Not all hygienists are created equal: Real talk on value and skill with Melissa Obrotka

Dentistry Unmasked: A Roundtable Podcast

In this unapologetically honest episode of Dentistry Unmasked, David and Pam sit down with Melissa Obrotka, aka the Badass Dental Hygienist, for a real conversation about motivation, mastering your craft, and why not all hygienists—and not all hygiene careers—are created equal. We dig into what it truly means to practice at the top of your license, why skill and calibration matter, and how elevating your value can transform your earning potential. We also confront the long-standing divide between dentists and hygienists and explore what it will take to build respect, alignment, and stronger teams across the industry. If you’re ready for a conversation that challenges norms and inspires growth, you won’t want to miss this one.