Dentistry has a way of reminding us, sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully that no two days are ever the same. We can walk into the office with a perfectly planned schedule, only to discover that the most important task of the day has nothing to do with a procedure code.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years in dentistry—as a hygienist, educator, consultant, and human—it’s this: dentistry is never just about teeth. It’s about people. And the further you go in your career, the clearer that becomes. 

Discover how purpose-driven dentistry, AI automation, dental marketing innovation, and heart-centered leadership are transforming practices—insights from Anissa Broussard on growth, mindset, and building impact-driven dental businesses. 

Let me ask you something, friend—have you ever felt like you didn’t quite “fit” in your dental practice, your classroom, or even your own career path? 

You’re not alone. 

In this powerful conversation on The Dental Handoff, I sat down with the incredible Kristin Haynes to unpack something we don’t talk about enough in dentistry: the lived experiences we carry—and how they quietly shape the way we lead, connect, and show up every single day. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career in dental hygiene, it’s this: our profession is far more powerful than we often give it credit for. And when you sit down with someone like JoAnn Gurenlian—a true leader in education, research, and advocacy—you’re reminded just how much potential exists within every hygienist. 

On a recent episode of The Dental Handoff, I sat down with one of my favorite humans—and a true orthodontic expert—Liisa Moore, RDH, who teaches at the college level in Canada and practices full-time in an orthodontic office. What unfolded was an honest, clinically rich conversation about adult orthodontics, bias in recommendations, and why we can no longer afford to view orthodontic care as “just cosmetic.” 

One of my favorite things about hosting The Dental Handoff is getting to sit down with people who are not only brilliant in their field, but also deeply human. This episode was exactly that. 

I had the absolute joy of welcoming back Dr. Ashley Clark, oral pathologist, educator, and what I lovingly call an edutainer. If you’ve ever seen Ashley lecture, you know what I mean: sharp clinical insight, bad-slash-good jokes, and an uncanny ability to make complex oral pathology both approachable and memorable. 

If there’s one thing I know for sure after years in dentistry, it’s this: the dental handoff is the heartbeat of the practice. 

It’s not just a transition. 
It’s not just communication. 
And it’s definitely not “someone else’s job.” 

Finding fulfillment sometimes means charting an unconventional path in the ever-evolving landscape of dental careers. On a recent episode of The Dental Handoff podcast, Dr. Kelly Tanner sat down with Bethany Montoya, BAS, RDH—the editorial director of Dentistry IQ's Clinical Insights newsletter—to explore how dental professionals can recognize when it's time for change and discover new avenues for professional growth.

When six-year-old Charo Earl met a female dentist who made her feel comfortable during a routine appointment, she never imagined this encounter would spark a career trajectory leading from dental assistant to Chief Operating Officer. In a compelling conversation with Dr. Kelly Tanner on The Dental Handoff podcast, Charo reveals how embracing opportunity, building relationships, and focusing on patient education transformed her professional path in unexpected ways.