Rooting Within Health
Rooting Within Health explores the powerful connections between oral health and overall systemic wellness, while addressing critical issues in the dental industry that often go unspoken. Hosted by Kimberly W. Williamson, RDH, CIHC, RYT, this podcast goes beyond the surface to examine how oral health impacts our entire body, mind, and quality of life.
Through a hybrid approach of solo episodes and conversations with healthcare professionals, wellness experts, and individuals navigating their own health journeys, we'll dive into topics that matter. From oral-systemic health connections, workplace wellness and culture in healthcare settings, to behavior modifications for sustainable health to the urgent need for advocacy and reform within the dental industry - no topic is off limits.
Whether you're a dental professional seeking community and validation, a healthcare worker facing workplace challenges, or someone interested in holistic approaches to health, this podcast creates space for honest conversations and meaningful change. We're here to educate, empower, and build community around the issues that matter most - because true health starts from within, and change begins when we're willing to speak up.
Rooting Within Health
Episode 4: The OPA Problem: Why 120 Hours Can't Replace Years of Science
It's legal in Arizona. Missouri is running a pilot program. And more states are considering it: the Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) model allows dental assistants with just 120 hours of training to perform "dental cleanings."
In this episode, I break down what OPAs can and cannot do, why this model is being pushed as a solution to the dental hygiene shortage, and why it's actually a symptom of much bigger problems in dentistry.
We'll talk about:
- The training gap between OPAs (120 hours) and dental hygienists (2-4 years, 2,000-3,000 clinical hours)
- What "supragingival scaling only" really means for your oral health
- Why patient satisfaction surveys don't measure clinical outcomes
- The gender dynamics of creating cheaper substitutes for female-dominated professions
- What happens when an industry regulates itself with zero independent oversight
- Real solutions that would actually address workforce shortages
This isn't about gatekeeping. It's about patient safety, professional standards, and the systemic devaluation of healthcare workers - especially women.
If you've ever wondered why your dental office feels like a production line, or why there's no independent body watching out for patients in dentistry, this episode connects the dots.