Dental teams are feeling the hygienist shortage, and many practices are reacting with shortcuts instead of fixing what’s actually driving clinicians away. In this episode, Kirk Behrendt sits down with Katrina Sanders, a dental hygienist, educator, and clinician with AZ Perio, to unpack what’s behind the shortage, why “oral preventive assistant” roles miss the point, and what leaders can change right now to attract (and keep) high-performing hygienists.
You’ll learn what the data says, what “respect from leadership” really looks like in day-to-day practice, and how core values and humility shape the culture that determines who you can hire. Listen to Episode 1025 of The Best Practices Show!
Main Takeaways:
- The hygienist shortage is tied to training pipeline shifts: dental school graduations rising while hygiene graduations decline, creating a sustainability gap for practices staffed with multiple hygienists per doctor.
- Many hygienists cite leaving for reasons that practices can influence directly: limited growth opportunities, toxic work environments, inflexible scheduling, and lack of respect from leadership.
- Creating “oral preventive assistant” roles can further devalue hygienists and distract from fixing the actual causes of turnover.
- Leaders who feel threatened by clinical pushback often create cultures that repel proactive hygienists and attract clinicians who won’t challenge outdated protocols.
- A sustainable hygiene model requires clarity on expectations and systems that support diagnosis support, perio protocols, utilization, and production—not just filling chairs.
- Practices that retain top talent invest in development, collaboration, and shared learning rather than relying on ego or “this is the way we’ve always done it.”
- The future of independent dentistry requires intentional choices about culture, values, and team development rather than letting external forces dictate direction.
Snippets:
00:00 Podcast cold open
01:20 Meet Katrina Sanders
03:25 Panel story setup
05:48 Hygienist shortage data
10:19 OPA debate and applause
12:02 Would you hire her
16:36 Ego and leadership respect
24:47 Silver tsunami and workforce trends
28:04 Building growth and flexibility
30:17 Ego Versus Growth
31:03 Core Values Alignment
32:53 Prophy Princess Problem
33:51 Hygiene Metrics Math
37:38 You Attract Your Team
39:11 Building Values Nucleus
40:09 Why She Stays
42:40 Pick Your Direction
45:08 Max Bet Contrarian
48:49 Curiosity Over Ego
50:55 Would You Hire Her
51:27 Hire Thought Leaders
53:42 Where To Find Katrina
54:11 Exchange Perio Workshop
56:26 Team Learning Together
59:45 Final Sendoff
Guest Bio/Guest Resources:
In the ever-changing world of dental science where research, technology, and techniques for patient care are constantly evolving, dental professionals look to continuing education to provide insight, deliver actionable steps, empower, and create a dramatic impact within their clinical practice.
With wit, charm, and a dash of humor, Katrina Sanders enchants dental professionals with her course deliverables, insightful content, and delightful inspiration. Her message of empowerment rings mighty throughout her lectures and stirs a deep sense of motivation amongst course participants.
Katrina is the Clinical Liaison for AZPerio, the country's largest periodontal practice. She performs clinically, working alongside Diplomates to the American Board of Periodontology in the surgical operatory. Katrina perfected techniques during L.A.N.A.P. surgery, suture placement, IV therapy, and blood draws. She instructs on collaborative professionalism and standard-of-care protocols while delivering education through hygiene boot camps and study clubs.
Resources mentioned:
- Website: www.katrinasanders.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedentalwinegenist/
- Program: https://katrinasanders.com/speaking/
- https://smilesource.com/exchange
More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:
The Best Practices Show: https://www.actdental.com/podcast/
Best Practices Association: https://www.actdental.com/bpa
Upcoming Events & Workshops: https://www.actdental.com/events/
Smile Source: https://www.smilesource.com/
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