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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Podcast featuring Emme
The IH team has been busy this summer sharing insights on the hot topics in dentistry and dental hygiene right now. Emme Sanders was recently interviewed for the Dental Downtime podcast. […]
Is technology threatening our jobs?
Is there part of you that wonders if dental technology will replace us humans and threaten our jobs? You’re not alone. Technology has taken over so many tedious day to […]
Trying to Hire? Here’s a Tip
It seems every one of our clients is hiring. Recently, I was speaking with a practice manager about how they’re marketing their practice to recruit new team members. There was […]
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 […]
3 Years in and a Solid Hygiene Team
We are always so grateful when our clients share their Inspired Hygiene experience with others. Dr. Mergeurian started her practice in urban Baltimore just over 3 years ago. She called […]
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 You Responsible for Your Patient’s Heart?
I know, that sounds ridiculous. So what IS your responsibility to your patients and their overall health? Since it’s Heart Health month, let’s start there. It is our responsibility as dental professionals to […]
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. […]
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness month. Did you know that researchers have found that oropharyngeal cancer is on the rise again? It has never been more critical for dental providers […]
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 […]
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 […]
How much time will you need?
First, I pray you and your family and team are well. This is such an unusual time. Please know our hearts are with you. The truth is, none of us […]
Another Way Hygiene Brings Value to Your Practice
I recently did a series of videos with my friends at Tusk Partners. Tusk is an advisory firm that helps single and multi-location group practices strategically grow and improve. They are […]
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 […]
Happy & Healthy Holidays
With the holidays upon us, it’s a good idea to remember these four easy steps to ‘Fireproof’ your arteries, complements of Dr. Amy Doneen and the Bale Doneen Method. Step 1: Practice […]
FAADOM business manager talks about Inspired Hygiene
One thing I love most about attending conferences is that I always bump into dental teams that we’ve worked with. At AADOM this summer, I got to visit with dental practice […]
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. […]
Ready for Growth?
I’d like you to meet Dr. Patrick Wilson of Florence, AL. Check out his results after 2 years of coaching with IH!! He continues to experience growth and opportunities […]
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.
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. […]
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 […]
Healthier patients and Healthier Profits!
Dentists all over the country are raving about how Inspired Hygiene has helped them improve the health of their patients while elevating their hygiene services, profits and systems. BUT don’t […]
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 […]
Is Saving Lives Your #1 Priority?
Can you believe it’s April already? As you know, April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Saving lives is our #1 priority at Inspired Hygiene. Is it yours? Please watch this short video […]
Welcome to Heart Health Month
Taking the patient’s blood pressure during recall and perio maintenance visits is an incredible value added service. Most patients see you more frequently than they do their Primary Care Physician […]
