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.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Stanley Liu, a dentist and a physician, trained as an oral & maxillofacial surgeon and ENT sleep surgeon to discuss a critical (yet often overlooked) part of airway surgery: the muscles that surround—and make up—the airway.

We dive into why jaw surgery isn’t just about skeletal correction or airway volume. It’s about functional muscle rehabilitation. Dr. Liu shares why collaboration with myofunctional therapists before and after surgery is vital for long-term stability, smoother orthodontic care, and patient comfort.

You’ll learn:
-Why focusing only on airway space is a mistake
-How pre-surgical myo can reduce post-op complications
-What happens when we ignore muscle rehab
-And how to build stronger provider collaboration for better outcomes

If you work with surgical cases, airway patients, or post-op relapse concerns—this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I’m joined by Tricia Rogers, CCC-SLP—founder of Miss Tongue & Friends—to explore how storytelling can transform therapy.

We dive into how creative tools like character-based education, visuals, and playful narratives can help make complex myofunctional and speech concepts click for both kids and their families.

Tricia shares:

• Why personifying the tongue and muscles makes therapy more relatable
• How storytelling supports myo goals
• What therapists can do to make sessions fun, functional, and memorable
• Tips for helping parents understand therapy goals through characters

Whether you're a myofunctional therapist, SLP, or parent navigating oral function therapy—this episode will leave you inspired to lean into play, story, and imagination to bring therapy to life.

🎧 Listen now and meet Miss Tongue for yourself at www.misstongueandfriends.com

In this eye-opening episode with Elizabeth Dooher-Anthony, RDH, OMT, we dive deep into how undiagnosed airway issues can lead to difficult patient interactions—and what dental professionals can do about it. Our guest shares their journey into the world of airway-focused dentistry and why this knowledge is critical for anyone working chairside.

You’ll learn how to spot both obvious and subtle red flags in patients, hear real-life case examples, and understand how airway dysfunction can manifest as anxiety, gag reflexes, and behavioral challenges during treatment. We also explore how airway health ties into bruxism, TMJ disorders, and other common dental conditions.

Whether you’re looking to improve patient outcomes or reduce stress in the operatory, this episode will give you actionable insights and resources to start making a difference—one breath at a time.

As Myofunctional therapists, we know that nasal breathing is essential for optimal health, sleep, and overall airway function. But what if a breakthrough technology could make it easier for patients to breathe through their nose? In this episode, we sit down with the CEO and Founder of SONU, an innovative device designed to enhance nasal airflow using acoustic resonance therapy.

We dive deep into how SONU works, its potential benefits for those struggling with chronic congestion, mouth breathing, and sleep-disordered breathing, and how it can complement Myofunctional therapy. We also discuss the latest research, patient success stories, and practical ways to incorporate SONU into your treatment plans.

Whether you’re a Myofunctional therapist looking for cutting-edge tools or a patient seeking better breathing solutions, this episode will give you the insights you need to determine if SONU is right for you. Tune in to learn how science, technology, and airway health are coming together to revolutionize nasal breathing!

www.soundhealth.life

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Mark Levi, a leading expert in Pediatric Craniofacial Sleep Medicine, to explore innovative approaches to improving children's sleep and overall well-being. With over 30 years of experience in dentistry and more than two decades in craniofacial dental sleep medicine, Dr. Levi brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Dr. Levi explains how conditions like mouth breathing, snoring, and bedwetting can be linked to SDB in children and the importance of early detection and treatment. Discover how Dr. Levi's clinic addresses various pediatric issues, including ADD/ADHD, teeth grinding, and behavioral challenges, by focusing on enhancing airway health and sleep patterns. As a former sufferer of sleep apnea, Dr. Levi shares his unique perspective on the challenges and solutions related to sleep disorders, underscoring his commitment to personalized patient care.

Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's sleep, a healthcare professional seeking insights into pediatric sleep medicine, or simply interested in innovative health solutions, this episode offers valuable information and hope.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how improving sleep can transform a child's life!

#PediatricSleepHealth #DrMarkLevi #SleepDisorderedBreathing #ChildWellness #DentalSleepMedicine

The Voice, The Tongue & The Airway with Jessica Luffey

In this fascinating episode, I sit down with Jessica Luffey (CSOM, MM)—a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology and professional operatic soprano—to explore the profound connection between vocal performance, orofacial myology, and airway health.

Raised in a dental family and trained in elite vocal performance, Jessica has pioneered groundbreaking insights into how tongue ties, craniofacial function, and myofunctional therapy impact singers at the highest level. With extensive training under experts like Dr. Soroush Zaghi and Dr. Richard Baxter, her work has transformed the way vocalists—from Grammy-winning artists to opera stars—understand and optimize their instrument: the body.

🔹 How does tongue posture affect vocal resonance?
🔹 Can myofunctional therapy improve vocal performance and endurance?
🔹 What should singers and vocal coaches know about tongue ties and airway health?

Jessica brings her unique expertise and research to the table, bridging the gap between voice science, dental health, and elite singing technique. Whether you’re a dental professional, myofunctional therapist, or vocal artist, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!

🎧 Tune in now and join us for this one-of-a-kind conversation on the power of the tongue—on and off the stage!