A dry powder inhaler includes an actuator pivotably mounted on a base. Movement of the actuator from a first position to a second position drives the a dobber to open a blister. A dispersion engine sub-assembly has a blister hood positioned over a blister opening position. A powder pathway connects from the blister hood into a powder dispersion engine. Upon inhalation, air flow draws powder up and out of an opened blister, into the blister hood and to the powder dispersion engine. Movement of the actuator causes the dobber to shear open a blister and also to press the blister hood down over the blister. This increases air flows up and around the open blister, carrying the pharmaceutical powder up and out of the blister and into the dispersion engine.