Ep 23: Scaling New Heights: From Assistant to Educator with Jess of Hygiene Edge

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In this episode, Jess shares her journey from dental assisting to becoming an educator and content creator. We discuss the importance of assistants and hygienists working harmoniously, her thoughts on assistants scaling, and solutions to the current hygiene shortage.
Jess also dives into her path toward founding Hygiene Edge, advice for aspiring educators and content creators, and why building a supportive community is key to professional growth.
Don’t miss this insightful episode with Jess from Hygiene Edge, packed with practical tips for dental professionals and inspiring advice for anyone looking to grow in their career.
About Jess:
Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH, cofounder of Hygiene Edge and Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene at Utah Tech University is passionate about all things dental hygiene.
Jessica has been in the dental field for 24 years with experience as a front office staff, dental assistant and Dental Hygienist. She has been in education for 10 years. As the COO of Hygiene Edge she seeks to “educate, grow and inspire” with dental professionals throughout their career with helpful videos, podcasts and other educational content.
Education is Jessica’s joy, from educating patients, students and anyone else who comes across Hygiene Edge’s YouTube channel. She has presented both nationally and internationally to continue educating, growing, and being inspired with her fellow dental professionals.
Connect With Jess:
All Social Platforms: @hygieneEdge
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Timestamps:
00:00 - Background in Dentistry
6:30 - Starting as a Dental Assistant
11:32 - What Should Assistants & Hygienists Know About Each Other?
15:35 - Jess's Thoughts on Assistants Scaling
19:12 - A Solution for the Hygiene Shortage
23:48 - How to Become an Educator
28:59 - The Birth of Hygiene Edge
35:19 - Advice for Aspiring Content Creators
37:23 - Find Your Tribe
41:17 - Connect With Jess & Hygiene Edge

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Chapters

1. Background in Dentistry (00:00:00)

2. Starting as a Dental Assistant (00:07:00)

3. What Should Assistants & Hygienists Know About Each Other? (00:12:34)

4. Jess's Thoughts on Assistants Scaling (00:16:37)

5. A Solution for the Hygiene Shortage (00:20:14)

6. How to Become an Educator (00:24:50)

7. The Birth of Hygiene Edge (00:30:01)

8. Advice for Aspiring Content Creators (00:36:21)

9. Find Your Tribe (00:38:25)

10. Connect With Jess & Hygiene Edge (00:42:19)