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by clinical pushback often create cultures that repel proactive hygienists and attract clinicians who won’t challenge outdated protocols.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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