This week on Brush with Britt, I’m joined by the one and only Shelby RDH — yes, that Shelby from TikTok who has been serving up relatable RDH content and making perio cool again. 🦷✨
We’re diving into what it’s really like being a full-time perio hygienist — the good, the bad, and the why-did-I-choose-this moments. Shelby shares her journey from oral surgery to specializing in perio, the unique challenges (hello, complex cases 👀🪥), and the wins that make it all worth it.
We talk patient transformations, navigating burnout, and the reality of working with specialists. Plus… we get real about perio referrals, 12mm pockets 📏, and the new technology we’d love to practice with.
🎧 Listen in for:
Shelby’s day-in-the-life as a perio hygienist
Tips for thriving in a specialty setting without losing your sanity
Why perio doesn’t have to be scary — for you or your patients.
Grab your coffee ☕, adjust that loupes light 💡, and let’s talk gum health. 💅🏽
Shelby Wagenman brings 12 years of experience in dentistry, starting with a strong foundation in oral surgery. After graduating from dental hygiene school in 2022, she spent a year in general dentistry before finding her home in periodontics, where she’s honed her skills in soft tissue management and implants.
Having lived and worked in five different states, Shelby has practiced in a variety of settings, from a dental school and private practices to a mobile unit for the National Guard and volunteer clinics. This diverse background has given her a well-rounded perspective on patient care, and she’s passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences to inspire and support other dental professionals.
Connect with Shelby:
Email: shelbywagenman@yahoo.com
Tiktok: @Shelby_RDH
Instagram: @shelbyy.rdh