In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and David sit down with dental hygienist Angeli Walton to share her powerful story of recognizing early signs of a thyroid condition—within herself. What began as clinical awareness quickly turned into a deeply personal journey, as Angeli navigated the unexpected shift from provider to patient.

Angeli reflects on how her training helped her notice subtle changes that might have otherwise gone overlooked, and how trusting those instincts ultimately led to early detection. The conversation explores the emotional and professional impact of experiencing healthcare from the other side of the chair, offering a unique perspective that many clinicians don't anticipate, but can learn from.

Together, they discuss the broader role dental professionals play in identifying systemic health concerns, and why paying attention to small details can make a life-changing difference. Angeli also shares insights on self-advocacy and why it's critical for clinicians to speak up—both for their patients and themselves.

This episode offers a meaningful reminder that the skills used every day in practice extend far beyond oral health, and can be just as important in protecting your own well-being.

What We Talked About:

Recognizing early signs of systemic conditions

How clinical instincts can support early detection

The experience of transitioning from provider to patient

Why subtle symptoms shouldn't be ignored

The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare

If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share it with colleagues who are passionate about whole-body health and early detection.

Resources:

Email: Angeli.damron@gmail.com

Instagram: @angeliwalton

Dry mouth isn't just uncomfortable—it can impact sleep, swallowing, oral health, and overall quality of life. In this TIPisode, we learn about Moisyn, a unique solution designed to provide lasting moisture and relief for patients dealing with xerostomia.

Unlike traditional products that offer only temporary relief, Moisyn uses a mucoadhesive, moisture-retentive technology to help keep the oral environment hydrated longer.

We also break down how clinicians can improve patient compliance, why dispensing products in-office matters, and how dry mouth solutions can impact long-term oral health outcomes.

If you're seeing more patients struggling with dry mouth, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Learn More about Moisyn https://periosciences.com/products/moisyn-mist

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, co-hosts David Torres and Jessica Atkinson sit down with oral pathologist Dr. Bryan Trump to discuss the important role dental professionals play in identifying abnormalities and knowing when to refer patients to a specialist. Dr. Trump shares valuable insight into what clinicians might be missing during routine exams and how to strengthen their confidence when suspicious findings arise.

The conversation dives into practical strategies for performing thorough oral cancer screenings, recognizing key red flags, and navigating patient conversations when something concerning is discovered. Dr. Trump also offers guidance on how clinicians can communicate pathology findings in a clear and compassionate way—helping patients understand the situation without causing unnecessary fear.

This episode provides practical tips for dental hygienists and dentists who want to improve their screening protocols, referral confidence, and patient communication when dealing with potentially serious diagnoses.

What We Talked About:

How to confidently refer patients to specialists

Essential tips for performing effective oral cancer screenings

Recognizing concerning findings and clinical red flags

Navigating difficult conversations about the possibility of cancer

How to communicate pathology findings without unnecessarily scaring patients

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe to A Tale of Two Hygienists, leave a review, and share the episode with colleagues who are passionate about improving patient care and early detection.

Resources:

Contact Dr. Bryan Trump: bryan.trump@hsc.utah.edu