The Dental Handoff

Let’s stop using the wrong end of the toothbrush! This show is about passing you the knowledge, the habits, the systems and the strategies to lead your teams, lean on your tech, and listen to your gut, while you take care of teeth, and let’s get honest, the overall health, of our communities. By identifying the gaps, recognizing the plaque and extracting the truth with other experts in the field we will share their stories, empower you to own yours, and elevate your passion in the process. Show topics to include: Education, Tech, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Communication, Connection and Confidence

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Episodes

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Sherrie Busby!
Sherrie Busby has been a dental assistant for over 40 years and has always had a thirst for learning and teaching. Recently retired as Dental Assistant Training Developer for Heartland Dental where she held that position since 2014. Sherrie is responsible for OSHA & Infection Control training content along with assorted general dentistry topics for dental assistants.
With a passion for general dentistry, safety and infection control Sherrie continues to seek out opportunities to continue her ongoing education.
In today's conversation, Sherrie shares the secret to loving your career!
Connect with Sherrie Busby:
Viva Learning
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

Tuesday Sep 23, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Ilona Flett!
Ilona Flett is an educator, speaker, and registered dental hygienist whose career spans general dentistry and orthodontics. As Manager of Clinical Development & Education at 123Dentist, she leads national initiatives that connect clinical excellence with practice growth, supporting teams across Canada.
Passionate about the research that drives modern dental hygiene—and curious about the role of artificial intelligence in dentistry and education—Ilona brings both vision and practicality to her work. She’s recognized for inspiring dental hygiene teams to elevate patient care while meeting practice goals, helping providers thrive clinically and professionally.
With her unique combination of frontline experience, academic training, and leadership in dental education, Ilona is shaping the conversation on how DSOs can foster meaningful growth in the future of dental hygiene.
Enjoy today's conversation!
Connect with Iona Flett:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ilonaflett
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

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Brittny Murphy!
Brittny Murphy, RDH, BS, COM®, QOM®, is a registered dental hygienist, certified orofacial myologist, myofunctional therapist, educator, author, and key opinion leader in sleep and myofunctional therapy. She is also a certified Buteyko Breathing Educator.
A 2011 graduate of the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS, Brittny is the founder of CT Orofacial Myology and co-founder of MyoAir, where she has helped hundreds of patients improve their sleep, breathing, and overall wellness through private myofunctional therapy practices.
She serves on the faculty of Airway Health Solutions, training hygienists and healthcare professionals in myofunctional therapy, and is co-director of the myofunctional therapy program at Tooth Pillow. Brittny also shares her expertise as the host of the podcast I Spy with My Myo Eye.
Beyond her professional work, Brittny’s greatest joy is family. She and her husband, Kyle, love spending time with their twin girls, embracing the adventure of parenthood together.
Enjoy today's conversation!
Connect with Brittny Murphy:
Websites:www.orofacialmyology.com
www.themyohygienist.com
https://www.airwayhealthsolutions.com/myo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ct_orofacial_myology/
https://www.instagram.com/the_myo_hygienist/
LinkedIn:  
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittny-sciarra-murphy-29767158
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

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Dr. Ashley Lerman!
Dr. Ashley Lerman is the visionary pediatric dentist mom behind Firstgrin. Known across the digital world as @MommyPediatricDentist, her unique blend of professional pediatric dentistry and real-world parenting insights form the cornerstone of Firstgrin's mission.
Dr. Lerman's dedication to transforming the global narrative around cavities—the number one chronic disease affecting children—underpins her commitment to providing parents and caregivers with the essential knowledge and tools to build a strong oral health foundation for their young ones from the earliest stages.
In this episode, Dr. Lerman shares her experience with Dr. Kelly when it comes to dealing with all things toddlers and dentistry!
Connect with Dr. Ashley Lerman:
Website: https://yourfirstgrin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommypediatricdentist/
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

Wednesday Sep 03, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Susan Wingrove!
Susan Wingrove BS, RDH. Dynamic innovator, writer, researcher, and international speaker. 2016 RDH Hygienist Award of Distinction and 2022 Western Society of Periodontology Hygiene Educator of the year recipient.
Member of the ADHA, IFDH, and WSP. Highly skilled researcher, contributor to multiple product developments, instrument co-designer of the Wingrove Titanium Implant Series, ACE probes, and Queen of Hearts instruments for PDT, Inc.
Susan specializes in providing presentations, webinars, and workshops on protocols that follow the science for healthy teeth, implants, and disease treatment.
Published author; American and International journals on peri-implant therapy, regeneration, advanced instrumentation, customizing patient home-care, and textbook: Peri-Implant Therapy for the Dental Hygienist: 2nd Edition. Resides in Missoula, Montana USA to enjoy fly fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing.
In today's conversation, Susan reveals her secrets to reigniting passion in dental hygiene.
Connect with Susan Wingrove:
Website: wingrovedynamics.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

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to the Dr. Louis Kaufman!
Dr. Louis Kaufman is a 1995 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, integrates clinical excellence, education, and research to provide comprehensive, patient-focused care. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, he is recognized nationally for advancing the profession through lectures, publications, and leadership. Building on a 70-year family legacy in dentistry, Dr. Kaufman’s patient-centered philosophy has inspired practice growth and innovation across the country.
His expertise spans dental implants, cosmetic smile design, 3D imaging, and full-mouth reconstruction, and he joins the show to today to share his insights on how your practice can be built for the long game.
Connect with Dr. Louis Kaufman:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louis.kaufman
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

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025

In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to the CEO and Founder of Dental Entrepreneur Media, Anne Duffy!
Anne is on a mission to shake up the dental world by building powerhouse communities. Through Dental Entrepreneur: The Future of Dentistry and DeW Life magazines, along with digital platforms, podcasts, and retreats, she’s uniting influencers to share their stories and spark change. With the launch of DeW Life (Dental Entrepreneur Woman) in 2016, Anne is championing women in dentistry, inspiring them to lead, connect, and make an impact. 
In this conversation, Anne reveals how a combination of hustle, grit and a bright smile helped her find the winning formula.
Connect with Anne Duffy:
Dental Entrepreneur - The Future of Dentistry: dentalentrepreneur.com
Dental Entrepreneur Woman - DeW Life: dew.life
 
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

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025

In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Dr. Laura Schmindt!
Dr. Laura Schwindt, a dentist and entrepreneur, empowers high-achieving professionals to achieve sustainable success through holistic well-being. Co-founder of The Mint Door and the Mint Method Wellness Program, she offers life coaching grounded in certifications in Heroic Performance Coaching, Trauma-Informed Coaching, Somatics and Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology. Through her practice, Reclaim Your Radiance, she helps clients unlock their potential without burnout.
A leader in the dental profession, she's involved in numerous coaching and mentorship initiatives. Dr. Laura balances her professional life with mindful practices and adventures, demonstrating her holistic approach. 
Connect with Dr. Laura Schmindt:
Website: https://lauraschwindt.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraschwindt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraschwindt
Heroic Workshop: https://lauraschwindt.net/heroic-workshop
The Mint Door: https://www.themintdoor.net/
More About Heroic
Heroic is a social training platform that integrates ancient wisdom, modern science, and world-class, scientifically proven behavioral design tools to help you show up as the best, most Heroic version of yourself.
We’re also a history-making, crowdfunded Public Benefit Corporation committed to helping create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by the year 2051 as we strive to run our business the way we think our heroes would—with wisdom, discipline, courage, and love.
To join heroic, use this link: https://www.heroic.us/?fpr=lauraheroic
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

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025

In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Tam Patel!
Entrepreneurship and operations have always come naturally to Tam. After earning her B.S. in dental hygiene, she spent years providing clinical care and building strong teams in private practices.
Her passion for leadership led her to pursue an MBA and move into multi-unit healthcare operations, where she helped grow both people and profit for some of the largest dental service organizations in the country.
What set Tam apart was her ability to bridge clinical care and business strategy—fluent in both worlds. With over two decades of experience, she followed her calling to create something of her own.
In 2023, she launched Pretty Little Ink San Diego, which has since evolved into The Skinstitute of San Diego—a premier clinic focused on scar, stretch mark, and micropigmentation restoration. It’s the perfect fusion of her clinical expertise, passion for aesthetics, and commitment to helping others feel whole in their skin.
In today's episode, Tam shares her insights from her years in dental hygiene, and how she "planted a thought, and flipped the hustle."  
Connect with Tam Patel:
Website: https://www.skinsd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskinstitutesd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tam-patel-rdh-mba-1153488/
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

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025

In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Thomas Viola!
With over 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker and published author, Tom Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P. has earned his national and international reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for all members of the dental team.
Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.
In today's episode, Tom joins Dr. Kelly for some "real talk" to discuss the vitals, vibes and values that go into conversations with your dental patients. 
Connect with Thomas Viola:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pharmacologydeclassified
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pharmacologydeclassified
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

Tuesday Jul 22, 2025

In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Deborah Daniel!
Registered Dental Hygienist since 2004 in Ontario, Canada, Deborah holds a Masters in Health Administration from the University of Toronto as well as project management, Lean and Change management certifications.
Deborah has been working in health administration roles across the health care system in hospital, laboratory, community care and social services for the past 15 years and is the co-founder of Beyond Dental Hygiene, providing support for hygienists looking or needing to transition out of frontline clinical practice.
Connect with Deborah Daniel:
Website: https://www.beyonddentalhygiene.ca/
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

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025

In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the dental handoff to the returning Dr. Uche Odiatu!
Dr. Uche Odiatu is a Toronto dentist, author, international lecturer, NSCA Cert Personal Trainer, Cert Yoga instructor and a professional member of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Dr. Uche joins Dr. Kelly today to reveal his "3 As" that will magically turn around your chairside experience. Enjoy!
Connect with Dr. Uche Odiatu:
Website: www.DrUche.com
Email: odiatuDMD@gmail.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/Fitspeakers/
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

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025

In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Melia Lewis!
Melia Lewis is a dedicated clinical dental hygiene professional with a passion for advancing oral health education and patient care. Currently she practices at Aspen Heights Dental in Highland, UT and is an adjunct professor at Colorado Northwestern Community College.
She is cofounder of Hygiene Edge, an online education platform full of helpful tips and tricks to make dental professionals' lives a little bit easier and owns and operates Acuti Sharpening, a dental hygiene instrument sharpening company. With years of experience in both clinical and academic settings, Melia is known for her ability to engage students and current RDHs and inspire the next generation of dental hygienists. She is a strong advocate for integrating technology, active learning strategies, and teamwork into dental hygiene.
Beyond her work as a dental hygienist and educator, Melia is committed to advancing the profession. Her innovative approach and dedication have earned her recognition as a leader in the field of dental hygiene.
In this conversation, breaks down how to deal with burnout, how to find balance and enable to yourself to make big moves in the dental world.
 
Connect with Melia Lewis:
Websites: 
www.hygieneedge.co
www.oralreliefnetwork.com
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/hygieneedge
www.instagram.com/meliardh
Email: melia@hygieneedge.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

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025

In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Lisa Mayo!
Lisa Mayo has been an RDH for 25 years, dental hygiene professor and program director for 13 years, and international CE speaker for 20 years. She is highly published with a full-length textbook entitled Power Instrumentation for the Dental Professional that has been adopted in almost 50% of dental hygiene program in North America since its release in 2023.
Lisa has written hundreds of articles, peer-review CE courses, and white papers on a variety of topics for multiple publishers and manufacturers. She is currently a Clinical Training & Education Specialist for vVardis.
In today's conversation, Lisa breaks down why, for many practices, dental hygiene is the launchpad for bigger and better things. Enjoy!
To learn more about Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus and order, follow the link: https://scnv.io/QN7o
 
Connect with Lisa Mayo:
Websites: https://www.lisamayordh.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mayo-rdh-bsdh-mha-85673a39/
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

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025

In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Hannah Neumann!
Hannah Neumann, RDH, attended Lane Community College, where she received her associate’s degree in dental hygiene in 2011. After working as a clinical dental hygienist for over 10 years, she returned to school and graduated in 2024 with her Bachelor of Science at the Oregon Institute of Technology, with a dental hygiene major and a business minor.
Hannah has previously spent time working at a health care clinic in Uganda, providing preventive care and aiding in restorative care to the underserved children in the community. After working as a clinical dental hygienist for over five years, Hannah took a sabbatical and lived in Paris and Switzerland for over two years, teaching English and creating a guided tour in Paris. Upon her return, Hannah created a teeth-whitening company and is also working as an advocate for advancing hygienists’ scope of practice in her home state of Oregon.
Hannah enjoys spending time with her family in her home city of Portland, Oregon, and in her spare time, she plays piano, travels worldwide, and leads a book club.
In today's episode, Hannah helps the Dental Handoff listeners reignite their "why", and help us discover how we can all redefine what success really means in the practice. 
 
Connect with Hannah Neumann:
Website: https://www.candentcosmetics.com/
Author Page: https://www.todaysrdh.com/author/author_hannah-neumann/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-neumann-85801214b
 
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

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025

In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Dr. Hugh Flax!
Dr. Hugh Flax is a leading expert in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and implantology and the creator of “proactive dentistry”. Proactive dentistry is the practice of helping patients increase longevity and quality of life utilizing predictive markers in dentistry.  Through digital dentistry, Dr. Flax gives patients the tools to better understand how current conditions have future implications.
As a former president and one of a few hundred professionals nationally Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the highest level of accreditation in cosmetic dentistry in the world, Dr. Flax is an internationally renowned leader in his industry. He has lectured and authored in Europe, Japan, Canada, and the U.S. on laser utilization, smile design, and advanced restorative techniques to enhance the skills of dental teams worldwide.
Founder of the Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Flax has earned many designations, including certification as a Fellow with the World Clinical Laser Institute, an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Mastership in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry. 
Dr. Flax believes strongly in the value of continuing education and far exceeds the State of Georgia requirement by seven times the requisite set forth. He is a visiting faculty member at the Dental College of Georgia and a past preceptor for the AACD Cosmetic Dentistry Residency program.
He also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry and has been featured in more than 50 leading industry publications, as well as Allure, Good Housekeeping, In Style, New Beauty, and more.
Known for his expertise and artistry in smile design, Dr. Flax is author of A Smile is Always in Style, (Advantage, 2019) an insider expert’s guide to cosmetic dentistry. He believes in community involvement and donates his time and resources to AACD’s Give Back a Smile program for survivors of domestic violence, as well as the United Way and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Dr. Flax enjoys several hobbies, including playing the washboard in a few Zydeco bands. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and has two grown daughters and a Mini Golden Doodle named Josie.
In this episode, Dr. Flax shares some of the brilliant lessons he's learned from making dumb mistakes. 
 
Connect with Dr. Hugh Flax 
Website: https://www.flaxdental.com/
Visit Dr. Flax at his dental office in Sandy Springs today.
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

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