In this episode, I’m joined by airway-centered dentist and Toothpillow co-founder Dr. Kalli Hale to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in pediatric airway care:

➡️ That a guidance appliance alone can "fix" the problem.
We dive into the truth about the Toothpillow model—what it is, what it’s not, and why true, lasting growth requires more than just passive tools.
Dr. Hale shares:
-Why myofunctional therapy is an essential part of guided growth
-The difference between muscle-based shaping and true skeletal expansion
-How early intervention can support natural development—when done the right way
-What parents and providers often misunderstand about the role of appliances
-How the Toothpillow team integrates therapy, appliance support, and provider collaboration to get real results

Whether you’re confused about guidance appliances, skeptical about virtual care, or simply curious how myo and dental work can come together before problems arise—this episode will give you clarity.

🎧 Listen now and learn more at toothpillow.com

From Burnout to Balance: Nervous System Tools Every Hygienist Needs

Stress is more than just part of the job—it’s living in our bodies, shaping our breath, and impacting our well-being far beyond the operatory. In this episode, I sit down with a fellow dental hygienist, Heather DeJonge who’s turned her personal stress journey into a passion for nervous system regulation.

We dive into what stress really looks like in clinical care, how to recognize the signs of dysregulation, and what tools you can start using—right now—to shift from survival mode to a state of calm, focus, and presence. From breathwork to somatic movement and cognitive reframes, this episode is packed with practical strategies that actually fit into your day.

If you’ve ever ended a hygiene day with tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a sense of emotional exhaustion… this conversation is for you.

https://www.instagram.com/the_relaxed_hygienist/

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant and bold Katrina Sanders, RDH, BSDH, M.Ed, RF, to talk about the power of airway awareness from the hygiene chair—even when you’re not a myofunctional therapist.

Katrina shares how hygienists can recognize early signs of airway dysfunction, confidently start the conversation with patients, and become a powerful part of the collaborative care team without stepping outside their scope.

We explore:

•What airway screening looks like in real-time clinical practice

•How to refer out when myo or sleep support is needed

•How to overcome pushback from providers or patients

•Why every hygienist should be the first line of defense in identifying airway dysfunction

If you’ve been feeling the pull toward airway health—but aren’t sure where you fit in—this conversation will leave you feeling empowered, informed, and inspired to take action right from the op.