Newly Erupted The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Brianna Muñoz joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion on her path into pediatric dentistry – her lifelong career goal – and the pivotal role an interest in public health played in developing her ethos. In this episode, Dr. Muñoz shares how merging many of her unique interests, including biology, chemistry, and dance, along with a commitment to interprofessional care shaped her as a communicator and advocate for children. She also discusses her experiences as an AAPD Harris Fellow and Board President of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, and how they allowed her opportunities to positively impact the optimal oral health of all kids. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Brianna Muñoz is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Avon, Conn. She recently started her own business, Twinkle Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, and was recognized nationally by the ADA as a recipient of the 2024 10 Under 10 Award. 

Dr. Muñoz obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2016 from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine at which time she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Muñoz then completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) while concurrently attaining her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree along with a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies. She received the 2018 AAPD Resident Recognition Award and was proud to complete the Samuel D. Harris Research and Policy Fellowship. 

As the AAPD Public Policy Advocate (PPA) for the state of Connecticut, Dr. Muñoz travels to Washington, DC each year where she lobbies at the federal level to strengthen oral health policy and trains residents on a wide array of legislative issues. Dr. Muñoz also serves as Board President of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI), a nonprofit organization that promotes access, quality, and equity of oral healthcare at the state level. In honor of these achievements, she was presented with the 2020 COHI Oral Health Champion Award as well as the 2023 Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) Rising Star Award. 

Outside of work, Dr. Muñoz likes to dance, try new restaurants, and take part in Harry Potter marathons. On social media, you can find Dr. Muñoz teaching her staff the latest dance trends. She also enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams as an avid fan and former New England Patriots Cheerleader for the 2011 and 2021 seasons!

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Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Martha Wells, Chief of Dentistry at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital – and the first dentist on their faculty track. In this episode, Dr. Wells shares her day-to-day experience in a hospital faculty setting and the importance of connections she’s made, specifically with peers on a similar professional path and the nursing team at St. Jude’s. Drs. Well and Berg also examine the trend of convergence between medical and dental care in large-scale settings. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Martha Wells is the Chief of Dentistry at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is the first dentist on their faculty track. She attended the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University and received her Master of Science Degree and specialty Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining St. Jude, she was Director of the Pediatric Dentistry Residency at UTHSC and was the first Heber Simmons Jr. Distinguished Professor of Pediatric Dentistry. She serves on the Board of Editors for Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry’s Qualifying Examination Committee, and the AAPD’s Scientific Programming Committee. She has authored numerous articles and textbook chapters in the areas of dental materials and behavior guidance. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the wife of an endodontist and a mom of three.

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Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Karen Masters, a speech pathologist with almost 40 years of clinical experience related to orofacial myology to discuss orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs), treatment plans, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Masters specifically delves into the importance of pediatric dentists and dental hygienists being familiar with OMDs and understanding ways to promote individualized care plans. 

Guest Bio: 

Karen Masters is a speech pathologist with almost 40 years of clinical experience. Karen attended Ithaca College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and then Emerson College where she completed her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders. Karen is also a Certified Orofacial Myologist through the IAOM and completed the requirements through NeoHealth Services to be awarded her QOM. Karen quickly realized that signs and symptoms of orofacial myofunctional disorders were seen in many of the patients being treated in her practice and as a result encouraged all the speech therapists working for her to pursue training and all have completed a 28-30 hour course in the assessment and treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. Karen's practice, Chatham Speech and Myo (www.chathamspeechandmyo.com) in Chatham, NJ is thrilled to collaborate with otolaryngologists, orthodontists, dentists, pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, occupational therapists and other speech pathologists to provide the best treatment sequence for the patients they see.

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Dr. Cliff Hartmann, Chair of the AAPD Political Action Committee (PAC), joins host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the mission of the AAPD PAC and the Academy’s legislative priorities. Dr. Hartmann also delves into PAC FAQs, offering a great primer for those who may not be familiar with how political action committees identify and support candidates, who can contribute, and why PACs are so important. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Cliff Hartmann is a graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry where he also completed his pediatric dental training. Dr. Hartmann currently serves as Chair of the AAPD Political Action Committee. He is also a Past-Trustee of the Academy and served as President of the Wisconsin Dental Association in 2022.Dr. Cliff Hartmann, Chair of the AAPD Political Action Committee (PAC), joins host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the mission of the AAPD PAC and the Academy’s legislative priorities. Dr. Hartmann also delves into PAC FAQs, offering a great primer for those who may not be familiar with how political action committees identify and support candidates, who can contribute, and why PACs are so important. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Cliff Hartmann is a graduate of Marquette University School of Dentistry where he also completed his pediatric dental training. Dr. Hartmann currently serves as Chair of the AAPD Political Action Committee. He is also a Past-Trustee of the Academy and served as President of the Wisconsin Dental Association in 2022.

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Building a business doesn’t need to be scary. Dr. Mira Albert chats with host Dr. Joel Berg about entrepreneurship and being strong enough to face your fears. Hear Dr. Albert discuss what drives her as a businessowner, as well as how her choice to pursue an MBA positively impacted her confidence and lessened her fears. She delves into the importance of entrepreneurs identifying their sense of purpose and finding trusted advisors and peers.  

 

Guest Bio:  

Dr. Mira Albert founded Brush Pediatric Dentistry in Hinsdale, Illinois in 2011. Brush is a vibrant, growing practice scaling to its second location in the summer of 2024. She works alongside four pediatric dentists and a dynamic support team that together take great pride in providing a compassionate and fun dental experience to the children in their community.  

 

Dr. Albert is a national spokesperson and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and serves as Trustee and Marketing Chair of The Foundation of the AAPD. Dr. Albert is also a Diplomate and member of the Examination Committee of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She supports her community and many philanthropic and civic organizations both financially and as a volunteer. She also takes great pride in mentoring young women as they follow in her career footsteps. 

 

Dr. Albert earned her MBA from The Northwestern Kellogg School of Management in 2022. Prior to that, she earned her bachelor's and dental degrees both from the University of Michigan. Dr. Albert attended the University of Illinois in Chicago where she earned her master's degree and diploma in pediatric dentistry. She maintains hospital privileges at The Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  

 

On a personal note, Dr. Albert is married to a general dentist and together they own two general practices in addition to Brush Pediatric Dentistry. She is a busy mom to two very active teenage boys and the family’s sweet dog. Dr. Albert completed the NYC marathon in 2018 and the Chicago marathon in 2019. She’s hung up her running shoes for now, but still enjoys water sports, downhill skiing, traveling with her family and cheering for The Wolverines and from the bleachers of her kids’ teams. Dr. Albert is intensely curious about dental practice integration, developing synergies and continuous improvement of processes within a dental practice in the pursuit of providing optimal pediatric oral healthcare. She hopes to continue growing her brand and meet like-minded pediatric dentists along the way who share her vision and might be interested in joining her team. 

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Pediatric dentist Anna Simonis joins Newly Erupted to discuss how she has successfully woven together her personal interests with her professional work, fostering a sense of balance. She chats with host Dr. Joel Berg about the rewards and challenges of bringing together all facets of who she is as a person – a pediatric dentist, a business owner, a team leader, a spouse, a mom, a singer – and shares how you can utilize your own passions to be the best professional possible. 

Guest Bio: 

Anna Simonis, DDS, received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in 2002. Prior to her graduate studies, she completed her BA at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey, majoring in Psychology. During her education at Columbia, Anna led her peers as their class president for three years, and she delivered the Salutatorian speech at graduation. Continuing her education, Anna pursued a certificate of Specialty in Pediatric Dentistry at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, where she served as Chief Resident. Her private practice experience as a pediatric dentist began on Long Island and continued in Westchester County and then into Connecticut, where she planted her roots and built her practice, New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, LLC. She is a proud and active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; American Dental Association; Connecticut State Dental Association; New Canaan Dental Society, which she currently serves as vice president; and American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. 

In her community, Anna currently serves on the boards for New Canaan Cares, The Daycare Center of New Canaan, and The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, as well as volunteers her time with the New Canaan High School Soccer team (her son’s team) and at various school functions. 

Anna adores spending time with her husband, Dennis, their 16-year-old son, Niko, and, of course, her 5- year-old Goldendoodle, Barkley and most recent addition, Leo, a 4-month-old mini-whoodle. She is an avid reader of various genres and has received her certificate in Health, Wellness and Nutrition at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in order to expand and compliment her scope of services.

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