Benefit Criteria ≠ Diagnostic Criteria
I see it all the time. A hygienist or front desk team member says, “Insurance won’t pay for that.” Then, just like that, the treatment recommendation stops. Here’s what I […]
Elevating Dental Assistants Elevates the Entire Practice
We were thrilled to have one of our Inspired Hygiene Lead Coaches, Kathryn Gilliam, featured on the Dental Assistant Nation podcast. She shared a message we believe deeply, when we […]
Accountability = Love in a Profitable Hygiene Department
Accountability = Love in a Profitable Hygiene Department In this episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Brad Hughes to talk about a phrase that stopped […]
Best Use of Downtime
How to Turn Hygiene Open Time Into Momentum Recently, I was onsite with Kathryn Gilliam (one of our lead coaches) working with a client team that’s adjusting to some shifts […]
Dental Hygiene Compensation: Ownership First, Numbers Second
In most practices, dental hygiene compensation isn’t just a “money conversation.” It’s a clarity conversation—about expectations, sustainability, and what it takes to build a model that protects patients and keeps […]
Utilizing Adjunct Services Without Feeling “Salesy”
If you’ve ever hesitated to bring up adjuncts in hygiene because you don’t want it to feel like an upsell, you’re not alone. I recorded a short video (embedded below) […]
Is Trust the Missing Link?
Is Trust the Missing Link? A new episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast is live—and this one is a must-listen for any dental leader focused on building trust in the […]
New-ish Products You Should Know About
Last month, I attended the Oral Health Prevention Summit in Boston (right before Yankee Dental Congress), and it renewed my passion for prevention. As a result, I came home with […]
The Collaboration Mindset Dentistry Needs Right Now
The Collaboration Mindset Dentistry Needs Right Now Episode 3 of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast is live—and it’s such a powerful conversation about what’s possible when dentists, hygienists, assistants, and community […]
Real World Powerful Partnership
Real World Powerful Partnership Don’t miss this episode, Rachel Wall continues the season-long focus on the powerful partnership between dentists and hygienists. In this episode, Rachel is joined by an […]
Are you being too nice?
Are you being too nice? When I read the article ‘Is Your Leadership Style Too Nice?’, I knew I had to share it. The article makes a powerful point: being […]
Healing Dentist-Hygienist Relationships
Healing Dentist-Hygienist Relationships We just kicked off Season 4 of the Inspired Hygiene podcast and I’m excited to share this first episode with you. This entire season will be focused […]
What’s your vision for hygiene?
What’s your vision for hygiene? It’s the start of a new year and you’re probably thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2026 or, at the very least, what […]
Bonus Podcast Episode: The Inspired Hygiene System
Bonus Podcast Episode: The Inspired Hygiene System In this bonus episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, Rachel Wall breaks down the complete Inspired Hygiene System—a proven framework designed to help practices elevate hygiene […]
Happy New Episode AND a Bonus
Happy New Episode AND a Bonus Happy New Year’s Eve!! I want you to have access to this podcast episode AND a BONUS Action Guide so you can be fully ready to […]
Your New Front Door
Your New Front Door Before anyone calls to make an appointment or applies to an open job posting, they’ve already met you and your team online. In this episode of […]
Finding Purpose in the Changing Dental Hygiene Profession
Finding Purpose in the Changing Dental Hygiene Profession Recently, Kathryn Gilliam, Lead Clinical Coach here at Inspired Hygiene, published an article in RDH Magazine and I couldn’t wait to share […]
From Shiny Object to Standard of Care
From Shiny Object to Standard of Care In this new episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, Rachel sits down with Alicia Maria, RDH and Laura Nelson to show how practices move beyond dabbling to […]
Documentation Drives Revenue
Documentation Drives Revenue Insurance documentation may not be the most exciting part of dentistry—but it’s absolutely essential for profitability, compliance, and patient trust. In this new episode of the Inspired Hygiene […]
Who I’m interviewing for the podcast
Who I’m interviewing for the podcast We’ve just launched a new season of the Inspired Hygiene podcast and it’s all about innovation. If you and your team have ‘dabbled’ in innovative ways […]
Eliminate Resistance with a Culture of Innovation
Eliminate Resistance with a Culture of Innovation If you’ve ever introduced a new system, service, or technology—only to be met with eye rolls or quiet resistance—you’re not alone. Successful integration […]
Open Time Doesn’t Have To Be a Waste of Time
Open Time Doesn’t Have To Be a Waste of Time Open time in hygiene is a tricky thing. It happens in every practice for a variety of reasons and it’s […]
Reclaiming Periodontal Maintenance
This podcast episode wraps up Season 2 of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast. We have published 11 episodes and I hope you’ve had a chance to listen to a few. In […]
Why Even Innovative Dentists Hesitate to Refine Their Perio Systems
In the latest episode of the Inspired Hygiene podcast, I share the top 5 reasons dental practice owners hesitate to implement a proactive periodontal program. These are real concerns: Whether you’re building your perio program solo or with help from a […]
Is AI working for you or against you?
I recently came across a very interesting article by Harvard Business Review. It speaks to the impact of relying too heavily on AI in the workplace. While many HBR articles aren’t […]
Leadership Multiplied
In this special episode, recorded live at the AADOM Conference, host Rachel Wall, RDH sits down with Inspired Hygiene’s own Jennifer Steadman—fresh off teaching the first-ever multi-site management course at AADOM: Leadership Multiplied. 🙌 With deep […]
Creating a Standard of Care That Drives Results
In this powerful follow-up to Season 2, Episode 1, we explore what really needs to happen before your hygiene department can deliver consistent periodontal care—and it all starts with mindset […]
#1 Missed Opportunity in Hygiene
If you’ve been reading our emails lately, you know we’re launching a brand new version of our classic Perio Protocol Bootcamp. The reason we’re so passionate about this program is because […]
Paycheck to Partnership
In this powerful episode, I’m joined by long-time friend and lead coach Emme Sanders to dive deep into one of the hottest and most impactful topics in dentistry today: the […]
Hygiene Compensation Benchmarks
While most dental practice owners have a general understanding of the 3:1 hygiene compensation benchmark… most hygienists do not. Over the years, I’ve had many requests from dentists to help their hygienists […]
Can hygienists be healers?
I’m so excited to share this new episode of The Inspired Hygiene podcast with you. Kathryn Gilliam and I had a discussion about what’s really possibly for the engaged hygienist who is open to […]
Hygiene Backlog
Are your hygiene schedules booked out 6-8 months, leaving you trapped in a cycle of bloody prophies and limiting practice growth? In our latest episode, I interviewed IH coach Connie […]
From Crickets to Candidates
Looking for that right-fit hygienist (or any dental teammate) but your job post is getting 👀 zero traction? In episode 2 of The Inspired Hygiene Podcast, Rachel sits down with […]
Hygiene Reality Check
Here we go! Episode 1 of The Inspired Hygiene Podcast is ready. In this episode, ‘Hygiene Reality Check’, I went straight to the heart of what’s happening in our industry […]
Hold on to your hygienist and more
Last month The Profitable Dentist Magazine featured Inspired Hygiene and we had the opportunity to contribute 5 articles that I think you’re going to find valuable. They are written specifically for the […]
Change isn’t easy…
Change isn’t easy. Even when it’s eagerly anticipated change like a marriage, graduation or birth of a child, there are some hard moments and it takes us out of our […]
Don’t Let it End
As April comes to a close, please don’t let Oral Cancer Awareness end. As dental professionals, we are on the front lines and we must be diligent and consistent in […]
What happened to your neck?
If you’ve read our emails this month you know our focus this month is on oral cancer screenings for YOU and YOUR TEAM. In this video, I share my […]
Are you missing this critical piece?
Often when we ask dentists and hygienists if they regularly perform an oral cancer screening they say emphatically, ‘Well, of course I do!’ Then, when we ask if that includes an […]
A Look Inside the Bootcamp
You’ve likely seen in the last few weeks that we’re launching a brand new version of our Perio Protocol Online Bootcamp on January 26. It will be available for purchase until February […]
Team On Same Page with Perio?
If you follow us on social or you’ve been reading these emails lately, you might know we’re launching a new version of our classic program Perio Protocol Online Bootcamp in January. This […]
Hygiene Ad-Dos and Don’ts
I’m guessing if you’re not looking for a hygienist right now, you know someone who is. Are you having any luck? We’ve been reviewing hygiene job postings for our clients […]
What creates a 70% increase in hygiene production?
Ever wonder what it would take to create measurable growth and improvement in your hygiene protocols and production? We regularly create Case Studies based on our clients’ results so others can see […]
How NOT to hire a hygienist
While many of our clients are, in fact, having success hiring hygienists, they are still in short supply. It’s always fun to share ideas with Kirk and, in this podcast, I […]
Your hygienist plays a crucial role in patient retention
A loyal patient base adds value to your business and joy to your work. Your hygiene team plays a critical role in retaining patients with their communication, education and their […]
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is now the leading cause of all oropharyngeal cancers according to the Oral Cancer Foundation (https://oralcancerfoundation.org/understanding/hpv/hpv-oral-cancer-facts/). It has never been more […]
Are your hygienists nervous about coaching?
Are your hygienists nervous about coaching? Maybe it’s keeping you from taking the next step to support your hygiene team reaching their true potential. This is not unusual! Many of our client […]
Who Not How
I read a book recently that challenged the way I think about achieving the next level with my goals and my growth, both in my business and my personal life. […]
What is your ultimate goal for tracking tasks?
Often dentists identify a behavior they’d like to see improve in their team and they want to track it. For example, increasing the number of intraoral photos. But is it really worth […]
Power brush chairside trial
Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz and Rachel discuss the importance of making authentic connections with patients, which will lead to trust and increased case acceptance. Watch as Rachel introduces the new Chairside Trial […]
Can you spot heart disease with a glance?
I am always preaching that stepping into the role of healthcare provider is critical for dentistry to be seen as essential by our patients and colleagues in medicine. At Inspired […]
Want a roadmap to hygiene growth?
For 16 years, we’ve been showing practice owners where the opportunity is to grow their hygiene department…ethically, rapidly and with support of your team. Sometimes they do it on their […]
Hot off the Press: New Perio Disease Correlations
Have you heard the latest research on the correlation between periodontal disease and COVID-19 complications? Listen along with Lead Profitability Coach Emme Sanders and find the JCP article linked here. If […]
Current Hygiene Schedule Issues
We’ve heard from a lot of teams across the country that while they were very busy after re-opening, the hygiene schedules are starting to look like Swiss cheese again. In […]
Hygiene Scheduling-think about these 2 things
If you’re like most of the teams we work with, your hygiene schedule is packed. And it’s most likely packed with delayed prophy and perio maintenance visits. In this short […]
Nobody Told Me That
I hope if you’re practice has opened for full-service dental care, you’ve had a great week. If you’re still waiting to open, we wish you all the best as you […]
Ultrasonics-can you use it right now?
As we’ve all experienced, there’s a lot of conflicting info out there right now and it’s hard to know the ‘right thing’ to do. In this week’s video, I weigh […]
Let’s stop the division
I hope you, your family and team remain well. We are beginning to see dentistry begin to open up and this is creating all kinds of mixed emotions…relief and excitement, as […]
Is Your Team Ready for Oral Cancer Awareness Month?
Oral Cancer Awareness month is just around the corner. If you haven’t made your plans, the time to start is now! Reach out to www.oralcancer.org for complimentary promotional material to get started. Take a […]
How Often Should I Classify a Perio Patient?
With more and more practices using the AAP’s Staging & Grading system, we occasionally get the question ‘Do I have to go through the Staging & Grading process every time the […]
Calling All Doubters
Take a couple of minutes and listen to Dr. Amy Doneen, co-author of the bestselling book, Beat the Heart Attack Gene, discuss the importance of treating perio as it relates […]
Are You Screening Kids for Sleep Disorders?
By now, we know the impact of sleep apnea on the lives of our adult patients, but did you know sleep disorders can have a HUGE and long-lasting impact on children? […]
Is Your Equipment Working?
So often when we are on-site with clients, a team member shares their frustration that a critical piece of equipment isn’t working. It’s usually an intra-oral camera, by the way. […]
But Do the Changes Really Stick?
Recently at the AADOM annual session, I had the chance to catch up with IH clients Dr. Gerner & Tracy of True North Dental in NY. Dr. Gerner made a […]
When Hygiene Patients Ask “How Much?”
Should hygienists talk about money when presenting treatments? Teach your hygiene team the best strategies for answering patient questions about treatment costs.
Are You Properly Documenting Staging and Grading?
Clinical documentation is more important than ever. With the growing awareness of the AAP’s new Perio Classification system, we’ve received a lot of questions about how to document a patient’s […]
Say This, Not That to Patients
Stay calibrated: Evaluate the language your team is using within your practice. Be sure your hygiene team is using terms that give patients a better understanding of the procedures and […]
20/20/20 Hygiene Time Management
When you only have an hour long appointment with patients, it is crucial you are utilizing your time in the most effective way possible. Learn how to best do this […]
3 Keys to Hygiene Leadership Skills
Learn how to increase and improve your hygiene team’s ability to co-diagnose. Rachel Wall of Inspired Hygiene recommends these 3 tips to get your hygiene team educating your patients in […]
5 Qualities of a Rock Star Hygienist
Find out how to set yourself apart from other hygienists. Rachel Wall, of Inspired Hygiene, breaks down the 5 things you can be doing to be a rock star hygienist. […]
Are Your Hygienists on the Same Page?
It has been my privilege to work with Dr. Pamela DiTomasso since 2005, and I’d like you to meet her. At DiTomasso Dental there are 3 dentists, 7 hygienists, 3 […]
When a New Patient Caller Wants Hygiene on Their First Visit
What’s the best way to answer new dental patients who ask, “Will I get my teeth cleaned on the first visit?” Rachel Wall, RDH and founder of Inspired Hygiene, shares […]
Why X-Rays Are Important
Patients often want to know why a dentist needs X-rays–and if they’re safe. Here’s how to explain this key part of the dental diagnostic process in a reassuring way.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
Tap into your dental practice’s full potential for patient service and profitability. Here’s how Rachel Wall, RDH and founder of Inspired Hygiene, advises explaining this to patients who need this […]
Having a Hard Time Getting Your Doctor on Board?
This video was inspired by a question we often hear… ‘How do I get my doctor on board?’ We hear this a lot when speaking to large groups of hygienists. […]
Are You Ready for a Positive Change?
I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Marc Thomas, a dentist in Sparks, Nevada. He and his team are successfully helping patients reduce their risk for heart attack, stroke and […]
Once Perio Maintenance, Always Perio Maintenance
We get this question all the time… “Once a patient has Periodontal Therapy, should they always remain in Perio Maintenance”? I hope this short video helps answer that question for […]
Oral Cancer Facts
Oral cancer is changing! Watch this short video to hear some alarming facts about oral cancer and ways that you and your team can start saving more lives. If […]
Are you holding your hygienist back?
Today’s video is a strong message for Dentists. Are you enabling your hygienists to get stuck in a rut of burnout and boredom? Or are you empowering them to really […]
Prophy Trap = Burnout
Just three short months ago I started working with a VERY busy and growing practice near Nashville, TN. They admitted that they were truly caught in a “prophy trap” and […]
Who’s eating your breakfast?
There are some problems in a business that you can ignore for a bit and it won’t make much difference. Then there are problems that if you do ignore them, […]
I didn’t look at my cards..
Last year, I taught a goal setting exercise that I’ll share with you again here (see link below). The truth is that 2018 got a bit rough at times and […]
What’s Your Soundtrack?
That voice you hear in your head can do much more than you think! Watch this short, 2 minute video, and consider how changing your soundtrack can make 2019 the […]
