Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

I get so many questions about Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), and truthfully, I don’t know as much about it as I would like to. That’s why, in this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I'm joined by Kevin Ohashi Lopez to uncover what GBT is, how it differs from traditional dental hygiene, and why it might make more sense for both patients and clinicians.

Kevin walks us through the GBT protocol step-by-step, explaining the equipment needed (and why not all air polishers are created equal), how treatment flow completely shifts, and what sets GBT apart in its focus on minimally invasive care. Kevin also shares how the use of GBT impacts patient outcomes, improves ergonomics for clinicians, and allows for smarter, not harder, workdays. We also dig into practical matters—what to say to patients when your protocols change, how to handle concerns about equipment investment, and strategies for practice owners who are thinking about adding GBT to their hygiene departments.

Beyond the protocol and equipment, we chat about patient education, how GBT can increase case acceptance, and tackle the common misconceptions that keep many clinicians stuck in their old ways. Conversations like this remind us that as hygienists, we’re not just cleaning teeth, we’re providing essential, evidence-based healthcare, and investing in the evolution of our profession.

About Kevin Lopez

Connect with Kevin:

Instagram

To watch on YouTube, click here!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association, returns to the podcast to dive headfirst into a conversation about the complex and contentious state of our industry. Our goal today was to clear up common misconceptions, answer pressing questions, and open up an honest, balanced dialogue about the future of our profession. 

Dr. Kessler sheds light on hot-button issues affecting dentistry, like the national hygienist shortage, shifting practice models, and controversial initiatives aimed at expanding the hygiene workforce. He also shares his vision for the future of dentistry.

Lastly, we dive into everything from the ongoing fight surrounding fluoride, the critical need for improved insurance reimbursement, and the changing relationship between the ADA and ADHA. 

About Dr. Brett Kessler

Connect with Dr. Brett Kessler:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

Ep 15: Wellness, Leadership, and Recovery: With ADA President-Elect Dr. Brett Kessler

Ep 51: The Oral Preventive Assistant Debate: What Dental Assistants Actually Want

Watch on YouTube!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Dr. Tony Stefanou for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the future of dentistry. Our industry is rapidly evolving, and dentistry as we know it is changing by the day. Dr. Tony brings a unique perspective, combining years of clinical experience with deep involvement on the business side of dentistry, which makes him the perfect guest to unpack some of the major changes happening within our profession right now. 

Together, we tackle a broad range of topics, including the future of private practice vs. DSO affiliation, what really happens when a practice is acquired, and why a healthy hygiene department is so crucial not only for patient care but for practice valuation and transition. 

We also discuss our opinions on the controversial Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) initiative, the importance of moving toward fee-for-service models, signals of a thriving hygiene department, and what it takes for clinicians to venture beyond the operatory. 

About Dr. Tony

Connect with Dr. Tony:

Connect the Dents

Instagram

Links Mentioned: 

Ep 47: The True Cost of Dental Insurance and Why It's Time for Reform

Ep 35: How ADA’s Dental Access Model Act Will Impact Dentistry

Ep 51: The Oral Preventive Assistant Debate: What Dental Assistants Actually Want

To watch on YouTube, click here!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Kevin Henry, a longtime advocate, speaker, and journalist for dental assistants, as we break down the new role being introduced in dentistry, the OPA (Oral Preventive Assistant). Together, we have a real and honest conversation about what this new position means for dental assistants, why it was created, and the real impact it could have on dental teams everywhere. 

Kevin and I break down not only the basics of what the OPA role is, but also how this position is intended to help with the workforce shortage of hygienists. We unpack how dental assistants truly feel about the OPA role and talk candidly about the lack of a strong national voice for assistants, the varied responses within that community, and the possible legal and financial gaps still unresolved when OPAs start to become the norm.

We discuss practical tips for assistants to advocate for themselves, the importance of communication among team members, and how both hygienists and assistants often share more struggles in common than they realize. 

At the end of the day, the message is clear: dental assistants are the backbone of our practices, and this new era in dentistry needs their voices and experiences front and center. This conversation is all about coming together as a profession because real change will only happen when every member of the dental team is valued and heard.

About Kevin: 

With more than 20 years in the dental publishing industry, Kevin Henry is the former group editorial director for Dental Products Report and managing editor for Dental Economics. Currently, he is the editor-in-chief for DrBicuspid.com. He has spoken to dental assistants throughout the world, in person and through the Dental Assistant Nation podcast series, reminding them of the important role they play every day in their practice. He is also certified as a DiSC trainer, helping dental practices learn how to understand each other better through personality assessments and training.

Connect with Kevin:

Website | Kevin Speaks Dental 

Instagram @DentalAssistantNation

Website| Dr. Bicuspid

Dental Assistant Nation [Apple Podcasts]

Dental Assistant Nation [Spotify]

Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

Ep 35: How ADA’s Dental Access Model Act Will Impact Dentistry

To watch on YouTube, click here!

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by dental hygienist and anesthesia educator Tina Clarke to tackle questions and controversies sweeping the dental community over anesthesia. We cover everything from the new expansion of dental assistants’ roles, allowing dental assistants in some states to administer local anesthesia, the social media backlash Tina received as a result of this, practical tips for tricky injections, and guidance for how to stay ergonomic while working. 

Together, we unpack what it means for patient care when assistants can administer anesthesia, how education standards are being set, and how the dental profession is adapting to these changes. You’ll hear Tina’s firsthand experience with this industry change (as someone who played her part in weighing in on the educational standards), her opinions on hot topics like using articaine on the lower jaw, and tips on navigating the real-world challenges of chairside anesthesia.  

Tina is a wealth of knowledge, so whether you’re a seasoned clinician or new to dental hygiene, this episode is packed with wisdom on clinical technique, advice for boosting your confidence with injections, and strategies to keep both you and your patients safe and comfortable.

About Tina:

Tina Clark, RDH, MEd is the leading voice in anesthesia dental education. From head & neck anatomy, medical emergency management, and practical tips and tricks to getting anesthesia right every time, Tina employs adult learning principles, equipping her course attendees for success. A nationally published author and founder of Teacher Tina RDH, she keeps her skills and knowledge current while continuing to serve the profession as a clinician, educator, trainer, and speaker. In addition, Tina is an approved provider by the Oregon and Georgia Board of Dentistry to provide education for the initial permit for local anesthesia. As well as an American Heart Association Certified BLS instructor. As an active member of the American Dental Hygienists Association, an approved CE provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Tina’s passionately serves her profession. She has been a practicing clinical dental hygienist for over 20 years and an educator for over 15. She received her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 2001 and her master’s degree in education in 2013. Her teaching, training, and presenting style is upbeat and fun, making even the most difficult topics a delight to learn.

Connect with Tina:

Teacher Tina RDH Website

Instagram 

Facebook

YouTube

To watch on YouTube, click

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Tom Viola, a renowned pharmacologist and nationally recognized speaker, to dive into the world of GLP-1 medications– think Ozempic, Wegovy, and the rapidly growing black market alternatives becoming more common. Tom unpacks how these drugs work, why they’ve become so popular, and some of the lesser-known (and scary) side effects popping up.

Tom and I dig deep into the history of diabetes management and the unintended– but highly effective– weight loss side effects of these medications. We cover how GLP-1 medications function, their impact on hunger and satiety, and the real concerns that come along with rapid weight loss, like muscle loss. Tom details the concerns about rising counterfeit medications and the growing black market for these drugs, emphasizing the importance for patients to get their prescriptions from legitimate sources and under medical supervision.

Beyond the basics, we explore the lesser-known and emerging side effects—everything from gastroparesis, halitosis, and increased risk of pancreatitis to mental health concerns like depression and suicidal ideation. We chat about what dental professionals should look for when reviewing medical histories, the clues these medications may leave in the mouth, and why dental teams play a crucial role in the bigger healthcare picture. 

The bottom line: As dental clinicians, the more we understand about these trending medications, the more we can advocate for our patients’ overall health and well-being.

About Tom 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. Tom has presented over 1000 informative, humorous and engaging continuing education seminars and webinars to dental professionals internationally since 2001.

Connect with Tom:

Website

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook

Instagram

To watch on YouTube, click here!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making significant lifestyle changes.  

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling on your phone, procrastinating on your to-do list, or feeling completely drained after work, and chalked it up as the usual side effects of adulthood and overwhelm? There might be something bigger going on. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Jenna Free, an ADHD therapist and coach (who lives with ADHD), to unpack the reality of adult ADHD and mental dysregulation, especially as it shows up in dental clinicians. 

Jenna shares her refreshing, beyond-medicine approach to ADHD that focuses on nervous system regulation, stress management, and redefining what it means to function well both in and outside of the operatory. In our discussion, we unpack what ADHD really is (beyond the stereotypes), why many people, especially women, aren’t diagnosed until adulthood, and the telltale signs of ADHD. 

We unpack the concepts of what it means to be in “fight or flight” mode, survival mode, and dysregulation, and give you actionable advice for an ADHD reset through nervous system, thought/ belief, and behavior regulation. Beyond technique and diagnosis, we explore how this dysregulation can show up as physical pain, emotional reactivity, and unhealthy habits like doom-scrolling. 

Regardless of whether you have an ADHD diagnosis or are just feeling overwhelmed, learning to regulate your stress response will make you a better clinician, colleague, and human. Making small changes today can add up, allowing you to take control over your well-being.

About Jenna:

Jenna Free is a therapist for ADHD with ADHD. She specializes in getting ADHDers out of fight or flight (which is the thing making life so hard, not just ADHD) and into a life that is more productive and, most importantly, more enjoyable.

Connect with Jenna:

Website

FREE ADHD Regulation Guide

Instagram

TikTok 

ADHD with Jenna Free Podcast (Apple Podcasts)

ADHD with Jenna Free Podcast (Spotify)

To watch on YouTube, click here!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making signific

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

Did you know that dental reimbursement rates and deductibles have not increased since the 70s? It’s no wonder that dental insurance is such a loaded topic in our profession. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by my friend and fellow dental hygienist, Bethany Montoya, to unpack the complexities and confusion surrounding dental insurance. 

In our conversation, Bethany and I dive into the complicated history behind dental insurance, clarifying what it was originally designed for versus how it operates today. Bethany explains why it is crucial to make the distinction between “dental insurance” and “dental benefits,” why the term “insurance” is misleading, and what common misconceptions patients bring into the operatory. We also discuss effective ways to talk with patients about why certain necessary treatments may not be covered, how benefit plans truly work, and why offices are being forced to choose between participating with insurance companies and delivering high-quality, value-based care.

Bethany shares practical steps for practices considering a transition away from low-reimbursement plans, and we talk candidly about the cascade of effects—like increased workload, burnout, and stagnating wages—that hit both teams and patients.

The hard truth is that the system as it stands is unsustainable, and it’s on us—as clinicians, practice owners, and patient advocates—to drive change, educate our communities, and stand up for the quality care our patients deserve.

About Bethany:

Bethany Montoya is a practicing dental hygienist, educator, author, editorial director of DentistryIQ's Clinical Insights newsletter, and key opinion leader. Her social media brand, @humanrdh, speaks to the human aspect of working in dentistry and highlights the vital role hygienists play in our healthcare system.

Connect with Bethany:

[email protected]

HumanRDH [Instagram]

HumanRDH [Facebook]

Human RDH [TikTok]

LinkedIn

Texas Dental Hygiene Alliance [Facebook]

Texas Dental Hygiene Alliance [Instagram]

To watch on YouTube, click here!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

Have you ever considered breaking into the world of professional speaking, but weren’t sure if you were qualified or didn’t know where to start? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I bring Jasmin Haley, a dental hygienist, educator, speaker, and entrepreneur, onto the podcast to share how she transformed her passion for impactful education into a thriving speaking business and how you can do the same!

Jasmin and I dive into common misconceptions around speaking, the practical steps it takes to become a speaker, and the realities of fitting speaking into your life, not the other way around. We touch on everything from negotiating your value, protecting your intellectual property, overcoming stage fright, and handling disruptive audience members like a pro!

If there's one thing we want to stress in this episode, it's that you are not “just a hygienist.” Your individual perspective and experiences are what make you unique! If stepping onto a stage—or hitting “record” on your own platform—has been calling your name, this episode is your encouragement to say yes and get moving.

About Jasmin Haley:

Jasmin Haley, RDH, MS, is the founder of Beyond the Prophy® and a seasoned dental professional with over 24 years of diverse experience in the dental field. Starting her career as a dental assistant and advancing to a dental hygienist, Jasmin has excelled in clinical practice, public health, academia, and as an entrepreneur. Her extensive background includes significant contributions to dental education and community health initiatives. Jasmin's passion for dental careers is showcased through her popular Beyond the Prophy® podcast, where she engages with experts to enhance professional growth. Her work is dedicated to empowering dental professionals to reach their full potential and make a significant impact in their communities.

Connect with Jasmin:

Beyond the Prophy

Instagram

LinkedIn

Links Mentioned:

RDH- Challenging Bullying in Dentistry [Article]

A Speaker's Guide To Handling Hostile Attendees With The Legacy Scaler®: R.O.O.M Command Framework

Start With Why by Simon Sinek 

To watch on YouTube, click here.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Samantha Coxe, the creator and founder of Flaus, the first-ever electric flosser. As a lawyer and not a dental clinician, Sam brings a unique advantage point to her invention with a patient-first perspective. Flaus has received recognition on shows like Shark Tank and LIVE with Kelly and Mark, as well as publications like Time Magazine and Oprah. Flaus has also received the award for TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions. 

In our conversation, we unpack the unique journey that led her from legal practice to paving the way for innovation in oral hygiene. Sam shares the practical issues that traditional flossing presents for many patients and how Flaus makes flossing easy, fun, and accessible. One of my favorite takeaways from our discussion was the environmentally-friendly approach Flaus takes, using sustainable materials and making it easy for customers to recycle their used product. 

Patient-centered innovation within dental care is so important. It’s an important reminder that even outside the professional realm, personal experience can drive industry-changing solutions. Samantha’s journey reaffirms the value in looking beyond traditional methods to inspire better patient compliance and elevate overall dental health. 

About Samantha Coxe:

Samantha Coxe, creator of Flaus, revolutionized oral care by inventing the world's first electric flosser. After struggling with traditional flossing and facing 10 cavities at a dental visit, she realized the need for innovation. Drawing inspiration from her electric toothbrush experience, Coxe left her successful career as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer at Skadden, Arps to develop the ingenious electric flosser. Her invention earned recognition from TIME Best Inventions, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and Shark Tank. Named one of Inc.'s Top 250 Female Founders of 2024, Coxe holds a Doctor of Law from NYU, attended USC for undergrad, and lives in New York City.

Connect with Samantha and Flaus:

Flaus Website (use code STEPH20 for 20% off)

Flaus Instagram

Samantha Instagram

Become a Flaus Ambassador!

Links Mentioned in this Episode: 

Shark Tank Recap

To watch on YouTube, click here

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Polished Posture. The inf

Check out my biggest polishing sale ever!

Visit my shop and use code "Polish 15" at checkout🛒

(sale ends 7/1, discount while supplies last)

✨ Curious about ergonomic presentations for your team? Click here!

🪞Want a free Zirc mirror sample? Click this link, you'll love it ✨

To connect with me:

➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup