The Dental Handoff

Dr. Kelly Tanner

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

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

    APR 21

    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

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

    APR 15

    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.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

    30 min
  3. Episode 199 | Dental Leadership: How to Pivot Without Fear - Aimee Vail

    APR 7

    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

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

    MAR 31

    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

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

    MAR 24

    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

    30 min
  6. Episode 196 | Just Cleanings? Look Deeper - Barbara Tritz

    MAR 10

    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.net https://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

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

    MAR 3

    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

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

    MAR 3

    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

    32 min
See All (202)

4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Kelly Tanner
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    202
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Dental Handoff

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