Newly Erupted

Dr. Harlyn Susarla joins Newly Erupted and host Dr. Joel Berg to discuss the importance of embracing leadership opportunities, along with strategics risks, for early career pediatric dentists to effect positive change. She shares her firsthand experiences with exiting her comfort zone and how those situations built up her confidence in her own expertise and ability to ask the right questions – including one that saved a child’s life. 

Guest Bio: 

A board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Harlyn K. Susarla is committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting high quality, equitable healthcare for every child. Dr. Susarla is currently part of a multi-disciplinary team at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where her clinical practice focuses primarily on children with complex medical conditions, developmental or behavioral differences, as well as those requiring emergency care. Dr. Susarla is also an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She previously worked in a private practice environment, and at the Seattle Children’s Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, which provides medical, dental, behavioral health and nutrition services to children, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. 

Dr. Susarla completed her undergraduate education at Wellesley College. She then completed a Master of Public Health degree at Boston University, dental degree at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and pediatric dental residency at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the American College of Dentists. 

Dr. Susarla has had the privilege of being an advocate for pediatric dentistry and public health at the local, regional, and national levels. She is Immediate Past President of the Seattle-King County Dental Society and serves on the Washington State Dental Association’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workgroup and Nominations Committee. A past president of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Susarla is President-Elect of the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry, a Trustee of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation, Vice President of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Chair of the AAPD Committee on Early Career Pediatric Dentists, the Western Representative for the AAPD Council on Scientific Affairs, and a consultant on the AAPD Consumer Review Committee. Dr. Susarla is also involved in her local community. She is a member of the Junior League of Seattle and serves on the board of her children’s school.

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On this episode of Newly Erupted, host Dr Joel Berg is joined by Ellie Wetzel to discuss the integration of therapy animals into dental practices, highlighting the legal considerations and benefits of establishing in-office therapy animal programs. Wetzel emphasizes the importance of choosing the right animal, understanding the differences between service and emotional support animals, and the role of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals in supporting professionals interested in bringing this service into their practices.

Guest Bio:

Ellie Wetzel and her dog Winnie serve as a therapy animal team, visiting with clients ranging from families at a children’s hospital, teenagers at a juvenile detention center, children in foster care, and students at colleges. In her professional life, Wetzel is an attorney. Through her involvement as a

volunteer therapy animal handler with Pet Partners, she developed an interest in animal

accommodation law. She has led continuing education sessions for attorneys on legal issues related to service animals and emotional support animals, as well as presentations for professionals on incorporating therapy animals into their practice.

Wetzel serves on the board for the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), an organization that focuses on empowering professionals to responsibly integrate the healing power of therapy animals into their practice. She currently lives in Toronto with her husband, Kevin, their cat, Cooper, and Winnie, a Great Pyreness

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Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Hani Eid for an insightful conversation on growing a private practice to fulfill community needs. Dr. Eid shares his journey from opening a four-chair private practice in Longview, Ore. to owning five practices in neighboring communicates in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Eid discusses the impact of expansion on access to care for children in an area with high demand and need for pediatric dentists, as well as tools he has utilized to successfully add new providers and retain staff. 

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Hani Eid is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Dr Eid has a Master of Science degree and a certificate of Specialty in Pediatric Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston Mass. Dr. Eid is a Diplomate of the American Orthodontic Society (AOS), as well as a published author. 

Dr. Eid currently serves as Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington (UW). Before starting Happy Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, he was an assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). He serves as a board examiner for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), chairs the Consumer Review Committee of the AAPD, and serves as Assistant Treasurer for the AAPD Political Action Committee. 

Dr. Eid is a past president of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (WSAPD), and a board member for the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD). In his community, Dr. Eid is a past president and active member of the Rotary Club of Longview and is a two-time Ironman triathlete.

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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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Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg chats with Dr. Elise Sarvas, the first pediatric dentist on staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. As she walks through a day in her life as a hospital-based clinician, Dr. Sarvas discusses the importance of integrated care and the value she finds in working with colleagues in multiple specialties. She also shares her personal experience as a Mayo Clinic, which fostered her desire to join the team and give back to a community that protected her future. 

Guest Bio: 

Elise Sarvas, D.D.S., M.S.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified pediatric dentist who provides hospital-based care at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Sarvas specializes in the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs. Dr. Sarvas active in organized dentistry and serves as the Minnesota Public Policy Advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Minnesota Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also on the executive committee for the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the national organization for all board-certified pediatric dentists. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Section on Oral Health and a pediatric dental advisor to local, national, and international organizations focusing on public health and maternal and child health. Dr. Sarvas is passionate about advocating for social justice reform through a Health-in-All-Policies approach as a means to achieve health equity.

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