The Dental Handoff

Dental leadership, career growth, and navigating change in dentistry—this episode of The Dental Handoff explores what it really takes to trust your next step in your dental career. If you’re a dental hygienist (RDH), dentist, assistant, or practice owner feeling stuck, burned out, or uncertain about your next move, this conversation will resonate deeply. Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Aimee Vail to discuss the reality of nonlinear career paths in dentistry, from clinical roles to entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts required to grow through change instead of staying stuck in fear. They unpack what it means to follow the “nudge,” build confidence through experience, and surround yourself with the right community to support your growth. Why most dental careers aren’t linear, and why that’s okay How to recognize when it’s time to pivot in your career The role of fear vs intuition in decision-making Why community and mentorship matter in dentistry How to build confidence by reflecting on your past growth This episode is a reminder that growth in dentistry isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about trusting yourself enough to take the next step. If this resonated with you, share your thoughts below or send this to someone navigating their next chapter in dentistry. Aimee Vail is an American dental hygienist, entrepreneur, and consultant who founded PoweredUP Prevention, a company that bridges clinical expertise and business strategy in the dental industry. She is known for helping dental brands accelerate market adoption by combining sales insight with first-hand operatory experience.   Vail has built her career at the intersection of clinical care and commercial strategy. As a practicing dental hygienist with a deep understanding of vendor operations, she guides dental companies in refining their go-to-market plans, connecting them directly with decision-makers in group practices and dental support organizations (DSOs). Her approach emphasizes actionable outcomes over generic consulting, ensuring that a client’s product or service message “lands” with purchasing authorities.   PoweredUP Prevention Founded by Vail, PoweredUP Prevention serves as both a consultancy and a connector within the dental marketplace. It supports vendors seeking to increase visibility, drive adoption, and navigate the complexities of private-equity-backed DSOs. The firm’s services span strategy development, meeting facilitation, and relationship management with clinical and corporate stakeholders. Influence and recognition Within the dental community, Aimee Vail is recognized for her reputation as “the connector and the closer.” Her credibility stems from experience across the sales, technical, and chair-side dimensions of dentistry, giving her clients a pragmatic advantage in a competitive field. She continues to mentor professionals and partner with brands seeking authentic engagement in dental care innovation.   Connect with Aimee: https://www.poweredupprevention.com/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Most dental assistants are not struggling because they are not capable. They are struggling because no one ever trained them properly. Dental assisting is one of the most hands-on roles in dentistry, but many assistants are expected to perform, communicate, and anticipate everything without structured training or mentorship. In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Julie Varney, RDA with 33 years chairside, to talk about the real skills nobody teaches, how to read your doctor, how to stay 10 steps ahead of the procedure, how to handle the anxious patient who walks in assuming the worst, and why so many dental assistants shut down when they feel picked at instead of supported. This is not about clinical skills alone. It is about the system behind the role, and why so many talented assistants end up feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, or stuck. Julie Varney, RDA, CDA, COA, CDIPC, FAADOM, is an experienced clinical dental assistant with over 30 years of chairside expertise. She specializes in efficient workflow, instrumentation, and real-time support that helps procedures run smoothly and predictably. Julie is known for strengthening infection control protocols and clinical excellence without slowing down productivity. She works closely with dentists and their dental assistants to enhance communication, anticipate clinical needs, and improve overall patient care. Her hands-on approach helps dental teams build confidence, consistency, and clinical excellence. Julie’s mission is to elevate the chairside clinical experience for both providers and patients through practical, results-driven systems. Connect with Julie: https://www.instagram.com/dentalassistantsrock/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Dental infection control and OSHA compliance aren’t optional, but many practices are still missing critical steps. If you’ve ever wondered whether your office is truly compliant, this conversation will give you clarity. In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Monica Satake to unpack the real gaps in infection-control training and why so many dental teams are unintentionally putting themselves at risk. This episode is for dental hygienists, dental assistants, dentists, practice owners, and educators who want to better understand OSHA requirements and how to apply them in everyday practice. You’ll learn: • The most commonly missed OSHA and infection control protocols • Why improper onboarding leads to long-term compliance gaps • The risks of everyday habits (including clinical attire and exposure) • How to advocate for safer systems, without conflict or resistance • What a true culture of safety actually looks like in a dental practice Monica shares her journey from chairside to educator to consultant, offering practical insights you can apply immediately, whether you’re new to dentistry or leading a team. This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters, the right way. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway in the comments or send it to someone on your team who needs to hear it. Connect with Monica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicasatake https://www.facebook.com/monica.satake https:/www.instagram.com/monica.true_north   Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Dental hygiene is about far more than scaling and polishing. In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with hygienist and educator Barbara Tritz, RDH, to explore how dentistry can move beyond “just cleaning teeth” and begin addressing the deeper systemic factors that influence oral health. This conversation is for dental hygienists, dentists, practice owners, and dental educators who want to rethink prevention and reconnect with the reason they entered healthcare in the first place. Barbara shares her personal journey from burnout in clinical hygiene to rediscovering purpose through biological dental hygiene, oral-systemic connections, airway health, and diagnostic tools like phase-contrast microscopy. Together they explore questions many clinicians are quietly asking: Are we treating symptoms instead of root causes? What happens when we actually see the bacteria driving disease? How can hygienists become true prevention specialists in healthcare? You’ll learn how biological dentistry, airway awareness, and patient education can transform the operatory from a routine hygiene visit into a meaningful health intervention. If you’ve ever wondered whether dentistry could be more impactful, more preventive, and more fulfilling, this episode is for you. Barbara K. Tritz, BRDH, MSB, BSDATE, is an internationally recognized speaker and biological dental hygienist practicing at Green City Dental in Edmonds, Washington. She is also the owner of Washington Oral Wellness in Kirkland, WA, specializing in orofacial myofunctional therapy and biological dental hygiene. Barbara is accredited in Biological Dental Hygiene by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and serves as chair of the IAOMT Biological Dental Hygiene Committee. 👇 We’d love to hear from you: What changed your perspective about prevention in dentistry? Connect with Barbara: queenofdentalhygiene.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-tritz-2021/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Dental leadership isn’t linear — it’s built through growth, setbacks, and purpose. In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Anissa Broussard to explore what it really takes to evolve beyond the operatory. This conversation is for dental hygienists, dentists, practice owners, and healthcare leaders who feel the pull toward “what’s next” — but may also feel the fear that comes with it. Anissa shares her journey from clinician to entrepreneur, educator, marketing innovator, and founder — and why growth in dentistry is rarely a straight line. Instead, it’s a series of dips, pivots, and courageous decisions. They unpack: • Why setbacks are often prerequisites • How honoring your word builds confidence • The mindset shift from ego to service • Why stillness — not hustle — creates clarity • How purpose-driven leadership fuels sustainable growth If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “more than” your current role in dentistry, this episode offers grounded encouragement without unrealistic promises. Dr. Anissa Broussard is a renowned expert in digital marketing for dentistry. She holds a Fellowship with the Dental Speaking Institute and has been invited to keynote at major events including the AACD, Social Media Marketing World, and Funnel Hacking Live. Her work has been featured in Dental Economics and highlighted in Russell Brunson's Expert Secrets. Dr. Broussard is also the founder of Digital Floss, a full-service dental marketing agency, and Dentalflix, the premier online education platform delivering top-level training for both independent and group practices. What season are you in right now — a climb or a dip? Connect with Dr. Anissa: https://www.instagram.com/digitalfloss https://www.digitalfloss.com/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Dental leadership can feel isolating. But broken culture is fixable. In this episode of The Dental Handoff Podcast, Dr. Kelly Tanner talks with Stacey Sloan, RDH, founder of ChairSide Collaborative, about the real challenges of dental leadership, practice culture, and scaling a growing dental organization. If you are a dental hygienist stepping into leadership, a dentist managing rapid growth, or a practice owner trying to build a healthy team culture, this conversation offers practical insight into alignment, accountability, and leadership strategy. Stacey shares her transition from clinical hygiene to executive leadership and explains why culture problems are rarely surface level. Most breakdowns come from misalignment, unclear expectations, and leadership gaps, not personality conflicts. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why dental leadership often feels lonely How culture forms by default, not by design The role of accountability in team morale How alignment improves practice performance Why scaling requires shared leadership  With 25 years in dentistry, Stacey combines clinical experience, operational leadership, and culture strategy to help dental teams grow sustainably. Through ChairSide Collaborative, she works with dentists and leadership teams to build thriving practices focused on clarity, collaboration, and execution. If you’re navigating growth, leadership stress, or culture challenges in your dental practice, this episode will resonate. Leave a comment and share what leadership lesson you’re currently learning. Connect with Stacey: https://www.chairsidecollaborative.com/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Dental hygiene leadership meets denturism and minimally invasive dentistry in this powerful episode of The Dental Handoff. Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Sarah Luetke, RDH, Denturist, to discuss independent hygiene, nursing home dentistry, and expanding access to care for aging populations. This episode is for: • Dental hygienists (RDHs) • Dentists and practice owners • Public health advocates • CE-driven clinicians • Healthcare leaders focused on prevention Sarah shares how she transitioned from private practice hygiene into independent mobile care — serving nursing homes, navigating COVID, and later returning to school to become a denturist. They discuss: • Why prevention must come before extraction • The role of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in aging care • The realities of Medicaid and access • What it really takes to start your own practice • How hygienists can expand leadership roles without replacing dentists Sarah Luetke, LD, RDH, is a notable Dental Public Health Specialist, Geriatric Oral Health Advocate, and Minimally Invasive Dental Provider. She founded Sound Dental Care, which brings dental care to the geriatric and special needs populations through a mobile delivery model. She currently serves in both administrative/management roles and clinical roles as a denturist and dental hygienist. Advocacy and policy change are her other passions. Sarah also co-founded MOBY Dental Alliance, a 501 (c) (3), which is a Minimally Invasive Dental platform connecting searching patients to providers. If you've ever wondered how dental professionals can do more, without overstepping, this conversation is for you. What part of Sarah’s journey resonated most with you? Share below. https://www.sounddentalcare.com  https://www.mobydental.org/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-luetke-ld-rdh-8a7aa1172 Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Dental leadership isn’t failing because people don’t care; it’s failing because we forget we’re human. In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with practice management consultant Kristin Haynes to talk about empathy, burnout, and the unseen emotional load carried by dental teams and doctors alike. This conversation is for dental hygienists, dentists, practice owners, and educators who feel the tension between clinical excellence, business pressure, and human connection. Kristin Haynes is a consultant, speaker, and founder of KH Productivity Management, where she helps dental practices achieve growth with clarity and confidence. Through her signature Assessment to Clarity Framework™, Kristin guides practices to optimize three essential pillars: People Clarity to align team roles and leadership; Operations Clarity to streamline systems and increase efficiency; and Valuation Clarity to position the business for scalable growth or successful transition. With over 25 years of deep experience in dentistry, Kristin is a trusted partner for doctors navigating expansion, adding associates, or preparing for a future sale. Her clear, actionable approach equips leaders with the structure and strategy needed to move forward decisively. You’ll hear why: Burnout isn’t just physical, it’s emotional and cultural Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s leadership Empathy builds stronger teams and stronger businesses Consultants and leaders must partner, not bulldoze If you’ve ever felt like you had to “wear the mask” at work, this episode will resonate. Join the conversation: What does empathy look like in your practice, and where do you wish it showed up more? Connect with Kristin:  www.khpromanagement.com www.linkedin.com/in/khpm Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this episode, Dr. Kelly sits down with Krystal Afzalzada, a Canadian RDH, educator, and CE speaker who works at the intersection of: 🧠 Aging & dementia 🦷 Oral health & prevention 🤍 Fear, empathy & advocacy They talk about: Why “if you can imagine the path, it might be yours” Turning fear into “Face Everything And Rise” How to slow down in a 30–45 min appointment and actually listen Supporting aging patients, caregivers, and long-term care teams The human side of dentistry we don’t talk about enough If you’ve ever felt rushed but knew a patient needed more than “see you in 6 months,” this one’s for you. Krystal Afzalzada is a Registered Dental Hygienist, educator, and speaker with a passion for advancing oral healthcare through empathy, education, and interprofessional collaboration. With experience teaching in post-secondary dental programs and developing continuing education focused on aging populations and cognitive health, Krystal brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to leadership, communication, and care. Her work bridges clinical practice, education, and advocacy, helping professionals better support patients, caregivers, and one another. 👇 Tell us in the comments: Connect with Krystal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-hurteau-rdh https://www.instagram.com/krystal.afzalzada.rdh/   Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Many adults think orthodontics is just about straight teeth—or that it’s “too late” to start. In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with orthodontic hygienist and educator Liisa Moore to discuss why adult orthodontics is about far more than appearance. They dive into: Why “straight” teeth can still cause damage How crowding leads to recession, wear, and trauma The role of bite alignment in long-term oral health Why adults often regret waiting How tools like iTero scans reveal hidden risk Whether you’re a dental professional or a patient, this episode will shift how you think about orthodontics—and prevention. Liisa is a registered dental hygienist with 20 years of experience specializing in orthodontics. Her extensive knowledge led her to become the Orthodontic Curriculum lead at RDHU. She is a published author with articles in Oral Hygiene and Oh Canada Magazines, earning her a Reader’s Choice Award nomination. Outside the operatory, she is a Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates Mat instructor, and Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach. Although Liisa loves to travel, she is a true homebody who enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and her dog.  Connect with Lisa Moore:  www.rdhu.ca LISA MOORE's PODCAST: rdhCanada Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

What really happens behind the scenes of a successful CE speaker? In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with oral pathology expert Dr. Ashley Clark to talk about the evolution of oral pathology, digitized slides and AI, and the unspoken realities of life on the lecture circuit—from shoes and slide advancers to ethics, sponsorships, and being scouted without knowing it. A candid, funny, and insightful conversation for dentists, educators, and aspiring speakers. Dr. Ashley Clark is a board-certified oral pathologist who lectures nationally and is on several professional boards. Connect with Dr. Ashley Clark:  https://www.camplaboratory.com/ https://www.rarebirdspeakers.com/our-speakers Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this powerful episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner and Tia Meyer break down one of the most overlooked yet transformative systems in dentistry: the handoff. From the moment your patient walks in the door to the final scheduling step, every touchpoint is an opportunity to build trust, create value, and strengthen case acceptance. Tia S. Meyer, RDH, is a clinical hygienist and the Clinical Director for a 11- location dental group, where she leads training, operational excellence, and team development across South Dakota and Nebraska. She is an active advocate for the dental hygiene profession at both the state and national levels and is known for her leadership in building empowered teams, elevating patient care standards, and integrating innovative clinical workflows. Tia is also a speaker, mentor, creator behind the One Day at a Time leadership brand, focused on inspiring growth in dentistry and beyond. If you've ever wondered why patients say “Do I really need this?” after the doctor leaves — this episode is your breakthrough. Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this unforgettable episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Dr. Jacob Dent — a dentist, father, educator, and fierce advocate for inclusive dentistry. From a high-school comment about “steady hands”… to losing TWO dental offices to natural disasters… to raising a son diagnosed with autism at age two… Dr. Dent’s story reshaped not only his life, but the future of special needs dentistry. Book Dr. Dent: Visit Rare Bird Speakers to bring him to your next meeting or event. https://www.rarebirdspeakers.com/our-speakers https://www.specialneedswarriordoc.com/ Connect with Dr. Jacob Dent Visit Rare Bird Speakers to bring him to your next meeting or event. https://www.rarebirdspeakers.com/our-speakers https://www.specialneedswarriordoc.com/   Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Lynn Pencek, RDH, MS—speaker, educator, implant maintenance expert, and former long-time clinical rep—for a deep dive into the evolution of a dental hygiene career that began at age six and led to national speaking, implant education, ergonomics advocacy, and business leadership. Lynn shares her inspiring journey from early fascination with dental health, to hospital-based hygiene, to ergonomics education with Orascoptic, and later diving into the complex world of implants with Nobel Biocare. She talks about navigating steep learning curves, mentorship, transitioning into corporate dentistry, and why implant maintenance and chemistry compatibility have become her mission today. Lynn Pencek brings a unique balance of industry knowledge and clinical experience. As a member of the Nobel Biocare team, she helped dental implant teams bring in new technology and develop efficient workflows. Being a Dental Hygienist, Lynn wanted to unravel the common questions and misunderstandings dental hygienists have about implant care and maintenance. Lynn is the founder of Practice at Your Best, she can be reached at Lynn@PracticeatYourBest.com. Whether you’re a practicing hygienist, dental professional, educator, or someone exploring career growth in dentistry, this episode is packed with clinical pearls, career wisdom, and real talk about how to pivot, evolve, and stay passionate in this profession.  Connect with Lynn Pencek: www.practiceatyourbest.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnpencek/ https://www.facebook.com/lynn.minni https://www.facebook.com/LynnPencekRDH/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

This episode features Jodie Cantarelli, A.A.S, RDH, DipAdEd, as she shares her journey from aspiring 15-year-old dental enthusiast to accomplished dental professional and leader. Learn how mindset, asking for help, and knowing your worth can transform your career in dentistry. Jodie Cantarelli is a results-driven clinical operations leader with strong expertise in the DSO space. She brings proven success in project management, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. Known for her ability to lead teams, streamline processes, and drive clinical excellence, she excels in managing change and implementing effective organizational improvements. With a background in adult education, Jodie is also a dedicated trainer and mentor who empowers teams through high-quality instruction and coaching. Her innovative problem-solving skills, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any forward-thinking healthcare organization. Connect with Jodie Cantarelli: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jodiecantarelli Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Brad Hughes, a third-generation dentist, entrepreneur, and mentor, to talk about what truly drives success in dentistry — leadership, empathy, and connection. They dive into: Why empathy and soft skills matter more than technology How to lead your dental team with intention and culture Overcoming burnout, ego, and comparison Building resilience and confidence as a clinician and leader If you’ve ever struggled with balancing patient care, leadership, and personal growth, this episode will reignite your “why.” Connect with Brad Hughes: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bdhughesdds Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com About Brad Hughes: Dr. Brad Hughes is the Founder & CEO of Vision Dental Partners, a rapidly growing dental group with 9 locations across Indiana and South Carolina. Under his leadership, VDP was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies and recognized by Group Dentistry Now as one of the “Emerging Groups to Watch” in 2025—cementing its place as a rising force in the dental industry. A third-generation dentist, Dr. Hughes proudly follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. For over 18 years, he has blended clinical excellence with entrepreneurial grit. A graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry, he is deeply passionate about building high-performing teams, developing leaders, and helping others grow both personally and professionally. Dr. Hughes’s entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive continue to shape not only his expanding dental group, but also the broader conversation around what’s possible in dentistry when culture, leadership, and execution align.

Join Dr. Kelly Tanner as she talks with Lisa Moore, a passionate dental hygienist from Ontario, Canada, whose career journey went from hygiene school to orthodontics and now education. In this episode, Lisa opens up about: The reality of dental hygiene education in Canada Why orthodontics became her calling Balancing work, family, and personal growth How investing in yourself changes everything Her transition to teaching and co-hosting the RDH Canada Podcast  This episode is filled with real insights, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to grow in their dental career. Connect with Lisa Moore: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liisa-moore-855b9b240 Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com About Lisa Moore: She has been a registered dental hygienist since 2006. Throughout her career, she has worked in private practice, an oral surgery office, and even owned her own clinic, though her primary focus has been in orthodontics. Recently, she became a QA portfolio coach with RDHU and designed a course for dental hygienists focused on orthodontics—an area she is deeply passionate about presenting. In addition to her dental career, she is a certified personal trainer, healthy eating and weight loss coach, and Pilates instructor. In 2019, she launched her training business, NOW Fitness, with a mission to help clients achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle rather than follow restrictive “diets.” She offers one-on-one and group coaching to help dental professionals build strength and resilience to extend their careers. Her programs are designed around real life and realistic goals, ensuring that anyone can achieve lasting success.

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Dr. Gary Ratz to explore how mentorship and mindset shape stronger, more connected dental teams. Discover how authentic leadership, clear communication, and a culture of trust can help your team thrive — plus actionable insights you can apply in your own practice today. 🎙️ Topics Covered: Building trust and connection within dental teams The power of mentorship in dentistry Leadership mindset for long-term success Connect with Gary Radz: Website: https://www.coloradosleepapnea.com/meet-dr-gary-radz.html Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com About Dr. Gary Radz: Dr. Gary Radz maintains a private practice, Cosmetic Dentistry of Colorado, in downtown Denver. His full time general practice focuses on cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Radz is a graduate and former chief resident of both AEGD and GPR residency programs. He has completed and been an associate clinical instructor for several post-graduate dental education institutions. Over the course of the last fourteen years Dr. Radz has lectured internationally, teaching the materials and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry. He has presented at many of the major national dental conventions, and in 2006 he has been invited to be the presenter for the ADA's Post Session meeting in Las Vegas. He has published over 130 articles on cosmetic dentistry, and serves on the editorial board of 7 dental publications, including the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry and has served as Editor-in-Chief of ACEsthetics and Mentor magazines . In 2003, he was the program chairman of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s annual meeting. He will assume the same position for the AACD's 2011 meeting in Boston. In 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 he was listed in Dentistry Today's "Top Clinicians in Continuing Education" . He has  also been listed in 5280 Magazine for "Denver's Best Dentists", and served as a contributing editor for Denver's "BLOOM" magazine. Dr. Radz served for 10 years as an evaluator for Reality Publishing and is a clinical consultant for numerous dental manufacturers. In working with dental manufacturers, Dr. Radz has contributed in the evaluation and developement of dozens of dental products. He had the original idea, and worked on the developement of the first automix composite resin build up material, LuxaCore, LuxaCore Dual, and LuxaCore Z by Zenith/DMG. In conjunction with dental manufacturers he has provided the photography and written the instructions for use of 5 different dental products. His photography has been published on the cover of five different dental journals and he has provided photography of educational and promotional purposes to dental manufacturers and dental laboratories. Recently, his expertise in photography has lead him to be invited to provide promotional photography for local profession sports teams cheerleaders and dance teams, as well as photographing for an online swimsuit catalogue. Dr.Radz has served as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in the Department of Restorative Dentistry since 2004.

In this inspiring episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Kelly Swanson-Jaecks — past ADHA President and global dental leader — to explore the power of connection, growth, and belonging in the dental hygiene profession. A professional speaker, published author, and breast cancer survivor, Kelli travels all over the world captivating audiences and speaking with healthcare and corporate professionals who are burned out, stressed out, and maxed out. Focusing on health and wellness issues, her presentations combine dynamic and information-rich experiences that energize audiences at events of all sizes. She brings high energy, humor, and ‘real talk’ to her presentations and is adept at customizing her messages to your audience. Together, Dr. Kelly and Kelli discuss: ✨ How professional relationships shape career success 🌍 Global perspectives on dental hygiene and therapy 💡 Mentorship, advocacy, and leadership growth 💬 Actionable advice for every stage of your dental career Whether you’re a student, educator, or practicing hygienist, this episode will reignite your passion for leadership and lifelong learning in dentistry. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that empower dental professionals! Connect with Kelli Swanson Jaecks: https://kellijaecks.com/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Welcome back to The Dental Handoff, where we bridge stories of purpose, growth, and innovation in dentistry. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Alicia Murria, an inspiring dental hygienist turned entrepreneur, author, and educator. From surviving a career-changing accident to creating Hygienists for Humanity and publishing her powerful book “They Don’t Make Awards for This,” Alicia shares her heartfelt journey of resilience, leadership, and redefining what it means to care. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why dental hygiene chose Alicia — and how she found purpose beyond the chair How she turned challenges into opportunities for impact The power of saying “no” and trusting your intuition as a professional Her upcoming CE Zoom program Hands On Demand and how it’s changing hygiene education  “Trust yourself. Delegate. And know what you’re saying yes to.” — Alicia Murria Connect with Alicia Murria: https://aliciamurria.com/media-page/ Where to Find Dr. Kelly: Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance. https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com