In my last article, I talked about what's driving conversations around hygiene salaries in 2025 and how value isn't just about the number but the care we deliver. That discussion opened the door to another one I've been having with so many of you through coaching, speaking, and real talk in the operator: "Kelly, I've been trying to improve the perio protocols in my office, but I keep running into resistance."
Sound familiar?
Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH.
Let's talk about what to do when you feel like you're trying to contribute to improving the office, but you keep hitting a wall because "it’s always been done that way." The result? Burnout. Hygienists feel stuck in a prophy mill, our education gets overlooked, and it feels like our opinions don't matter.
That undercurrent -- paired with growing tension over salaries -- can create a standoff between hygienists and doctors. So, here's some advice (and if you know me, you know I always ask permission before giving advice, but if you're reading this article, I think it's safe to say you're open to it). So here goes.
For hygienists: Align with your doctor
If there are protocols or standards you want to improve, the first step is to set intentional time with your doctor to talk about them. Not 15 minutes between patients. A real, uninterrupted conversation.
Not everyone will be as fired up about change as you are, and that's OK. We are a passionate profession (is that the right word? I think so!). You care deeply, and that's a strength. But to channel that passion productively, here are a few suggestions:
- Make a list of what you want to talk about: your experiences, patient outcomes, and how the proposed changes could positively impact office culture.
- Bring the science. New info is everywhere: conferences, continuing education (CE), colleagues, articles. Share what you're learning and why it matters.
- Speak to the shared goal: better care for your patients and smoother systems in the practice.
You likely chose this profession because you want to educate and elevate patient health. So align with your doctor on how you will implement changes, from treatment discussions to coding, to the language used in hand offs. That alignment is the difference between frustration and follow-through for the patient.
For dentists: Align with your hygienist
Your hygienist loves this profession as much as you do. They care deeply about their patients and joined your practice because they believe in you -- as a clinician, a leader, and a person. But in many cases, there are years of built-up frustration and feelings that haven't been addressed. Just like you have your own challenges as a business owner that hygienists may not fully understand, we have ours too.
So here's what we need from you: Help us help you. Help us understand.
When we come to you with ideas for improvement, please know it's not about taking over or stepping on toes. It's about making things better -- for your patients, your practice, and your shared mission.
Your hygienist chose to work with you because they believed they would be supported. So imagine how it feels when, after agreeing on a protocol (like scaling and root planing for a 6-mm pocket), the message to the patient becomes, "Ah, it’s been like that for 10 years -- it's fine."
Oof. Right in the trust. That disconnect -- especially in front of the patient -- leads to frustration, resentment, confusion, and erodes the very foundation of teamwork.
And unless your hygienist feels safe enough to bring this up, you might not even know it's happening. Many simply keep clocking in, doing bloody prophies, feeling defeated but staying because they don't want to abandon their patients.
Time to realign
Maybe it' time to hit reset, to start fresh with a mutual understanding and a renewed agreement on when to refer, when to treat, and how to check in when something feels off. Because at the end of the day, communication and trust are the DNA of the practice.
Ready to recharge, recenter, and refresh?
If this article hits home, then you need to be at the Next Level Dental Hygiene Retreat this May 16-17 in North Carolina. We'll dive deeper into topics like communication, alignment, leadership, burnout recovery, and reclaiming your passion for this profession while earning 10 hours of approved CE. Imagine three days of real connection, mindset shifts, and action planning alongside like-minded hygienists who are here to support you and your journey. Registration is closing on April 31, and spots are almost gone. This is your sign. Invest in you. Secure your seat now before registration closes!
Kelly Tanner, PhD, RDH, is a contributing author to DrBicuspid, where she shares insights and strategies to empower dental hygienists in their careers. As a leader in clinical training, professional development, and team dynamics, Tanner provides resources to help hygienists elevate their practice and personal growth. For further support, join her free Facebook group Next Level Dental Hygiene Career and Personal Development, and explore group training and on-demand courses at www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
