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In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of transitioning from dental hygiene school to the professional world, featuring a candid conversation with a recent graduate navigating the complexities of licensure and the challenges faced as a minority in the field.

Our guest shares her personal experiences, starting with the lengthy and often frustrating process of obtaining a dental hygiene license in Texas. She emphasizes the importance of financial preparation during this transition period, especially for those who may not have prior experience as dental assistants. The anticipation of waiting for her license while watching classmates begin their careers adds a layer of emotional complexity to her journey.

We explore her background as a first-generation student from Miami, with roots in Haiti and St. Croix, and how this diverse upbringing shaped her perspective. Moving to Fayetteville for hygiene school presented its own set of challenges, including navigating microaggressions and feeling outcasted. Despite these difficulties, she found solace and support through social media, connecting with other dental hygienists and utilizing platforms like Instagram and TikTok for inspiration and networking.

Our guest discusses the role of technology in her education, particularly the impact of tools like ChatGPT during her studies and board preparations. She highlights the importance of diligent studying and the need to actively engage with the material to succeed.

As we delve into her future aspirations, she shares her passion for community health and mission trips, expressing a desire to educate and provide dental care in underserved areas, particularly in the Caribbean. Her long-term goals include pursuing a master's degree and eventually transitioning into teaching and research.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the significance of community and mentorship, especially for minorities in the dental field. Our guest encourages listeners to seek out support networks and to be proactive in their professional development.

We also discuss the current state of dental hygiene practice in Texas, including recent legislative changes that impact the autonomy of hygienists. Our guest stresses the importance of advocacy and staying informed about industry developments.

Finally, we wrap up with a light-hearted discussion about the cultural phenomenon of reality TV, specifically "Love Island," and how it reflects societal perceptions and the importance of protecting one's energy in the public eye.

Join us for this insightful episode filled with personal anecdotes, professional advice, and a call to action for aspiring dental hygienists to engage with their communities and advocate for their profession.

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In this episode of our podcast, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with a remarkable guest who is not only a dental hygienist but also a passionate advocate for increasing diversity within the dental hygiene profession. Our conversation began with my guest sharing their unique journey into dental hygiene, which was anything but traditional. Graduating at the age of 41 after 23 years of pursuing a four-year degree, they recounted a pivotal moment during a routine dental cleaning that sparked their interest in the field. Inspired by a hygienist's stories of travel and fulfillment, they decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene, leading to a transformative path.

As we delved deeper into their experiences, my guest highlighted the lack of representation of African-American men in the dental hygiene field. After graduating, they connected with Sean, the first African-American male graduate from their program, and together they formed a supportive network of African-American hygienists in Arkansas. Their mission is clear: to advocate for more minorities entering dental hygiene programs and to educate underserved communities about the importance of oral health.

We discussed the establishment of a nonprofit organization aimed at changing perceptions of oral health in these communities. My guest emphasized the need for education, particularly in areas where misconceptions about dental care prevail. They shared their efforts to engage with schools, teaching students about oral health and the broader implications of poor dental hygiene, including its links to systemic health issues.

Additionally, we explored the launch of "MyWy University," a program designed to inspire and educate young students interested in dental hygiene. This initiative includes hands-on workshops that provide insights into the daily lives of dental professionals, further encouraging the next generation to consider careers in this field.

Throughout our conversation, my guest's dedication to their work was evident. They shared their rigorous routine, balancing a demanding work schedule with family time and nonprofit commitments. Their belief in the power of routine and personal growth resonated deeply, as they emphasized the importance of self-improvement and perseverance.

We also touched on the challenges of fundraising for initiatives like the Richard Robinson Dowman Scholarship, aimed at supporting minority students entering dental hygiene programs. My guest expressed their frustration with the disparity in funding for minority-focused initiatives compared to larger donations made to more prominent causes.

As we wrapped up the episode, my guest left us with a powerful message: the journey to success is a personal one, and the focus should always be on self-improvement rather than comparison to others. Their story is a testament to resilience, community, and the importance of representation in all fields.

Listeners can connect with my guest and their initiatives through their website and social media platforms, where they continue to advocate for change and inspire future dental professionals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of healthcare, education, and community advocacy.

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In this episode of Dentalish, we welcome back Tamika Sheley, a seasoned dental hygienist, entrepreneur, and patient advocate. It's been a while since she last joined us—back in 2020, to be exact—so I was excited to catch up and hear about her journey since then. Tamika has been making waves in the dental and healthcare community, and I wanted to tap into her wealth of knowledge, especially regarding her entrepreneurial ventures and her role in public health.

Tamika shares insights into her recent endeavor: a black car service she started with her husband. With his extensive logistics experience and her background in dental hygiene and healthcare management, they have successfully blended their skills to create a thriving business. We discuss the challenges and rewards of working alongside a partner, both personally and professionally, and how they maintain balance through regular business and family meetings.

As we dive deeper into her career, Tamika reveals that she is currently in a non-clinical role with a managed care organization in Georgia. She reflects on her journey as a dental hygienist, having practiced for over 22 years, and how her current position allows her to focus on quality care and community engagement. We touch on the evolving landscape of healthcare, particularly in Georgia, and the implications of recent legislative changes on Medicaid and public health services.

Tamika also emphasizes the importance of supporting young people of color in pursuing careers in dentistry, sharing her own experiences of overcoming obstacles to enter hygiene school. Her passion for mentorship and advocacy shines through as she discusses the need for more resources and opportunities for underrepresented groups in the field.

Towards the end of our conversation, we explore the significance of self-care and personal growth. Tamika shares her personal mantra, "what's for you is for you," and encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being. We also discuss the importance of looking presentable and feeling good, even when working from home, as it can significantly impact one's mood and productivity.

Finally, Tamika provides information about her transportation business, TRL Upscale Transportation, and how it caters to various events, including winery tours. She invites listeners to connect with her on social media to learn more about her services.

Join us for this enlightening episode filled with valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and a reminder that we are more than just our professional titles. Whether you're a dental professional, an entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration, there's something in this episode for everyone.

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In this episode of Dentalish, we dive into an engaging conversation with Afor Carter, a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of experience. Our episode kicks off with a light-hearted moment as I admit to mispronouncing Afor's name for years, calling her "Afro Carter" instead of the correct "Afor." This humorous mix-up sets the tone for a friendly and insightful discussion.

Afor shares her journey into dental hygiene, revealing that her motivation stemmed from wanting a fulfilling career that allowed her to spend quality time with her son. She discusses her transition from clinical practice to part-time hygiene while also venturing into clinical research, where she faces challenges in recruiting dentists for clinical trials. Afor explains the importance of these trials and how they can benefit both patients and dental professionals.

We delve into Afor's recent accomplishment of publishing a dental hygiene guide aimed at newly graduated hygienists. After years of starting and stopping, she was inspired to complete the guide, partly due to my own journey and achievements. Afor's dedication to providing resources for aspiring and current dental professionals shines through as she recounts presenting her guide to her alma mater's graduating class.

As we explore Afor's personal life, she opens up about her two children and her passion for solo travel, which she uses as a means to reset and refocus on her goals. Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss the importance of mentorship in the dental field, with Afor expressing her desire for a mentor while also taking on the role of a mentor for others.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the significance of community and support within the dental profession, particularly for minorities. Afor shares her experience with Brown Girl RDH, a community that has provided her with a sense of belonging and encouragement during challenging times. We reflect on the importance of staying true to one's mission, especially in light of the changing landscape of diversity initiatives in the industry.

As we wrap up, Afor shares her mantra, "Every day the sun will shine," emphasizing the importance of resilience and hope. We also discuss her upcoming participation in our November conference, where she will be showcasing her work and connecting with fellow dental professionals.

This episode is a celebration of perseverance, community, and the power of sharing knowledge. Afor's journey is a testament to the impact of mentorship and the importance of uplifting one another in our professional lives. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and learn more about the resources available for dental hygienists.

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In this exciting episode of Dental-ish, we dive deep into the world of dental hygiene with our esteemed guest, Dr. Tonya Jeffries. As a prominent figure in the field, Dr. Jeffries shares her extensive experience and insights, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in dental hygiene and its evolving landscape.

We kick off the conversation by introducing Dr. Jeffries, who has an impressive background in academia and advocacy. She has held various roles, including faculty member, clinical coordinator, and program director. Notably, she made history as the first African American president of the Maryland Dental Hygienist Association, where she has been instrumental in advocating for legislative changes that expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists in Maryland.

Dr. Jeffries discusses her recent accomplishments, including the publication of her book, The Dental Hygiene Hack, which serves as a guide for aspiring dental hygiene students. She also reveals her innovative creation of the first mobile dental hygiene app designed to support students throughout their educational journey. This app is a game-changer, providing essential resources and tracking tools to help students succeed in their programs.

As we delve into the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in dental hygiene, Dr. Jeffries shares her research on the lack of diversity in the field and the disparities that exist. She emphasizes the importance of representation and mentorship, particularly for students of color, and how her work aims to bridge these gaps.

The conversation takes a personal turn as we reflect on our own journeys in the dental hygiene profession. Dr. Jeffries and I share our experiences of navigating the challenges of being minorities in a field where representation is often lacking. We discuss the importance of support systems, mentorship, and the need for organizations like Brown Girl RDH to empower and uplift aspiring dental professionals.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the evolving expectations of new generations entering the workforce. Dr. Jeffries highlights the differences in attitudes and behaviors among today's students compared to previous generations, particularly regarding professionalism and accountability. We explore how these changes impact the dental hygiene profession and the importance of adapting our teaching methods to meet the needs of today's learners.

As we wrap up the episode, Dr. Jeffries shares valuable lessons she's learned along her journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and obedience to one's goals. We also discuss the significance of community and collaboration in driving change within the dental hygiene field.

Listeners will walk away from this episode with a wealth of knowledge about the dental hygiene profession, the importance of diversity and mentorship, and practical advice for aspiring dental hygienists. Dr. Jeffries' passion for her work and commitment to making a difference in the field is truly inspiring, making this episode a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we uplift one another.

1. "I created CE courses. I do a CE course on implants, third molars." - 00:01:31
2. "We have great disparities of oral health in our communities, and we need clinicians that look like us who are able to speak to and be effective in those communities." - 00:04:37
3. "I had a 4.0 the entire time. Like I was like, I already made it to make it." - 00:08:06
4. "I just knew I had to work harder and I knew there were other challenges to overcome." - 00:05:39
5. "The hygiene hack really does give that upfront infor

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In this exciting first episode of Season Four of the Dentalish podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Celencia Wallace as my guest. Celencia is a multifaceted professional with over 17 years of experience in dental hygiene, alongside her roles as a travel agent and contractor. She is also a proud mother of two and an active member of Brown Girl RDH.

We kicked off the episode with a light-hearted exchange about our appearances, and I complimented Celencia on her beautiful yellow outfit. After a brief introduction, Celencia shared her journey into the world of dental hygiene, which began somewhat unexpectedly. Initially pursuing a career in marketing and business, she was inspired by a cousin to explore dental hygiene after realizing her passion for helping others maintain their dental health.

Celencia's path took a significant turn when she suffered a car accident that left her unable to work for nine months. This experience opened her eyes to the importance of diversifying her income streams, leading her to start her own travel business. She passionately discussed how this transition allowed her to maintain her career in dental hygiene while also pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams.

Throughout our conversation, we delved into the challenges faced by aspiring dental hygienists, particularly the long waitlists for programs and the importance of persistence. Celencia emphasized the need to seek alternative paths and not let obstacles deter one's ambitions. She shared her mantra of viewing each day as a new opportunity, encouraging listeners to let go of past burdens and focus on future possibilities.

As the discussion progressed, we touched on the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of one's environment on personal growth. Celencia recounted her experiences with her brother's family, highlighting the struggles they faced and the importance of setting boundaries to protect one's energy and mental health.

In the latter part of the episode, Celencia introduced her travel business, explaining how she helps others start their own travel agencies. She emphasized the benefits of earning commissions on travel bookings and the potential for group travel opportunities, particularly for those in the dental and healthcare fields.

We wrapped up the episode with a sense of empowerment and inspiration, encouraging listeners to explore new avenues and take charge of their futures. Celencia's story is a testament to resilience and the power of pursuing one's passions, and I am thrilled to have had her as the inaugural guest of this season.

If you're interested in learning more about Celencia's travel business or want to connect with her, you can find her on social media or visit her website at CelenciaLavishTravel.com. Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to sharing more insightful conversations in the upcoming episodes!

1. "Every day is a chance for a new opportunity." - 00:08:31
2. "Don't let whatever happened yesterday, last week, last year, whenever it was, stop you from moving forward." - 00:08:42
3. "If you keep saying little poor me, this happened to me... it doesn't have to be a reality." - 00:09:06
4. "You gotta be very selective in where your energy goes and who it goes to." - 00:25:21
5. "People poking holes in your boat... it could be mental health, it could be systemic, it could be jealousy." - 00:25:31
6. "If something happens to your hand, your arm, you just, what can you do? You can't work." - 00:02:56
7. "Don't let a no dictate your future." - 00:07:34
8. "You have to think like, okay, what is it teaching me?" - 00:09:16
9. "Commission is al

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In this final episode of Season 3 of Dentalish, I had the pleasure of speaking with Arica Davis-Clark, a practice manager for a Dental Service Organization (DSO). We dove into the challenges and rewards of managing a dental practice, especially in the context of the post-COVID landscape. Erica shared her journey from the finance industry to dental management, highlighting the importance of advocating for both patients and staff in a high-pressure environment.

We discussed the evolving landscape of dental hygiene, including the shorter career lifespan of hygienists and the need for flexibility in work schedules. Erica emphasized the significance of representation in the dental field, particularly for Black professionals, and how having leaders who understand the community can foster trust and comfort among patients.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the importance of communication between hygienists and dentists, stressing that both roles must work together to create a harmonious practice. Erica shared valuable insights on mentorship, the necessity of asking questions, and the importance of advocating for oneself in the workplace.

As we wrapped up, Erica encouraged listeners to never settle for less than they deserve and to continue pushing for better opportunities within the dental industry. This episode was a rich discussion filled with practical advice and inspiration for anyone in the dental field, especially those looking to transition into practice management. Thank you for joining us this season, and I hope you found this episode as enlightening as I did!

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What does it mean to truly prioritize personal happiness and autonomy in your career? Join us as we uncover the inspiring stories of individuals who have embraced entrepreneurial paths, starting with our special guest, Sade. As a registered dental hygienist in alternative practice (RDH AP) from California and a proud member of Brown Girl RDH, Sade shares her unique journey of starting her own dental hygiene practice and company, All Things Toothy. Learn how she collaborates on popular products like the black and gold tooth bags, and why representation and inclusivity in the dental hygiene community matter so much.

Ever felt undervalued at your corporate job? You'll resonate with our discussion on making life-changing decisions to reclaim your personal freedom. Hear the pivotal moment that led to a transformative journey of leaving corporate dentistry for a life rich in travel and family time. We candidly talk about the struggles and rewards of balancing work, family, and personal happiness, touching on essential topics like workplace inequality and microaggressions. This chapter is all about empowering yourself to make disciplined choices for a more self-determined and fulfilling life.

Finally, we turn our focus to perseverance and individuality in the face of discouragement. Sade's story of transitioning from a dental assistant to a successful hygienist, despite initial setbacks, is a testament to the power of staying authentic. We explore the importance of mentorship, individuality, and the joy of supporting others in their professional journeys. Plus, discover how connecting with like-minded individuals on social media can foster growth and positivity. Sade's passion for the field and her willingness to help others anchor this engaging episode. Don't miss her insights on why a universal licensing system for hygienists could revolutionize dental care access.

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Ever wondered how financial literacy could transform your life? Learn from Sharice RDH, a veteran dental hygienist turned financial advisor, who shares her inspiring journey from the projects to becoming a financial advocate. In this episode, Sharice reveals how she conquered financial challenges while supporting her family through dental hygiene school and discovered the empowering world of franchising a financial services business for just $349. Her story is a testament to resilience and empowerment, highlighting the importance of understanding money management regardless of one's background.

We also dive into the wide range of financial services available, from consumer credit repair to business credit building. Sharice debunks common misconceptions about business financing and stresses the necessity of establishing solid business credit. She underscores the impact of misinformation on small business owners and emphasizes the critical need for financial education in underserved and minority communities. Sharice's dedication to uplifting her family and empowering others with financial literacy is both motivating and enlightening, offering listeners practical steps to bridge generational financial gaps and foster successful entrepreneurship. Tune in to uncover the transformative power of financial education and gain valuable insights into achieving financial health.

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What happens when dreams shift, and a personal transformation redirects your career path? Join us in this episode of Dental-ish as we welcome Dr. Akidra Bell, a dedicated dentist and mentor, who reveals her inspiring journey from aspiring pediatrician to a leading figure in dentistry. Dr. Bell shares the pivotal moments, including a smile transformation, that led to her current career, and reflects on the unique challenges she faced as a minority lacking mentors and resources. Her determination now fuels her passion for mentoring others, and her story of graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic and completing her residency at Grady Hospital is a testament to resilience and dedication.

Ever wondered what it takes to pivot from a PhD program to finding your true calling? Dr. Bell's journey provides a fascinating look at how personal orthodontic experiences and the mentorship of an African American orthodontist reshaped her career. Through shadowing opportunities and the realization of the transformative power of dental care, Dr. Bell discovered her passion for dentistry. She candidly discusses the emotional and professional hurdles within the field, including burnout, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining passion and balance in your career.

Navigating career transitions, prioritizing self-care, and embracing new opportunities are keys to sustaining professional joy. Dr. Bell, known on social media as "saved by Dr. Bell," shares her wisdom on these topics, offering practical advice for pre-dental students and professionals alike. Learn how to manage dental school applications, create effective study schedules, and avoid burnout, all while staying true to your aspirations. Dr. Bell’s down-to-earth approach serves as a motivational guide to achieving personal happiness and success in the dynamic world of dentistry.

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