Burnout Bites

In this episode we discuss:• Amanda’s journey becoming a dental hygienist as a deaf professional • Barriers students with hearing loss face in dental hygiene programs • The mission behind That Deaf RDH and the importance of mentorship • How representation and advocacy can improve diversity in healthcare • The role of myofunctional therapy and airway health in dentistry • Why early intervention in oral function and breathing matters for children • How dental hygienists can become advocates for airway health • Advice for professionals navigating challenges in their careersThis powerful conversation highlights mentorship, advocacy, and how representation can transform healthcare professions.Amanda Zubricki is a deaf mom, dental hygienist, nonprofit founder, and myofunctional therapist dedicated to improving access and awareness in dentistry. She founded That Deaf RDH, a nonprofit that provides mentorship and community support for students with hearing loss pursuing careers in dental hygiene.Through The Myo Project, Amanda works with families to address oral function, breathing patterns, and early intervention strategies that support healthier long-term outcomes.Amanda’s work focuses on advocacy, mentorship, and empowering others to overcome barriers while transforming the future of dental and airway health.Connect with Amanda• That Deaf RDH • The Myo Project • Instagram: @ThatDeafRDH

In this episode, we’re joined by Joy Lantz, owner of Joy Lantz: Transforming Oral Health, internationally recognized speaker, educator, and airway advocate who is helping dental professionals rethink oral health from infancy through adulthood.With nearly 30 years in dentistry, Joy specializes in oral myofunctional disorders, airway health, lactation support, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She consults with dental practices across the country to help them incorporate airway-centered care and comprehensive screening into everyday dentistry.We dive into: ✨ Why airway and oral function matter for overall health ✨ How dental professionals can begin screening for oral myofunctional disorders ✨ The connection between oral development, sleep, feeding, and long-term wellness ✨ How to bring airway and myofunctional services into your practice ✨ Educating patients and parents on early intervention and prevention ✨ Collaboration between dental and medical professionals for better outcomesJoy’s passion is empowering clinicians to “make the invisible visible” by identifying oral dysfunction early and improving whole-body health through dentistry.If you’re ready to expand your clinical perspective and understand the powerful connection between airway, oral function, and overall wellness this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Joy Lantz & Learn More: Website: https://www.joylantz.com/ Oral Function Specialties: https://oralfunctions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyLantzPro/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joylantzpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joylantzrdh/🏢 Company: Joy Lantz: Transforming Oral HealthBe sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a colleague who is ready to elevate patient care and rethink what’s possible in dentistry.

In this episode of Burnout Bites, we sit down with Dr. Sonya Dunbar, affectionately known as The Geriatric Toothfairy. Sonya is an international speaker, award-winning author, Mindset Detox Coach, and a visionary healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in dental hygiene and geriatric oral health. She’s also the CEO and Co-Founder of Mobile Dental Xpress, transforming access to dental care for seniors and homebound individuals across multiple states.We dive deep into:Mindset matters: How cultivating a healthy mindset fuels resilience, purpose, and impact in your personal and professional life.Caring for the elderly: The unique challenges and rewards of providing dental care to seniors and homebound patients.Combating burnout: Practical tips for staying energized, inspired, and compassionate while serving others.Whether you’re a dental professional, caregiver, or someone navigating the demands of healthcare and life, Sonya’s wisdom will inspire you to care for yourself while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.www.linkedin.com/in/geriatrictoothfairyConnect with Dr. Sonya Dunbar:Being Her Unapologetically conference 1/24/ 26 www.bhuconference.com

In this inspiring episode, Kari sits down with Jayla Bryant, a former dental assistant and current dental hygiene student who is passionate about elevating and educating the next generation of dental professionals.Jayla shares her journey from dental assisting to pursuing her dream of becoming a dental hygienist, opening up about what motivated her transition, the challenges she’s overcome, and the growth she’s experienced along the way. With a heart for connection and a commitment to spreading awareness about the dental field, Jayla brings an authentic and uplifting perspective to the student experience.Listeners will hear:Why Jayla decided to take the leap from dental assisting to dental hygiene schoolHow her background as an assistant strengthened her confidence and clinical skillsTips for students considering the transition into dental hygieneThe importance of mentorship, community, and representation in dentistryJayla’s vision for using her platform to educate, connect, and inspire othersJayla is engaged, community-focused, and dedicated to making a positive impact in the dental profession. Her story will resonate with aspiring hygienists, current students, and anyone navigating a career transition within dentistry.You can contact her on every platform under Jaloodental

Listen as I discuss the importance of mental health with Sydney Reece who is the VP of operations at Mind Body Optimization. We discussed why mental health is so importance for overall wellness and how burnout can effect every area in our lives. As we celebrate May as Mental Health Awareness Month, lets make sure we we are creating a culture where we make sure we support one another and take time to connect with others and to also make sure we are doing ok. Mind Body Optimization has various programs that they can assist in helping individuals, family's, and groups to achieve overall health and wellness.Mind Body Optimization: mindbodyyo.com

Lynn Pencek has had a diverse career as a dental hygienist. From working as a clinical dental hygienist to working with companies such as Nobel Biocare, Hu-Friedy, and Orascoptic to delivering her own dynamic presentations on implant maintenance and more.Listen as we discuss how she has successfully navigated the dental industry to have a diverse career that affords her the opportunity to pursue ever changing passions!To connect with Lynn Peneck use the following linkswww.PracticeAtYourBest.comLynn Pencek, RDH, MS | LinkedInwww.linkedin.com/in/lynnpencek

Dental Hygienists are interested in nonclinical alternative options that are available to them. Many are however unsure how to go about getting these positions that they adamantly desire as either a side gig or to transition from clinical to nonclinical positions.In this episode listen as I talk with Allison Norris is the founder and CEO of The Dentele Group, LLC about how we can successfully attain a non-clinical role as a dental hygienist.The leading non-clinical recruiting agency renowned for its concierge approach to hiring.The Dentele Group under Allison’s leadership specializes in placing non-clinical talent across executive, sales, operations, and technology roles. Allison's commitment to elevating the industry extends beyond recruitment. She actively mentors dental professionals, empowering them to find their passion and purpose.Her dedication and influence have been widely recognized: she has been published in Dental Entrepreneur Women Magazine, Dentistry Today, Group Dentistry Now, AGD Impact, received the prestigious Rising Star Denobi Award in 2024, and was honored with the Who’s Who in America award. Through the Dentele Group, Allison has become a source of hope for dental professionals to discover new meaningful careers.You can reach her at:[email protected]://thedentelegroup.com/

Daily dental professionals present treatment options to their patients and are asked "what does my insurance cover?" We know that unfortunately, dental benefits might be barrier for patients in receiving the treatment the desperately need.Kandra Sellers, RDH, BA has been able to successfully bridge the gap between medical and dental benefits, by focusing on oral systemic health and medical billing as the Founder & CEO of TIPS Medical Billing. With over 35 years in the dental industry, Kandra has had many different career roles due to the fantastic mentors she has met along the way. She is no longer seen as “just a dental hygienist,” which is a profession certainly not to be minimized. Instead, Kandra is now viewed as a predominant educator in the field of oral systemic health intertwined with dental medical billing, as well as creator and CEO of TIPS Medical Billing. Kandra is able to educate, implement processes, and professionally coach doctors and team members to the next level of where the dental profession is heading. In creating TIPS (Tandem In-Practice Solutions), the niche is implementation to ensure successful outcomes to billing the medical procedures that dentists do every day. Dental practice owners seeking a coach that can elevate their practice production and revenue through solid protocols for optimal oral systemic solutions and medical billing are raving about Kandra’s ability to move both doctors and team members towards excellence.You can connect with her at email: [email protected]: tipsmedicalbilling.com

In this episode, Janoa Hayes, LDH, and I discuss the importance career and personal development while advocating for ourselves and our profession. Janoa Hayes is the hygiene training developer for Heartland Dental. Janoa was born and raised in Lexington, KY and attended the Dental Hygiene Program at Lexington Community College. She and her husband live in Indianapolis, IN and has one daughter. Janoa has always enjoyed Dental Hygiene and has truly felt that her career has been satisfying career. She is motivated by the opportunity to improve the quality of lives of others clinically and to have a lasting impact on the careers of dental professionals through education and inspiration. As a member of the Heartland Dental family since 2000, Janoa has embraced a variety of roles reflecting her passion to serve: clinical Dental Hygiene, Hygiene Mentor roles, course speaker and presenter, and now, Hygiene Training Developer as part of Heartland Dental University, Hygiene Academy.Listen in as we discuss the importance career development and advocating for ourselves to both advance our profession and the overall health and wellness of the patients we serve.

In this episode I took the show on the road and interviewed attendees of the RDHUOR conference in Denver Colorado. I attended as a speaker and an exhibitor and was able to ask professionals what they loved about dental hygiene and what they did to prevent burnout.Listen as I speak with Amanda Hill, Tanya Dunlap, Kerry Lepicek, Machell Hudson, Melissa Calhoun, Irene Iancu, Dr. Joy RDH, Toni Meyerkord, Alyssa Aberle, Alyssa Delgado, Kimberly Augustus, Bethany Montoya, Kevin Lopez, Amanda Hale, Michele Strange, and An Chih "Angela" Do about what they love about dental hygiene and what they do to prevent burnout and overwhelm in their career.In a time where many dental hygienists state they at time have a complicated relationship with dental hygiene...or have fallen out of love with it...I found myself surrounded by over 2500 hygienist who are passionate about their careers and heavily invest in themselves.Ask yourself what do you love about about dental hygiene and if you've fallen out of love with dental hygiene what can you do work on your relationship?

In this episode, Caitlin Parsons, and I discuss the importance of alignment in our career, body, and mind for overall health and wellness.Caitlin Parsons is a Registered Dental Hygienist of 15 years turned Certified Yoga Therapist, Ergonomics Consultant, and the founder of The Aligned Hygienist. Caitlin helps dental professionals prevent and overcome work-related pain, manage stress, and optimize their health, so they can thrive in and out of the office. Caitlin is passionate about helping dental professionals and teams feel good to support better patient care and a bigger impact through her in-person & online programs, speaking events, writing, team experiences, and her podcast, The Aligned Hygienist.Listen in as we discuss the importance taking care of ourselves in various aspects and how she plans to help attendees of her upcoming retreat in Mexico to achieve this.You can contact her at :[email protected]@thealignedhygienist

In this episode I discuss with Karese Laguerre RDH, COMP, MAS and Christopher Williams RDH, the importance of creating and cultivating a positive work culture, so as to attract and retain team members throughout various industries. We delve into how imperative it is to create a diverse environment that supports all team members and the patients or clients that we serve. Their upcoming convention Dental Culture Con in Miami, Florida will help attendees to address and implement solutions to these and other issues that effect all industries. Removing barriers to care and implementing supportive systems will increase positive treatment outcomes and will help prevent burnout for all. Karese Laguerre RDH, COMP™, MAS™ Certified Oral Myofunctional Practitioner, The Myo SpotKarese is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Myofunctional Therapist. She founded The Myo Spot, a practice aimed at amplifying oral wellness to whole body wellness. Through tele-therapy she helps clients of all ages overcome tongue ties, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, grinding, anxiety, and various breathing and orofacial dysfunction. Passionate about education and self-help, she published Accomplished: How to Sleep Better, Eliminate Burnout and Execute Goals. When not working with clients globally she spends time with her husband and four kids. You can connect with Karese at Website www.themyospot.com Email [email protected] Williams, RDH, aka Chris Love, is a passionate and relatable motivational speaker, influencer, and entrepreneur. Guided by his motto, "Whatever you do in life, do it with LOVE," Chris brings a genuine authenticity to his message that resonates with audiences.A sought-after speaker and dedicated family man, Chris is also a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond dental hygiene, as he's the co-owner of the Dental Culture Con event. This event aims to bring the heart and soul back to dentistry by fostering a more positive and fulfilling work environment for dental professionals.You can connect with Chris at Website www.themyospot.com Email [email protected]

In this episode, Bethany Montoya, BAS, RDH and I discuss the prevalence of bullying within the dental industry and the effects it has on professionals, career longevity, and our mental health. Bethany is a practicing dental hygienist, editorial director of DentistryIQ's Clinical Insights newsletter and serves as an educational ambassador within the dental industry. She has advanced knowledge and training in complex cosmetic dentistry, dental sleep medicine, and implant dentistry. Recently, she has devoted her time to dentistry’s personal and interpersonal aspects through her social media brand, @humanrdh. Listen in as we discuss the importance of creating boundaries, being assertive, and dealing with bullies in the industry.Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @humanrdhLinkedIn: Bethany MontoyaYou can contact Bethany at [email protected].

In this episode, Amanda Hill, RDH, BSDH and I take a deep dive into working in the industry in diverse careers. She wears many hats in the industry. She is an enthusiastic speaker, innovative consultant, and award winning author who brings over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene and education to dentistry. Amanda is also known as the Waterline Warrior who strives to make topics in dentistry accurate, accessible, and fun... yet it is most known for her desire to spread kindness. Listen in as we also discuss the value of networking, being curious, and just say yes...and figuring it out later.You can find Amanda at www.amandahillrdh.com

In this episode I discuss with Alicia Murria, RDH how she has managed to have such a diverse dental hygiene career as she wholeheartedly advocates for herself, her patients, and her colleagues.With this episode we discuss how we can uphold the oath we took as healthcare professionals by making sure we practice the standard of care and to "always do the right thing." We discuss how integrating technology can help us in the care we deliver to our patients as well as helping to assist us in managing burnout we may experience from lack of systems and protocols within the office.A resource mentioned in the podcast is: 2016 Revised Standards For Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice http://www.dhed.net/ewExternalFiles/2016-Revised-Standards-for-Clinical-Dental-Hygiene-Practice.pdf (ADHA is updating this currently I was told by a board member)Alicia Murria, RDH, MS, is a member of the Hygiene Faculty at Align Technology, Lead Productivity Coach at Inspired Hygiene, and an alumna of the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene. She specializes in dental hygiene education, public health, and integrating technology in clinical practice. Passionate about calibration, Alicia founded Tech Speaking, LLC to help dental professionals maximize their careers, practice with integrity, and deliver high-quality care. Through her experience and training utilizing technology, she provides practical tools to enhance clinical practice and patient experiences. Connect with Alicia today www.aliciamurria.com

In this episode I discuss with Heather McGuire, Rdh how she has managed to have such a diverse dental hygiene career. She has been in the industry for 20 years working clinically, as a sales representative, a consultant, and now is the Director of Hygiene Development for Seva Dental Team and sponsorship coordinator of Sober Life Rocks. https://soberliferocks.com/With this episode we discuss how we can improve our mindsets, skillsets, and how we can support our colleagues with their sobriety at industry events, such as conferences. One contributing factor of burnout is an individual feeling alone. At times if one is choosing not to consume alcohol at a networking event...they may feel alone due to the constant presence of alcohol at the events and feeling like an outsider. Sober Life Rocks helps to make sure that every professional can feel included at events, with the presence of a colleague that will be there for them.Follow the information below to get in touch with Heather McGuire, RDHwebsite: www.mcgcoaching.comFacebook: Heather McGuire (Rdh)Facebook: MCG CoachingLinkedIn: Heather McGuire RDHMCG CoachingSober Life Rockshttps://soberliferocks.com Code Heather30day gets the first month's membership for $1 then $9 after

In this episode, Astrida Curis and I take a deep dive into working in dentistry while navigating motherhood with new borns. Many dental hygienists wonder how they will be able to pump for their babies at work in the midst of seeing patients. Some offices are not supportive or understanding of the importance or dynamics of being a new caregiver. A supportive work culture effects the employee as they have changes throughout their life. Self advocacy and effective communication is key to bridging this gap. At times the conversation may be uncomfortable, yet it is a necessary one to have with our employers.Listen in as we also discuss the value of mentorship in all stages in our career to have the most successful outcome and reduce our risks for burnout and feelings of isolation.You can find Astrida Curis at:Instagram: newgrad_rdh , the_traveling_rdhPodcast: new grad RDH PodcastFacebook: New Grad RDH, Astrida C TravelingrdhLinkedIn: Astrida CurisRDH Connect: Astrida C RDH

In this episode Fionna Mattrasingh who is a non-traditional dental hygienist and I share our personal experiences about having side gigs in addition to working as a clinical dental hygienist. Many are unaware of the unconventional non-traditional opportunities available to dental hygienists such as teaching, writing, consulting, coaching, speaking, social media influencing, content creation, product educator, and more! Listen to our personal stories that relay the challenges and triumphs we have experienced throughout our career and journey into various side gigs in the industry. Discover how these opportunities have helped us with burnout we have dealt with, as well as provided us with outlets for our various interests, and continued passion for the industry.If you're a dental professional who is seeking insight into how to expand your career and horizons within your profession or currently looking for a side gig, this episode is a must! Tune in for inspiration to chart you own unconventional path in your career. There are endless opportunities and potential for you...your just have to consider the possibilities.Contact Fiona Masttrasingh: Instagram @mouthboxx and @bigsisrdhHer Website: mouthboxx.ca

In this episode we discuss the introduction to the podcast. Burnout is a syndrome that effects workers in all industries. Although the World Health Organization classifies it as a occupational syndrome in my opinion its not just work related. We can feel burnout as parents, caregivers, and within our own personal relationships that can effect our mental and physical health as well. We can take effective strategic solutions to work on managing our symptoms and working towards our healing.This episode is sponsored by KMC Strategic Solutions where we find solutions to your problem. @KMC.Smiles and Burnout_bites