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
Episodes
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 l...
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 betw...
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, ...
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...
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 con...
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 ...
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...
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 hos...
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, oper...
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 confiden...
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 c...
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 de...
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 bu...
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 resi...
In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Michael Morgan!
Michael J. Morgan received his DDS and BSD degrees from The University of Illinois Dental School in Chicago in 1985 following undergraduate honors at Creighton University.
Dr Morgan maintains a full-time private practice in Hinsdale, Illinois, with a primary focus on comprehensive esthetic restorative dentistry. He is an...
In this week's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Ann-Marie C. DePalma!
Ann-Marie C. DePalma is a graduate of Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Northeastern University and University of Massachusetts Boston. Her passion, dedication and expertise inspire dental professionals through her CE programs and publications. She has experience as a clinical hygienist, a faculty member, consultant and software trainer...
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 topic...
Episode 176 | Can Your Name Tag Change Lessons In Curiosity, Courage and Career Growth - Ilona Flett
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 t...
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, B...
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—th...
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