygiene school is challenging, but with preparation,…
Dental hygiene school can make it feel like you need to memorize everything—but not every topic carries the same weight. In this episode, Dana breaks down how to recognize high-yield dental hygiene topics—the concepts that show up repeatedly across classes, impact patient safety, and are commonly tested on exams and the National Board Dental Hygiene…
Dental hygiene students assume the key to passing boards is as simple as hitting the textbooks—but that approach often falls short. In this episode, Claire Jeong, founder of Student RDH- a National Boards Prep Company, explains why traditional study methods don’t always work and shares her expertise on what students can do instead. Drawing from…
Preparing for the dental hygiene national boards can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re wondering if you’re even studying the right things. In this episode, Dana walks through a clearer, more effective approach to dental hygiene boards prep that helps you retain information without burning out. Instead of trying to master every detail at once, focus…
Dana sits down with former dental hygiene student Aliyah to unpack what it really looks like to navigate the unexpected in dental hygiene school. From an unplanned career change, setback in her acceptance, and grieving a family loss during the program, Aliyah shares how preparation, a strong support system, and clear priorities helped her stay…
When time is limited—and it usually is in dental hygiene school—studying more isn’t the answer. Studying with intention is. In this episode, Dana talks about evidence-based study strategies designed for dental hygiene students juggling full clinic days, coursework, and multiple exams. Focus your efforts where they actually count, without adding pressure or unrealistic expectations. Struggling…
Julio Cesar is back for part 2, sharing how his journey of getting into dental hygiene school is going so far. He is being deliberate in his application process by pacing hsi science courses, choosing grades over speed, dropping a class when needed, and building strong relationships with professors. This episode normalizes taking the long…
Midterms tend to trigger panic-studying and self-doubt. This episode walks through how to prioritize content, manage time realistically, and avoid the common mistakes that make midterms harder than they need to be. Struggling on your dental hygiene school journey? Download our free guide to help you overcome your dental hygiene hurdles HERE! 🟠 Struggling on…
Julio Cesar, future RDH and current expanded-function dental assistant, is sharing his path to dental hygiene school after thirteen years of experience in dentistry as an assistant! He’s always had a passion for dentistry and shares how excited he is to be able to merge his skills as an expanded-function assistant and dental hygienist to…
To succeed in dental hygiene school, it’s important to step away from memorizing the lecture material and focus on the skill of asking why. Dana explains why knowing facts isn’t enough—and how exam questions, clinical reasoning, and long-term retention all depend on understanding cause-and-effect. Here’s the tip she gives to students to maximize their comprehension:…