What's the difference between a Dentist & Hygienist?

Summary

Who Smarted? - "What's the difference between a Dentist & Hygienist?"

Date: August 3, 2026
Podcast: Who Smarted? by Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media
Host(s): Trusty, Rhonda Smartypants (Hygienist), Dr. Furman (Dentist)

Episode Overview

This episode takes listeners on a humor-filled, informative visit to the dentist’s office. Through playful banter and engaging questions, host Trusty, his hygienist Rhonda Smartypants, and his dentist Dr. Furman guide kids (and adults) through what happens during a dental visit, explaining the distinct roles of dental hygienists and dentists. The episode blends scientific facts, history, trivia, and interactive challenges—making dentists’ offices, X-rays, cavities, and tooth cleaning a fun, curiosity-sparking adventure.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

[01:50]

• Trusty introduces his hygienist, Rhonda Smartypants, asking her to explain her role.
• Rhonda: “A dental or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional registered with a dental association… They practice in…”
• Hygienists clean teeth, perform basic exams, take X-rays, and advise on oral hygiene.
• Trusty’s recap: “Does a hygienist examine your teeth, X-ray your teeth, or clean your teeth? The answer is all of the above.”
  [02:35]
• Dentists, in contrast, diagnose and treat tooth decay and gum disease.

Notable Quote:

“Dental hygienists assist dentists by performing cleanings and advising patients on proper oral hygiene and care.”
– Rhonda Smartypants [02:21]

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2. Why Go to the Dentist?

[03:11]

• Trusty asks, “Why do you need to go to the dentist if you brush your teeth?”
• Oral health affects your overall health and routine cleanings help prevent problems you can’t fix with brushing alone.
• Even if you’re a regular brusher and flosser, professional cleanings remove buildup you can’t handle at home.

Notable Quote:

“I know going to the dentist probably isn’t on your top 10 favorite things to do list, but it’s very important because, well, your teeth are very important to your overall health and well being.”
– Trusty [07:02]

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3. Dental X-rays – Types and Purposes

[07:11], [08:06]

• Hygienists typically begin with dental X-rays (radiographs).
• There are five main types of dental X-rays:
  • Bitewing – detects decay between teeth and jaw changes ([08:22])
  • Periapical – captures the entire tooth
  • Full mouth survey – a series of images for the whole mouth (e.g., root canals)
  • Panoramic – entire mouth at once
  • Occlusal – tracks development and placement of teeth, mostly for children

Quiz Moment:

“How many different types of dental X-rays do you think there are? 2, 3, 4, or 5? The answer is 5.”
– Trusty [08:06]

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4. Primary and Permanent Teeth

[09:31]

• Humans have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth.
• Primary teeth (“placeholders”) begin falling out around age 6–7.
• Most adults have 32 permanent teeth (16 on top, 16 on bottom).

Notable Quote:

“The first group of teeth is called your primary set or baby teeth. There are about 20 of them that begin to grow even before you’re born.”
– Rhonda Smartypants [09:42]

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5. Tools of the Trade: Mirrors, Probes, & Scalers

[11:27], [11:41]

• Hygienists use a probe (pointy end) to check strength, and a mini mirror to see hard-to-reach areas.
• “Scaling” means using a scaler—a thin metal instrument with a hook—to remove plaque and tartar.

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6. Plaque vs. Tartar

[12:17], [12:46]

• Plaque: sticky film with bacteria—forms on teeth and gums
• If not removed, plaque hardens to tartar (“calcifies”)
• Brushing and flossing remove most plaque, but only hygienists can reach certain spots
• Regular professional scaling prevents tartar buildup and protects gums

Notable Moment:

“Even though I brush twice a day and floss, I still have plaque that could harden into tooth, harming tartar?”
– Trusty [13:05]
“Unfortunately, yes. But that’s where a hygienist comes in.”
– Rhonda Smartypants [13:13]

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7. Suction – Why It Matters

[13:37], [13:55]

• Hygienists and dentists use suction to remove saliva produced during cleaning, especially when tools are in the mouth.
• Helps keep the patient comfortable and prevents choking.

Notable Quote:

“This suction removes it so you don’t feel like you’re going to choke on it and keeps you much more comfortable.”
– Rhonda Smartypants [13:55]

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8. Meeting the Dentist & Cavities 101

[15:35], [16:31]

• Trusty is introduced to Dr. Furman, the dentist.
• Dentists check X-rays, inspect teeth, confirm the hygienist’s work.
• Cavities: Tooth decay causes holes (cavities) that can become painful if untreated.

Notable Quote:

“A cavity occurs when a part or all of a tooth starts to decay, creating a hole. And plaque filled with tiny germs and thousands of bacteria get into the hole and begin eating away at the tooth.”
– Dr. Furman [16:31]

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9. How Cavities Are Repaired

[16:59], [17:28]

• Drilling removes decayed material
• Filling (usually amalgam, a mix of metals) replaces lost tooth structure; porcelain and gold also used but less common
• Novocaine numbs the area
• Enamel: The hard outer layer of teeth; hardest part of the body

Memorable Analogy:

“Repairing a tooth is kinda like doing construction. First, I use a drill to prepare the affected area. Next, I clear away the debris. Then finally, I fill in the empty space.”
– Dr. Furman [17:55]

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10. Why You Still Need a Dentist—Even If You Brush and Floss!

[19:02]

• Even perfect home care (brushing/flossing) doesn’t replace regular professional checkups and cleanings.

Notable Quote:

“If you ignore your teeth, they’ll just go away.”
– Dr. Furman [19:13]

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Memorable Quotes & Fun Moments

• “But be warned. It is a terrifying sound that strikes fear in the hearts of people young and old. That’s right. I’m at the dentist office.”
  – Trusty [01:12]

• “Is scaling where you weigh my teeth?”
  – Trusty, jokingly [11:41]

• “Mirror, mirror in the cell. Who is the fairest tooth in the mouth?”
  – Rhonda Smartypants, being playful [11:24]

• “You should really give a trigger warning before turning that thing on. It is terrifying.”
  – Trusty, reacting to the drill [17:04]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:50] – What is a hygienist? What do hygienists and dentists each do?
• [03:11] – Why visit the dentist if you brush your teeth?
• [07:11] – What happens during a dental checkup? (X-rays explained)
• [08:06] – Types of dental X-rays
• [09:31] – You have two sets of teeth in your life (primary & permanent)
• [11:27] – Dental tools: probe, mirror, scaler
• [12:17] – Plaque vs. tartar & why everyone needs professional cleaning
• [13:55] – Why hygienists use suction
• [15:35] – Dentist arrives: Checking the work, explaining cavities
• [16:31] – What is a cavity?
• [17:28] – How is a cavity repaired? (drill, filling, novocaine)
• [19:02] – Why you still need a dentist even if you take good care of your teeth

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Conclusion

This lively episode of “Who Smarted?” demystifies dental visits by clearly explaining each professional’s role in your oral health and why routine check-ups matter. It highlights how dental hygienists and dentists work together—hygienists clean, examine, and prevent, while dentists diagnose and treat problems. With jokes, interactive questions, sound effects, and memorable analogies, this episode turns a dreaded dental visit into an entertaining science adventure—reassuring young listeners (and adults!) that healthy smiles are worth the trip.

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Perfect episode for:

• Kids (and grownups) anxious about dentist visits
• Curious learners who love science, bodily facts, and a good laugh
• Parents and teachers looking for educational, discussion-starting content

Encouraged Message:
Take care of your teeth at home—and always remember your dental check-ups!

Transcript

[Trusty]

D kong.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

In Donkey Kong Bonanza, you could smash through almost anything. Giant watermelon.

[Trusty]

Easy Solid rock.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Save less. Explore the underground world by smashing to the planet's core as Donkey Kong and Pauline.

[Trusty]

Hold up.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Are you hearing karts?

[Trusty]

All right.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Race against your friends in Mario Kart World.

[Trusty]

Drive off walls, off the

[Rhonda Smartypants]

and over dinosaur.

[Trusty]

Sweet.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

You can power up your play on Nintendo Switch. Two additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode, game system and some accessories sold separately. Games rated E to E10.

[Trusty]

And now it's time for who Smarted? Hey, smarty pants. You'll never guess where I am. Sorry, can you guess where I am? I heard someone say making a smoothie. Good guess, but no. Near a black hole. Cool guess. Also no. Here's another hint. But be warned. It is a terrifying sound that strikes fear in the hearts of people young and old. That's right. I'm at the dentist office.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

I need you to put the suction back in. Trusty.

[Trusty]

But it's so hard to talk to the smarty pants with that in my mouth.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

But it's hard to clean your teeth without the suction in your mouth.

[Trusty]

You know, I'm starting to think it wasn't the best idea to record the podcast from my dentist's office. But it just made sense. It was time for my semi annual checkup. That means about every six months, smarty pants. And I figure we've never done an episode on what happens during a dental visit, so why not combine the two, right?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

You're right. It wasn't the best idea.

[Trusty]

The less than enthusiastic person you hear is my hygienist, Rhonda Smartypants, do you know what a hygienist does besides give me a hard time about the suction? Uh huh. It seems some of you know, some of you aren't quite sure. And a few of you have never heard that word before. Why don't you tell everyone?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Rhonda, A dental or oral hygienist is a licensed dental professional registered with a dental association within the county. They practice in Nice.

[Trusty]

And what's the difference between a hygienist and a dentist?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Typically, dentists work to identify, diagnose and treat tooth decay and gum disease. Dental hygienists assist dentists by performing cleanings and advising patients on proper oral hygiene and care.

[Trusty]

Gotcha, smarty pants. Let's recap. Does a hygienist examine your teeth, X ray your teeth, or clean your teeth? The answer is all of the above.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

You forgot one thing.

[Trusty]

What's that? Wait, wait. We'll get to that. But first I want to answer some questions about a typical visit to the dentists. Like why do you need to go to the dentist if you brush your teeth? What instruments or machines do dentists and hygienists use? What's a cavity? Oh, and how does your dentist repair it?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

And then after that, I can put the section back in.

[Trusty]

Yes, it's time for another whiff of science and history on who smarted. Who's smarted? Who's smart?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Is it you?

[Trusty]

Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smarted? We'll be back with more smarting after this quick ad break. Picture it. The kids flying down the water slides, you actually relaxing for once. The whole pack together and nobody checking a phone. That's a day at Great Wolf Lodge. The kind your kids will be talking about all school year. And that's how you become when you stop letting the calendar win. True story. Last time I brought my pack, we closed down that 84 degree indoor water park. And here's what I'm excited about. It's Great Wolf's biggest sale of the year. The 84 degree sale book August 2nd through the 5th and a suite starts at just $84 a night. $84 gets your whole pack, the 84 degree water park, adventure attractions and free daily events from morning yoga to nightly family dance parties. And no two lodges are the same, so there's always something new. Parents, that's your yes, one simple number one easy getaway. No guilt. Don't miss it book August 2nd through [e-mail] the 84 degree sale only at Great Wolf Lodge. Always just a short drive away. Restrictions apply. Discounts vary offer based on two guests per room and may be terminated without notice. See greatwolf.com for full details. Hey smarty pants. Trusty here and I want to tell you about something that's going to make bedtime way more fun. Koala Moon. You know how much we love learning cool stuff together. Well, Koala Moon is packed with original bedtime stories and sleep meditations that deliver amazing life lessons just in a way that helps you drift off to Dreamland with over 700 stories featuring awesome characters like Coco the Koala and the Jupiter Twins. There's always something new to discover. Koala Moon has already helped improve over 50 million bedtimes and I think it can help yours too. So ask a grownup to search Koala Moon on your favorite podcast app so you can try it tonight. Hey, homeschool parents, it's August, and somewhere in your house there's probably a stack of new curriculum, a fresh notebook, and a kid who's still on summertime. And you. You're the one who gets to decide how this year goes. That's the homeschool parent. You already are the one who starts strong. So here's how I'd start. Ixl. For so many of our writers and producers here at WhoSmarted, IXL has become learning home base. One place with personalized learning matched exactly to where your child is picking right back up where summer left off in math, language arts, and more. From pre K on up, kids get instant explanations and little wins that keep them going. And you get clear reports showing real progress from day one. Parents, this is your confidence. Over 15 million students use IXL, and it's proven to boost achievement in all 50 states. Who Smarted listeners get an exclusive 20% off a membership when you sign up [e-mail] smarted that's ixl.com smarted for your exclusive 20% off. Start the year strong with IXL. Okay, smarty pants. I know going to the dentist probably isn't on your top 10 favorite things to do list, but it's very important because, well, your teeth are very important to your overall health and well being.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Which is why I really need to get in there and clean them. Hold on.

[Trusty]

Let's do something a little less noisy first.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Fine. We'll start you off with an X ray. We took an X ray of your teeth last time you were in, but it never hurts to take another look. It's also usually the first thing they do when you go to the dentist.

[Trusty]

Smarty pants. Do you know what an X ray is? If you've ever fallen off your bike or gotten hurt in some way, you may have had an X ray to look inside your body to see if you broke or fractured a bone.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Yep, dental X rays, also known as radiographs, work the same way, only they show what's going on inside each of your teeth. Now hold still while I place the end of the X ray up against each other, each cheek. First the left side, then the right, and then the center. Bite down on this plate. Great. Just a few minutes. The images will be sent directly to my computer screen.

[Trusty]

Ooh, smarty pants. How many different types of dental X rays do you think there are? 2, 3, 4, or 5? The answer is 5.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

There's a bitewing X ray that's used to look at a specific area of

[Trusty]

your mouth did you say bitewing?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Yeah. Those are the ones where you have to bite down on a piece of plastic that holds the X ray firm against your upper and lower teeth. Or you might be asked to bite down on a little box wrapped in plastic. Bitewing X rays help dentists detect decay, especially between your teeth or changes to your jawbone caused by gum disease.

[Trusty]

What about the other X rays?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

There's periapical X rays, which capture your whole tooth and are good for looking for cavities. Then there's full mouth survey X rays, which are a series of individual images showing your entire mouth. These are used for major dental work like root canals. Panoramic X rays show your entire mouth at once. And occlusal X rays keep track of the development and placement of a section of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. These are mostly used by pediatric dentists to find children's teeth that have yet to break through the gums.

[Trusty]

Smarty pants, true or false? You will have two completely different sets of teeth during your lifetime. The answer for most of you is true.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

The first group of teeth is called your primary set or baby teeth. There are about 20 of them that begin to grow even before you're born.

[Trusty]

Whoa.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

But they act as placeholders.

[Dr. Furman]

Huh?

[Trusty]

Placeholders.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Yep. The function of primary teeth is to create space for your permanent teeth to come in. This first set of teeth will begin falling out around age six or seven.

[Trusty]

Uh, can you say tooth fairy?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

By the time you reach your late teens, your new permanent teeth should have all come in

[Trusty]

smartypants. Do you know how many permanent teeth you'll end up with? Here's a. It's more than your 20 original primary teeth. Is it A22, B32, or C42 permanent teeth? If you said B32, you're right.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

You should have a total of 16 on the top and 16 on the bottom. And each one needs to be cleaned, scaled, and polished.

[Trusty]

I know what cleaning and polishing mean, but what's scaling, smarty pants? Do you know?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Yeah, we'll get to that. Open wide. First, I use my dental tools to examine your teeth. This tool is called a probe. You'll notice it has a pointy end. This lets me test the strength of each tooth. The other common tool you see is a mini mirror. Mirror, mirror in the cell. Who is the fairest tooth in the mouth?

[Trusty]

Uh, what's going on?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Nothing. I'm just using my mini mirror to look at your teeth and gums and hard to see parts of your mouth.

[Trusty]

Gotcha.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Okay, now that I've examined your teeth. It's time for scaling.

[Trusty]

What's scaling, smarty pants? Do you know? Oh, wait. Is scaling where you weigh my teeth?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

No. Scaling is when I use a special tool called a scaler to clean your teeth.

[Trusty]

Smartypants, do you know what a scaler looks like? Why? It's a thin metal instrument about the size of a pencil with a sharp hook on each end. I gotta be honest, it's a little scary looking.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

I know, I know. This can be people's least favorite part, but it's important I get in there and use the scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.

[Trusty]

Plaque and tartar? Smarty pants, have you ever heard those words before? What do they mean? And more importantly, why are they on my teeth?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Well, plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth and gums and carries bacteria. Ew. If plaque is not removed on a regular basis, it will calcify or harden and become.

[Trusty]

Ah, gotcha. But isn't that why me and the smarty pants brush our teeth?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Yes, for sure. Brushing does remove a lot of the plaque. However, there are places that your toothbrush can't easily reach where plaque can build up, no matter how good a brusher you are.

[Trusty]

So wait, even though I brush twice a day and floss, I still have plaque that could harden into tooth, harming tartar?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Unfortunately, yes. But that's where a hygienist comes in. Using a mirror and scaler, I can remove all the plaque before it has time to harm your teeth or gums. But I also need something else to do it.

[Trusty]

What? Anything. I want all that plaque gone. Do whatever you have to.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Great, Here it comes.

[Trusty]

Oh, of course. But why the suction? I'll put the suction back. But first, Smartypants, why do hygienists or dentists use suction? Is it to A, remove plaque and tartar, B, remove bits of food stuck in your teeth, or C, remove saliva?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

The addition of foreign objects in your mouth like mimira or scala causes you to make extra saliva. This suction removes it so you don't feel like you're going to choke on it and keeps you much more comfortable.

[Trusty]

Ah, that makes sense.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

May I?

[Trusty]

You may stick around, Smugglypants. We'll meet the dentist and learn about cavities right after this quick break. And a word from our sponsors. Hey, Smartypants. Trusty here and I want to tell you about something that's going to make bedtime way more fun. Koala Moon. You know how much we love learning cool stuff together. Well, Koala Moon is packed with original bedtime stories and and sleep meditations that deliver amazing life lessons, just in a way that helps you drift off to Dreamland. With over 700 stories featuring awesome characters like Coco the Koala and the Jupiter twins, there's always something new to discover. Koalamoon has already helped improve over 50 million bedtimes, and I think it can help yours too. So ask a grown up to search Koala Moon on your favorite podcast, Apple, so you can try it tonight. Now back to who smarted?

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Okay, rinse and spitz.

[Trusty]

I've always loved the convenience of these little cups and mini sinks right next to me. Smarty pants, do you know what this little mini sink faucet setup is called? Why? It's called a cuspidor. Impressive if you knew that. But does anyone know why there's always that one strand of drool connecting my mouth to the cuspidor? Ah, gross.

[Dr. Furman]

Hey, trusty. Good to see you.

[Trusty]

Oh, hey, it's the dentist. Dr. Furman. Boy, am I glad to see you.

[Dr. Furman]

Why? Rhonda wasn't taking good care of you.

[Trusty]

Oh, no, of course she was. I just meant when the dentist comes in, it usually means the visit's almost over.

[Dr. Furman]

Uh huh. Open wide. Let's take a quick peek under the hood.

[Rhonda Smartypants]

Uh.

[Dr. Furman]

Mm. Mm. Looking good. Nice job.

[Trusty]

Thanks, Dr. Farman.

[Dr. Furman]

I meant Rhonda.

[Trusty]

Oh.

[Dr. Furman]

Now let's check out your X rays. Yep, those look good too.

[Trusty]

I noticed some shiny patches on top of some of my teeth. Smarty pants. Any guesses what they are? Are they A, bubblegum, B, pieces of food, or C, fillings for cavities? If you said C, you're right. But what exactly is a cavity?

[Dr. Furman]

A cavity occurs when a part or all of a tooth starts to decay, creating a hole. And plaque filled with tiny germs. And thousands of bacteria get into the hole and begin eating away at the tooth.

[Trusty]

Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom. And before you know it, you've got a toothache.

[Dr. Furman]

Ow. Yep, that's the nerves inside your tooth asking for help.

[Trusty]

Right. So how do you repair a cavity?

[Dr. Furman]

Well, it starts with this.

[Trusty]

You should really give a trigger warning before turning that thing on. It is terrifying. Am I right, smarty pants? See? They agree.

[Dr. Furman]

Good. You shouldn't want to hear that sound. That's why you need to take care of your teeth, which includes regular visits to the dentist so you don't get cavities.

[Trusty]

Point taken. Anyway, how does that drill, which you will not turn on again, repair A cavity.

[Dr. Furman]

Okay, the first thing you need to know is one of the main parts of a tooth is made from a substance called enamel. Now, as much as enamel resembles bone and shares some of the same properties as bone, it isn't bone, smarty pants.

[Trusty]

True or false, Enamel is the hardest part of your entire body. The answer is surprisingly true. Whoa.

[Dr. Furman]

Repairing a tooth is kinda like doing construction. First, I use a drill to prepare the affected area. Next, I clear away the debris. Then finally, I fill in the empty space.

[Trusty]

Is that when the silvery substance gets put in?

[Dr. Furman]

Correct. It's called amalgam and is actually a mixture of several different metals. We also use porcelain and in some cases, gold, but that isn't very common or cheap.

[Trusty]

Sounds painful.

[Dr. Furman]

It would be if we didn't inject novocaine into the surrounding area where the tooth is being repaired. Novocaine is a local anesthetic that takes a few moments before it causes a numbing sensation. Then we can work on your tooth and you barely feel a thing. Trust me, Trusty. Painless dentistry has come a long way, but you should still do everything you can to avoid cavities and gum disease, Right?

[Trusty]

But here's the thing. Even if you brush your teeth two or three times a day and floss, you still need to visit the dentist to maintain a truly healthy mouth.

[Dr. Furman]

That's right, trusty and smarties. Remember, if you ignore your teeth, they'll just go away.

[Trusty]

And you definitely don't want that. Especially when you love eating pizza as much as I do. Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom. A bright, smiling shout out to Lachlan and Margaret in Virginia Beach. I love that you love all the gross episodes and told us that who Smarted is funny and teaches you both new things. That is exactly what we're aiming for. Thanks for laughing, learning, and getting gross with us this episode. A Trip to the Dentist was written by Dave Dental Patient Davis and voiced by Charlotte Root Canal Cohn, Melissa Del Toro Schaffner and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Oral Hygiene Hahn. Our associate producer is Max the Molar Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Bitewing Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Texray. Davis who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production. Hey, smartypants. Trusty here and I want to tell you about something that's going to make bedtime way more fun. Koala Moon. You know how much we love learning cool stuff together. Well, Koala Moon is packed with original bedtime stories and sleep meditations that deliver amazing life lessons just in a way that helps you drift off to Dreamland. With over 700 stories featuring awesome characters like Coco the Koala and and the Jupiter Twins, there's always something new to discover. Koalamoon has already helped improve over 50 million bedtimes, and I think it can help yours too. So ask a grownup to search Koala Moon on your favorite podcast app so you can try it tonight.