In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with dental hygienist, educator, and entrepreneur Dana Paladino, RDH, to talk about a topic that impacts millions of women yet is still widely misunderstood—endometriosis. Dana shares her personal 20-year journey to diagnosis, the medical gaslighting she experienced, and how chronic pain shaped her mental health, career path, and ultimately her decision to have a hysterectomy.

We also dive into how endometriosis shows up in the workplace, the shame many feel when symptoms interfere with work, and why self-advocacy is critical when something doesn’t feel right.

Beyond health, Dana talks about the struggles dental hygiene students face today, burnout culture in dentistry, and how she created Dental Hygiene Basics to support students who need help passing boards and navigating school.

In this episode we cover:

What endometriosis actually is—and why it’s so hard to diagnose
Common symptoms: pelvic pain, fatigue, bowel & urinary issues, “endo belly”
Why imaging often misses lesions delaying diagnosis
Medical gaslighting and learning to trust your body
Working full-time with severe periods and chronic pain
Burnout culture in hygiene school and in practice
Career options outside the operatory and transferable RDH skills

If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the medical system, exhausted in the operatory, or unsure what’s “normal” with your body—this conversation is for you.

About Dana

Connect with Dana:

@dentalhygienebasics on Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube

The Dental Hygiene Basics Podcast : https://www.dentalhygienebasics.com/podcast

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.

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Ep 86: Endometriosis Symptoms Every Woman Should Know Plus Tips for Hygiene Students