The Dental Handoff

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 ne...

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 fas...

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...

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 Bu...

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 He...

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...

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 s...

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 esthet...

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 memb...

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 wi...

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 team...

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 S...

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 g...

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 develo...

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 le...

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 a...

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...

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 o...

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....

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 h...

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 exper...

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 Hygien...

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 dent...

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 Tech...