The Dental Handoff

Episode 205 | Who Trains the People Who Run Dental Practices? - Savanah Carlson, MAADOM

Every clinical role in a dental practice comes with a license, a certification, or an advanced degree. The office manager who coordinates everything those clinicians do? She learns it on the job, alone, and owns the outcome regardless.
 
In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Savanah Carlson, MAADOM, Director of U.S. Partners and Learning Programs at MaxAssist, former Director of Member Services at AADOM, and a dental practice management professional who has held every admin role dentistry has. She grew from Patient and Social Media Coordinator to Office Manager at Lund Dental Associates in Stoneham, Massachusetts, earned her Fellowship, Mastership, and Diplomate credentials from AADOM, led member services for the 10,000-plus member national association, and now brings that depth of experience to helping dental teams perform at their best through MaxAssist's AI-powered scheduling and admin tools.
 
The conversation covers what it takes to build a culture that is genuinely healthy rather than performed, how to anchor a team when everything is pulling it apart, and why the patient experience in any practice is owned entirely by the people at the front, not the people at the chair.
 
This episode is for dental office managers, hygienists, dentists, and practice owners who want to close the gap between the care they deliver clinically and the experience patients carry home.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why the patient experience begins and ends with the admin team and what that means for how practices should be led
The difference between toxic positivity and a genuinely healthy culture and why most practices cannot tell them apart
What happens when leadership cannot clearly answer why we are seeing these patients
Why communication is an applied science that no dental education pathway actually teaches
How the DISC assessment changes not just how you lead your team but how you talk to patients
The two-question end-of-day habit that costs nothing and builds more trust than most management strategies
What good AI adoption looks like for an admin team and what it looks like when a practice is using it for the wrong reasons
What it means to go after connection first and let everything else build from there
Connect with Savanah Carlson, MAADOM:
MaxAssist: https://maxassist.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/savanahmcarlson
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
 

Episode 204 | Saying Yes, Earning the CSP, and Owning the Stage - Lisa Copeland, RDH, CSP, CVP

Lisa Copeland holds the CSP, the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association, one of the most respected credentials in professional speaking. Fewer than 17% of speakers in the world have earned it. She is one of only three registered dental hygienists to ever receive it.
That credential came after thirty years of saying yes. Perio in Scranton. Implantology in Washington, DC. Six years in Singapore. Twenty years in corporate education. Two IRONMAN races. Open water swimming. Snowboarding. A book. And a PACE-approved company she built from scratch to coach dental professionals, consultants, and emerging speakers on how to communicate with influence.
 
In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with her longtime colleague and friend to unpack the speaking framework Lisa has refined over decades: why your conclusion matters more than your introduction, how the 10-20-30 rule forces clarity no other constraint can, and why ending a talk on Q&A quietly kills every room.
 
This one is for hygienists, dentists, practice owners, and anyone in the dental profession who wants to communicate with more intention, whether that is in the operatory, in a team meeting, or on a stage in front of hundreds.
You’ll Learn:
Why fewer than 17% of speakers earn the CSP and why one of only 3 RDHs to hold it says structure matters more than stage presence
How to write a presentation by starting with your conclusion and building everything backwards
Why your conclusion is the most important part of any talk and why most people write it last
The 10-20-30 rule: 10 slides, 20 minutes, 30-point font and why 30-point font is the one constraint that forces clarity
Why you should never end your presentation on Q&A and exactly how to control the room so you finish on your terms
How saying yes to things she was not qualified for yet became the only strategy she ever needed
 What flap surgery in a Scranton perio office taught her about preparation and what she still misses on the distal of tooth 14
CONNECT WITH Lisa Copeland, RDH, CSP, CVP:
Website: communicatewithinfluence.org
Email: lisa@communicatewithinfluence.org
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisagcopeland
Book a Free Discovery Call: bookme.name/LisaCopelandRDH
Workshop: Vivos Institute, June 26 and 27  |  Code LISA200 saves $200  |  AGD PACE CE credit eligible 
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
 

Episode 203 | Brand, Trust, and the Three-Legged Marketing Table - Chris Snyder

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Chris Snyder, founder of 360 Media + Marketing. Since 2016, Chris has built a reputation for helping dental professionals stand out through personal branding, public relations, and advertising with a focus on authentic storytelling and strategic visibility.
 Chris breaks down why most dental marketing misses the mark, why email still converts better than social media, and what the three-legged table of visibility, voice, and networking actually looks like inside a dental practice.
 
This episode is for dentists, dental hygienists, practice owners, and CE-focused clinicians who want to move from transactional to relational marketing and build a brand patients actually remember.
You’ll Learn:
Why visibility is the first leg of a three-legged marketing strategy and why ads alone will not get you there
How to earn the right to make the ask before you ever pitch a sale
Why email still outconverts social media and what to do with that information
The role your website plays in SEO and how to trigger a Google crawl today
What alt text actually does and why automated alt text may be hurting your trust
Why long-form content like podcasts, blogs, and speaking creates trust faster than any ad
How Chris applied the Walgreens neighborhood strategy to dental practice marketing
The three things every practice should build before spending on ads
CONNECT WITH Chris Snyder:https://360mediaandmarketing.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-snyder-360mediamarketing/
 
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
 

Episode 202 | Full Arch Implants, Case Acceptance and the Blue Ocean Practice - John Heimke

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Dr. John Heimke, DMD, MPH, President of Facial Designers, Inc., aesthetic dentist, full-arch implant provider, and faculty at the FMR in New York. They cover what it actually takes to build a fulfilling, high-performing dental practice.
 
Dr. Heimke unpacks the Blue Ocean Strategy that reshaped his practice over 15 years ago, explains why 1.8 million Americans are ready for full-arch implants but cannot find a provider, and details how switching to Guided Biofilm Therapy transformed his hygiene department with patients voluntarily asking to come in 3 to 4 times a year.
 
This episode is for dentists, dental hygienists, practice owners, and CE-focused clinicians who want to move beyond single-tooth dentistry and build something that lasts.
You’ll learn:
  Why 1.8 million patients are ready for full-arch implants right now but cannot find a provider
  The Blue Ocean Strategy concept that transformed Dr. Heimke's practice 15 years ago
  How AI smile design with Smile Cloud and a 75-inch screen changes case acceptance
  Why a full-mouth restoration costs less than the average American car and how to say that to patients
  The real flossing compliance data: only 3 feet of floss sold per person per year in the US
  How Guided Biofilm Therapy moved patients from twice a year to 3 to 4 visits voluntarily
  Why patients do not care what material you use; they want to know if you can solve their problem
  The router upgrade under $200 that makes every technology in your office run faster today
Connect with John Heimke, DMD, MPH:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-heimke-1bbb0810/https://www.everyonelovesmysmile.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
 

Episode 201 | Why Perfection Is Ruining Dentistry and What to Do Instead - JoAnn Gurenlian

What if the biggest thing holding you back in dentistry is trying to be perfect?In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Dr. JoAnn Gurenlian to unpack a challenge many dental professionals face but rarely discuss: perfectionism.
From early training to clinical practice, dentistry often reinforces the pressure to get everything right. But that constant pursuit of perfection can quietly lead to burnout, self- doubt, and stalled growth. This conversation explores how fear of mistakes shapes learning, confidence, and long-term success in dental hygiene and beyond.
Dr. Gurenlian shares a different perspective, one grounded in education, leadership, and real clinical experience. Instead of avoiding failure, she explains why it is essential for developing skills, resilience, and better patient care.
With decades of experience in dental hygiene education, research, and advocacy, Dr. Gurenlian offers practical insight into how shifting your mindset can change the way you practice and lead.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by expectations in dentistry, this episode will help you rethink what progress actually looks like.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why perfectionism is so common in dentistry
How fear of failure impacts clinical performance
Why mistakes are essential for growth and learning
How to build confidence in practice
Ways to shift from perfection to progress
 
Connect with JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AFAAOM:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joann-gurenlian-rdh-ms-phd-afaaom-8ab135165/
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

Episode 200 | Feeling Different in Dentistry? This Might Be Your Greatest Strength - Kristin Haynes

Have you ever had a moment in your practice where you did everything right, but something still felt off?
In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Kristin Haynes to talk about the real, unspoken experiences happening inside dental practices every day.
From subtle bias to moments that are hard to explain, this conversation explores how those experiences shape the way we see people, lead teams, and show up in our careers.
Kristin shares how growing up feeling different gave her a unique ability to read situations and understand people on a deeper level, something that became one of her greatest strengths in dentistry.
This isn’t just about dentistry. It’s about perspective, awareness, and the experiences that define how we lead.
If you’ve ever felt judged, misunderstood, or out of place, this conversation will resonate with you.
You’ll learn:
How to turn difficult experiences into strengths
Why awareness is a leadership superpower
The role of bias in everyday dental interactions
How to better understand your team and patients
Why feeling different can actually give you an advantage
 
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.
 
Connect with Kristin:www.khpromanagement.comwww.linkedin.com/in/khpmWhere 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

Episode 199 | Dental Leadership: How to Pivot Without Fear - Aimee Vail

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

Episode 198 | No One Prepares You for This as a Dental Assistant (And It Shows) - Julie Varney

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

Episode 197 | Dental Infection Control: What OSHA Requires (And We Miss) - Monica Satake

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

Episode 196 | Just Cleanings? Look Deeper - Barbara Tritz

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.nethttps://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

Episode 195 | The Dip Is Normal - Dr. Anissa Broussard

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

Episode 194 | Leadership Is Lonely. Dental Leadership: Fixing Culture Before It Breaks. - Stacey Sloan, RDH

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

Episode 193 | This Is Preventable: Aging Shouldn't Mean Extractions - Sarah Luke

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

Episode 192 | Wear a Mask: Why Empathy Is the Missing Link in Dental Leadership - Kristin Haynes

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

Episode 191 | Face Everything and Rise. Fear. Aging. Dentistry - Krystal Afzalzada, RDH

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

Episode 190 | It's Not Just About Straight Teeth - Lisa Moore

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
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