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

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Gary Bird, founder and CEO of SMC National, to talk all things marketing in dentistry. 

Gary shares eye-opening insights on where dental practices lose potential patients, how to track what’s actually working, and all about AI being used in marketing.

We cover:

• The #1 marketing metric most practices ignore (and how it’s costing you new patients)
• Why 35% of dental calls go unanswered — and what that means for your ROI
• The real difference between good marketing and good operations
• The truth about AI marketing, social media, and the future of practice growth

Gary’s candid takes will make you rethink how your front desk, systems, and social strategy all connect to practice profitability.

About Gary

Connect with Gary:

https://www.facebook.com/smcnationalinc 

https://www.instagram.com/smcnational/ https://www.youtube.com/user/SMCNational/videos

Trackable App

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.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Sofie, a dental hygienist who transitioned from clinical care to the world of dental technology and AI. Now working at Overjet, Sofie shares her journey from the operatory to dental sales, what it’s like being the only clinician on her team, and how AI is transforming patient communication, diagnosis, and insurance efficiency in dentistry.

We talk about:

• Sofie’s transition from hygiene to dental tech and sales
• How Overjet helps clinicians present treatment and improve case acceptance
• Common misconceptions about AI in dentistry
• How Overjet supports both providers and insurance communication
• Why clinicians should stay curious about opportunities beyond the operatory

🦷 Whether you’re a dental clinician curious about career transitions or a practice looking to streamline efficiency and accuracy, this episode gives you a real-world look at how AI can elevate your workflow.

This episode is sponsored by Overjet:

Overjet helps dental professionals elevate patient care, streamline diagnostics, and simplify insurance communication with advanced AI technology.

👉 Learn more about Overjet

About Sofie

Connect with Sofie:

Book a Demo

Book A Discovery Call with Sofie

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn

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. 

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
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Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph — part two of my two-part series with Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, co-founder of Hygiene Edge — we dive into what life looks like after dental hygiene school.

From first-day nerves to finding the right office fit, we cover everything new grads wish someone had told them before starting. Whether you’re just entering private practice or a few years in and still finding your rhythm, this one’s packed with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement.

We discuss:

• What to expect in your first year as a new grad
• How to find an office that supports you (and your ergonomics!)
• Building confidence and learning to ask for help
• Managing time, burnout, and the steep learning curve
• Why your education doesn’t stop at graduation
• The importance of networking, continuing education, and staying curious

If you’re a new grad, this one’s for you!

To watch on Youtube, click here

Episodes mentioned in this podcast:

 Top Tips on Thriving in Dental Hygiene School

About Melia

Connect with Melia:

@hygieneedge

@meliardh

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. 

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
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💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
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Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Melia Lewis, MEd, RDH, co-founder of Hygiene Edge, to talk all things dental hygiene students. From dealing with perfectionism to navigating stress and keeping perspective, Melia shares her top five tips to help students not just survive, but thrive in hygiene school.

We discuss:

• How to handle self-doubt and negativity while in school
• The importance of kindness and professionalism with instructors
• Top 5 student tips that make a big difference
• The value of honesty, networking, and reading your syllabus!
• Using video learning and social media wisely in dental hygiene education
• Why learning never stops once you graduate

💡 Whether you’re in school, teaching, or supporting a student, this one’s packed with relatable insight and encouragement.

About Melia


Connect with Melia:

@hygieneedge

@meliardh

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.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️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 Misty Mattingly, RDH—Chief Dental Hygiene Officer, innovator, and host of Hygiene Happy Hour—to talk about innovation in dentistry and her latest project, SmileSip, the fluoride-free drink that’s reshaping preventive oral care.

We discuss:

• How innovation and technology are helping dentistry “catch up” with the science
• The science behind SmileSip and how it supports oral and gut health
• The role of xylitol and prebiotics in reducing plaque and neutralizing pH
• How SmileSip helps with dry mouth, halitosis, oral irritation, and erosion
• The SmileSip affiliate “SIPPster” program for hygienists
• Using SmileSip for kids, military, and mobile dentistry outreach

To watch on YouTube, click here

About Misty

Connect with Misty:

Instagram: @hygienehappyhr @mistyangel72

Podcast: Hygiene Happy Hour

Website: mistymattingly.com

SmileSip: SmileSipUSA.com

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. 

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️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, Stephanie sits down with a former military dental hygienist (who has chosen to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of her previous employment) to share an inside look at how dental care works within the military system.

This open and informative conversation explores how the military dental model operates — from patient classifications and readiness requirements to the structure of the Prophy Tech (X2) program that inspired today’s Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA) discussions.

You’ll learn:

• How dental care is structured within the military
• What “readiness” means and how it guides patient care
• The training and responsibilities of Prophy Techs (X2s)
• Benefits and challenges of this system
• How this model influences the future of dental care access
  
  

➡️ Tune in for a balanced look at the military dental system — and what we can learn from it as the OPA model continues to evolve.

Click here for OPA episode

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. 

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️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. Joe Damiani, PT, DPT, who has worked with over 1,000 patients struggling with persistent TMJ disorder, dizziness, headaches, and neck pain. We dive deep into how posture, ergonomics, and the nervous system all play a role in chronic pain—and why traditional treatments often aren’t enough.

You’ll learn:

• Why TMJ, neck pain, dizziness, and even brain fog are more connected than you think
• How the nervous system can keep you “stuck in a loop” of pain
• The role posture and ergonomics play in jaw and neck issues
• Simple exercises for relief and strategies to retrain your nervous system
• Why dentists and hygienists need better tools for assessing TMJ beyond night guards
  
  

✨ Dr. Joe also shares details about his Revitalization Program, offering a systematic approach to lasting relief. Use code STEPH  for a discount off your membership.

About Dr Joe

Connect with Dr Joe:

@drjoedamiani on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube

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. 

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️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. Priya Mistry, also known as The TMJ Doc, to dive deep into TMJ and TMD. Dr. Mistry shares her journey from general dentistry to running a TMD-only practice and breaks down what every clinician (and patient) needs to know about this complex disorder.

We discuss:

• What TMJ/TMD really is and how it’s diagnosed
• The difference between a night guard and an orthotic
• Disclusion time reduction therapy (DTR) and why it’s a game-changer
• Self-care strategies for patients with TMD
• How sleep apnea, posture, and tongue posture tie into TMD
• What clinicians often get wrong about TMJ care
  
  

✨ Dr. Mistry also shares her insights on Botox, posture, and myofunctional therapy, plus where clinicians can learn more.

About Dr Priya Mistry

Connect with Dr Mistry:

@the_tmj_doc = IG & TikTok

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.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
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Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Crystal Spring, dental hygienist, public health advocate, and founder of Smiles Across Montana. Crystal shares her journey of bringing minimally invasive dentistry to underserved communities and what it really takes to integrate medical and dental care.

We talk about:

• How SDF, glass ionomers, nanofluoride, and Curadont are changing dentistry
  
  
  
• The challenges and opportunities of working in public health and mobile care
  
  
  
• Why training nurses, assistants, and community health workers matters for access to care
  
  
  
• The debate around dental workforce shortages and expanding roles
  
  
  
• The importance of medical-dental integration for diabetes, airway health, and overall wellness

👉 Whether you’re curious about healing over drilling, expanding access to care, or how oral health ties to overall health, this episode is packed with insights.

About Crystal

Connect with Crystal:

Instagram: crystallovesdental, smilesacrossmontana 

Facebook: Crystal Nelsen Spring, Smiles Across Montana

Linked In: Crystal Spring

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. 

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup

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

Bullying in dentistry isn't always obvious—but it's real, it's damaging, and it's more common than many realize. In this powerful episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Alan Stern joins me to talk about professional bullying in the dental field—from subtle jabs to outright disrespect—and how we can respond with assertiveness, kindness, and emotional intelligence.

We discuss:

• What bullying can look like in clinical and corporate dental settings
• Gender dynamics & power structures
• Real-life role play examples of how to address conflict with curiosity
• Red flags during working interviews and how to spot toxic culture
• Social media bullying, online professionalism, and protecting your mental health

And so much more!

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, disrespected, or devalued in dentistry—this one is for you.

To watch on YouTube, click here

About Alan

Connect with Alan:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/betterricherstronger

Instagram: @dralanstern

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

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

To connect with me:

🦷Polished Posture Membership
➡️Instagram
💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
💌Newsletter signup