Straight Up With Steph

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.  

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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!

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 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 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 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.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

🌟Click here for my operator positioning course

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

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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 significant lifestyle changes.  

🌟Click here for my free intro course

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 To connect with me: 

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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 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

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
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💻My Website
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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 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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🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

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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 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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 To connect with me: 

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by dental hygienist and educator Kristin Evans to learn more about what is known as the silent killer: osteoporosis. That’s right! Osteoporosis is not just a condition reserved for “little old ladies.” Rather, it’s a serious disease (that affects both men and women) that requires attention much earlier in life – as early as your 30s. 

Kristin shares with us her personal experience with being diagnosed with osteoporosis, the risk factors associated with this disease, noting that these factors often overlap with periodontal disease, and what we can do now to start protecting our bones and muscular health. She also offers insights on implementing early screenings in the dental field to identify potential systemic concerns.

One of the standout topics is the role of dental clinicians in preventive health care, emphasizing the opportunity to use CBCT scans and other technologies to screen for bone health issues. Lastly, we touched on a controversial topic, which is the impact of GLP-1 medications on bone density. 

As dental health professionals, we have the unique opportunity to contribute to our patients' overall health and well-being by extending our focus beyond the teeth and gums, fostering an integrated approach to health care.

About Kristin Evans:

Kristin Evans BS, RDH graduated from Idaho State University and has been a clinical Dental Hygienist for over 30 years. Kristin expanded her career and became a Professional Educator in 2019 and an Independent Speaker in 2022. She loves educating Dental Professionals so they can understand their role in improving patient health outcomes. Kristin is passionate about researching oral health, functional nutrition, bone health, and the oral-systemic connection. She is professionally known as “The pH RDH” due to her passion for pH neutralizing and promoting health. She enjoys sharing her insights with others through collaborating with dental magazines, podcasts and study clubs. Her goal is to change lives with simple strategies and powerful education by bridging the gap between mental, physical, and oral health. Kristin’s greatest joy is being Gram K to her four grandchildren.

Connect with Kristin Evans:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: [email protected] 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Dr. Doug Lucas [Optimal Human Health MD]

Fitness with PJ [YouTube]

Dr. Ben Bikman [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

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

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Have you ever wondered what the tongue tells us about our overall health? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Lani McBeth, an expert in tongue mapping and holistic dental hygiene, to unpack a unique corner of the dental world: how we can use tongue mapping to open the door for comprehensive patient care. 

Not only does Lani unpack what tongue mapping is and what the different areas of the tongue can show us about our overall health, she also shares real patient stories where her expertise and referrals shed light on imbalances in different organ systems. She also leaves us with advice on how to talk to patients and their primary care doctors about what we’re seeing on their tongue. 

The oral systemic link is something my podcast guests and I have been talking a lot about lately, and that’s because it is so important. We, as dental clinicians, want to be seen as healthcare providers, not just tooth scrapers. And really, it's conversations like these that are going to elevate us in the eyes of our patients that we are healthcare clinicians.

About Lani McBeth:

Lani McBeth is a renowned Prevention Strategist, Clinician, Speaker, Author, and CEO of OWL: The Oral Wellness Link. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Northern Arizona and continued her education there, becoming a licensed Expanded Functions Hygienist. With a commitment to lifelong learning, Lani has completed over 900 advanced courses spanning business development, medical and dental coding, holistic and biologic dentistry, and nutrition. Lani takes a unique, integrative approach to dental care, bridging Western and Eastern medicine to uncover the vital connections between oral health and overall wellness. She is dedicated to improving clinical practices and patient outcomes nationwide.

Connect with Lani:

[email protected] 

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Links Mentioned:

Tung: Tongue Brush

Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine

Ayurvedic Tongue Diagnosis

Pocket Atlas of Tongue Diagnosis

The Pathology of Dental Infections: and Its Relation to General Diseases

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

🌟Click here for my courses + club memberships

 To connect with me: 

🦷Polished Posture Club
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💻My Website
📨Email: [email protected]
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