Latest Episodes

Ep 59: Biological Hygiene Unpacked: Exploring Fluoride, Ozone Therapy, and Microscopes in Modern Dentistry

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with biological dental hygienist Barbara Tritz about the mindset behind holistic dental care. We dive into fluoride toxicity, root causes of dental disease, and how oral...

July 18, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 59 • 56:41

Ep 58: Pediatric Hygiene: Tools, Tips, and Common Misconceptions

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by An Chih to dive into the world of pediatric hygiene. Together, we take a candid look at the joys, challenges, and special skills needed to successfully care for kids....

July 11, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 58 • 54:33

Ep 57: Debunking Popular Dental Myths and Handling Misinformation on Social Media

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by returning guest and online dental educator Whitney, also known as Teeth Talk Girl, to discuss the spread of dental health misinformation on social media. Tog...

July 04, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 57 • 53:51

Ep 56: ADHA Leaders Speak Out On Moves To Replace Hygienists

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sat down with Erin and Lancette, the President and President-Elect of American Dental Hygienists' Association’s (ADHA), as we talk about their ongoing initiatives, including their drive for ...

June 27, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 56 • 1:21:34

Ep 55: Mastering Case Acceptance: Real Strategies to Connect and Communicate Better with Dental Patients

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Kim McGuire to discuss case acceptance, a topic that every dental professional faces. We explore the challenges and solutions surrounding why patients say “no” to needed treatmen...

June 20, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 55 • 53:10

Fan Mail

Hi Steph! I'm listening to episode 35 as I type this text . I've been a hygienist for 10 years & I have so many thoughts & feelings about this topic, but wondering if you have any insight on this : 1. What type of salary would 3rd year dental students or foreign trained dentists get? Same question for OPA's? 2. Do foreign trained dentists or 3rd year dental students or OPA's even want to do hygiene? It's hard enough to find assistants as it is, let alone have assistants or dental students or foreign trained dentists that want to do hygiene, especially at a lower rate ?! 3. Will dental insurance companies cover a cleaning if it is not performed by a RDH? Any insight or opinions on this would be great for discussion 👍 Thank you so much! Sincerely, Kim Levy RDH

Los Angeles, California