Starting something new, like Fygg, takes a leap of faith. You dive in because you believe in the idea and want to fill a real need. Recognition is the icing on the cake—it signals you’re heading in the right direction.
Last week I had the privilege of attending the RDH Under One Roof conference. It was energizing and meaningful. I was there to accept an award on behalf of Fygg, my new oral microbiome–nourishing line of toothpaste and varnish. This award celebrates Fygg, but more importantly it honors dental hygienists everywhere—the often-unsung heroes of oral health.
Dental hygienists remind me of nurses in the medical world: compassionate, highly skilled, and hardworking. They educate patients, perform the demanding work of removing plaque and calculus, place sealants, and provide preventive care—all while maintaining precise posture and handling sharp instruments with surgical care. It’s a tough job. Hygienists are the backbone of dental care, frequently working under time pressure and with limited resources. Dentists rely on them completely.
I want to highlight two exceptional hygienists who taught me so much at the conference and who make me excited and proud about the future of our profession.
One memorable encounter was with Janet, a hygienist who operates a mobile dental clinic out of a well-equipped van. Her setup does more than provide convenience—it brings essential care to patients in rural areas who otherwise lack access. Mobile clinics are vital for communities where transportation and distance are barriers to health services. Below is a photo of me with Janet and Brian, the founder of my favorite oral microbiome testing company, Bristle.
The energy at RDH Under One Roof was tangible. It was inspiring to be surrounded by professionals who are integrating innovative practices into their protocols—sometimes without employer approval—because they prioritize patient care. That commitment speaks volumes about their dedication.
A major topic of conversation was fluoride and growing patient resistance. Many hygienists are enthusiastic about alternatives like hydroxyapatite varnish, which offers an effective option that respects patient preferences while allowing practices to maintain revenue and quality care. Innovations like these give clinicians more choices to meet diverse needs.
I also learned about the experiences of hygienists who practice independently, especially in states such as Colorado where independent practice is allowed. Despite pushback from some dentists, these clinicians are forming collaborative groups and extending essential services to underserved populations. Their efforts are important for expanding access to care.
Economic challenges are real for many hygienists. Reimbursement rates for preventive services have historically been low, but persistent advocacy has led to meaningful improvements in some areas. For example, in certain states hygienists now receive significantly better compensation for cleanings, which supports the sustainability of their practice. Dani Ford shared insights about these community challenges—especially how socioeconomic and transportation barriers affect prevention efforts—and her work is truly impactful.
Conversations at the conference reinforced my deep respect for dental hygienists. Their role goes beyond teeth: they take thorough health histories and educate patients about links between oral health and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Their preventive focus improves overall health.
If you’re a dental hygienist, I’d love to hear from you. Reply and tell me how I can support you and your profession. If you haven’t yet, consider subscribing to RDH Magazine and attending RDH Under One Roof—seeing it in person can be transformative.
Best,
Dr. Mark
P.S. You can get 15% off your first order of Fygg toothpaste and our award-winning nano-HAP varnish with code ATD15. Use the code at checkout to try our products and see how they support oral microbiome–focused care.