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A Tale of Two Hygienists

Effective followership: A missing skill in dental hygiene education

Strong dental hygiene programs rely on more than leadership alone. In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica Atkinson explores how effective followership—grounded in self-management, competence, and courage—supports better leadership and stronger student outcomes.
Nov. 12, 2021
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Key Highlights

  • The four essential qualities of an effective follower
  • How followership directly impacts student success
  • Why self-management reduces the need for micromanagement
  • How competence and continuing education build credibility
  • What “courage” looks like in a clinical education setting
  • How leaders and followers function as equal partners
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What does it really mean to be an effective follower in dental hygiene education?

In this episode, Jessica Atkinson shares insights from her recent experience at the RISE Conference for clinical coordinators, hosted by Educators Platform. Drawing on Robert Kelley’s influential research on followership, Jessica explores why strong clinical programs depend not only on leadership—but on engaged, self-directed, and courageous followers.

You’ll learn the four defining traits of effective followers, how they show up in clinical education, and why followership and leadership should be viewed as equal—but different—roles. This episode offers practical reflection for educators who want to strengthen team dynamics, reduce micromanagement, and ultimately support better student outcomes.

 

About the Author

Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA

Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH, FADHA, is a dental hygiene educator, clinician, and advocate dedicated to advancing the profession through innovation and education. She combines her clinical expertise and love for education to create engaging, practical learning experiences. Jessica is an Associate Professor and Senior Clinic Coordinator at Utah Tech University, co-host of A Tale of Two Hygienists, and CEO of HYGIENE edgeUCATORS, where she develops continuing education for educators and clinicians. She co-founded Hygiene Edge, a platform with over 100,000 YouTube subscribers. Recognized with the Element Award and Outstanding Service Award, she is a Fellow of the ADHA and past president of UDHA.

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