Whitney DiFoggio, AKA Teeth Talk Girl!

Meet Whitney DiFoggio, MA, RDH — better known as "Teeth Talk Girl" to her followers. Whitney's journey began with a passion for dental hygiene, but soon evolved into an unexpected career as a dental content creator. Her YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts have become trusted sources for dental education and entertainment. In this special Dental Hygiene Month spotlight, Whitney shares her experiences, challenges, and advice for fellow dental professionals looking to make their mark online.

quip: What does this month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it within your community and online?

Whitney: October is Dental Hygiene Month, and it means so much to me because it's a time to celebrate the essential role of prevention in dentistry. Dental hygiene deserves recognition, and I love honoring not only my fellow hygienists but also the entire dental team, as we all work together toward better oral health. I celebrate by wearing purple as often as I can (because why not!?), but the highlight of the month will be my annual Dental Hygiene Month Party! This virtual event, free for all dental students and dental professionals, will be an hour of incredible content, networking, fun, and giveaways. It's my way of giving back to the dental hygiene community, and I’m grateful that my position on social media allows me to do that. This year’s party is on October 23, and I can't wait!

quip: That sounds amazing! We’re sure it’ll be as fun as it sounds — and hope some quipsters can attend too :) Can you share a bit about your journey into dental hygiene? What initially inspired you to pursue this profession?

Whitney: My whole life, I thought I wanted to be a dentist because I absolutely adored my childhood dentist. She was young, vibrant, and cool, and I wanted to be just like her — both as a person and in her career. I was always good at science and liked teeth, so pursuing dentistry seemed like a natural fit. However, during my undergrad, I joined the pre-dental club and started shadowing in dental offices. That’s when I realized I was much more passionate about the preventive side of dentistry rather than the restorative aspect. So, instead of applying to dental school, I applied to dental hygiene school — and I’ve never looked back! I absolutely fell in love with it.

quip: Your passion is clearly infectious! How did you come up with the name Teeth Talk Girl? Was there a specific moment or inspiration behind it?

Whitney: Yes! It's a fun story. When I first started my YouTube channel, I named it “Dental Hygiene with Whitney.” Early on, while filming a segment downtown in Chicago (where I live), I interviewed random people on the street about their dental health and titled the video “Teeth Talk in Chicago.” That’s when it hit me — “Teeth Talk” would be the perfect name for my YouTube channel! It felt like a natural fit, and that's how “Teeth Talk Girl” was born.

quip: What sparked your interest in content creation?

Whitney: After graduating from dental hygiene school, I was eagerly waiting for my RDH license to arrive so I could start working. At the time, I was a dental assistant, and I’d often find myself talking about flossing and home care during not-so-ideal moments, like in the middle of a root canal! That’s when I realized I needed an outlet for all this energy. So, I randomly started a YouTube channel to share dental health facts and tips. I never expected anyone to watch, except maybe my mom, but to my surprise, more people found my videos and started asking for more. It all grew very organically, and I’m so happy with how it’s evolved. I should also mention that I have a background in acting and theater, so it’s been amazing to combine my two passions — entertainment and dental health education — into my videos!

quip: What advice would you give to dental professionals who want to become content creators themselves?

Whitney: My biggest advice is to not pursue content creation just for the sake of gaining followers or becoming “social media famous.” I often get messages asking how to grow a following, but that was never my goal — I just wanted to have fun and share my passion. It’s hard for me to explain how to get followers because, honestly, I don’t know... I suppose consistency is key! That seems to have helped, but again — I really try not to focus on growing, but on helping people. If your main goal is just to get big, you need to rethink your “why,” not your “how,” when starting out. There will be tough days, and if you don't genuinely love what you're doing, it'll be hard to push forward. It’s a mindset I’ve adopted from comedians talking about stand-up — you have to love the process.

quip: Negativity can be a challenge online. How do you handle negative comments or criticism on your platforms?

Whitney: I remind myself to focus on the positive. 99% of the comments I receive are kind, but it's easy for the brain to fixate on the 1% that are negative. I have to remind myself that you can’t please everyone — all you can do is your best. My goal is to help people, so if someone offers constructive criticism, I’ll definitely listen and consider it because I always want to improve. But if the comment is just making fun of my appearance or something trivial, I recognize that it’s more about them projecting their own issues than anything to do with me.

Support is also crucial. Even if you have supportive family and friends, if they’re not content creators themselves, it can be hard for them to fully understand what you’re going through. That’s why it’s so valuable to connect with other creators and find supportive communities. Shoutout to my Patreon and YouTube members who have been amazing in making me feel supported!

quip: What made you interested in pursuing your Doctor of Health Science, and how do you see it impacting your future in the dental field?

Whitney: My interest in pursuing a Doctor of Health Science stems from my enthusiasm for learning — my master’s degree experience was so enriching that I was extremely eager to continue my academic journey. I am dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and I believe that obtaining my doctoral degree will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of dental hygiene.

I aspire to advance the dental hygiene profession and continue my leadership within the industry. Also, I believe a deeper understanding of health science will enhance my ability to communicate the importance of dental health to the public, especially in raising awareness about the connection between dental health and overall health.

To clarify, I plan to work as a dental hygienist for the long haul! My goal with this doctoral degree is to empower me to continue doing what I love: sharing vital dental health information with the public.

quip: How has pursuing an additional degree shaped your perspective on dental hygiene and patient care?

Whitney: Pursuing my doctorate has profoundly shaped my perspective on dental hygiene and patient care. My grad school journey (including my master’s) has deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of health disciplines. Now as I delve into advanced research, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for evidence-based practices, allowing me to critically evaluate new findings and integrate them into my clinical work. This not only enhances patient care but also empowers me to combat the dental health misinformation prevalent on social media, which is a significant concern in healthcare today.

As I progress in this academic journey, I’m excited about the potential to positively influence the dental hygiene profession, contribute to public health awareness, and inspire patients to prioritize their oral health as an essential aspect of their overall well-being.

quip: Reflecting on your time as a practicing hygienist, what’s one of the funniest or most memorable experiences you’ve had in the clinic?

Whitney: Honestly, every day is a fun and memorable experience with my coworkers! I've been with the same office for the past nine years, and it’s been wonderful growing and enjoying life together as a dental team. One of the funniest moments that comes to mind is when my coworker asked me to bring a candle for our boss's birthday. I misunderstood and brought a big Yankee candle (thinking it was for the gift), while she meant a birthday candle for the cake! We ended up placing the giant Yankee candle on the cake, and it was hilariously bigger than the cake itself. This story might not directly relate to dentistry, but it perfectly captures the joy we share as friends/coworkers.

quip: As a seasoned dental hygienist and educator, what’s one piece of advice you’d offer to new grads just entering the field?

Whitney: If you're struggling to remove a piece of calculus, don’t be too hard on yourself. Even the most experienced hygienists encounter stubborn calculus from time to time. It’s important to ask your boss or lead hygienist about the protocol for these situations. Do they prefer you to consult another hygienist for a second opinion, or is there a specific procedure to follow? Knowing the expectations ahead of time can help alleviate stress when you find yourself in that situation. Remember: all we can do is our best, and with each day, we have the opportunity to improve! Embrace the learning process, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance when needed.

quip: Balancing continuing education, clinical experience, and content creation can be a lot! How do you manage your time and stay motivated?

Whitney: Balancing everything can indeed feel overwhelming! Each year brings unexpected growth, and when I first started, I never imagined I’d be posting every single day on YouTube — two long-form videos and five shorts each week! Initially, I struggled to film even one video a month.

Shifting to part-time clinical work helped, but adding school into the mix made me wonder how I’d manage it all. I’ve learned that there are only so many hours in a day, and prioritizing my health — like getting enough sleep — is crucial. Now, I’ve found a balance by organizing my schedule and mapping out every moment of the day. It may sound intense, but I’m used to it now! I write in meal breaks, time for exercise, and phone calls — every moment is scheduled. I also make sure to carve out time for myself, family, and friends well in advance; I always plan things months ahead. It might seem odd, but for me, it's essential for maintaining balance.

Every day, I’m learning how to juggle everything, and I’m excited to keep growing! I love what I do, and receiving countless messages from people telling me I’ve helped them learn about dental health keeps me motivated to continue this journey.

quip: When you’re not in scrubs or creating content, how do you like to unwind? Are there any hobbies or activities that you’re passionate about outside of dentistry? 

Whitney: I love to unwind by indulging in my passion for movies! There’s something special about going to the movies, turning off my phone, and immersing myself in a film without distractions. I also enjoy live performances, whether it’s theater, stand-up comedy, or sketch comedy.

Additionally, yoga is essential to my daily routine; I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my Peloton yoga app! I also love traveling, especially to beach towns. Living in Chicago means we only have a few months of beach weather, so I often seek out beach destinations whenever I travel. Most importantly, I cherish spending time with my family and friends. On busy days, what gets me through the challenges is looking forward to my next gathering with them!