In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anh Makkar — dentist, wellbeing educator and founder of Makkar Wellbeing — to explore a powerful theme as we wrap up the year: reflection.

In this conversation, we dive into why looking back can actually move us forward: how reflection fuels growth, how self-judgment can be transformed into self-compassion, and what mindset shifts help young professionals handle failure, feedback, and the pressure to “get it right.”

We’ll unpack evidence-based habits that truly build mental fitness, from simple daily practices to practical strategies for rebuilding resilience when you’re feeling burnt out or behind, and the one question she believes everyone should ask themselves before stepping into a new year.

Resources and Links:

⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠

Follow Makkar Wellbeing  ⁠@makkarwellbeing

Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠

Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠

Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist 

Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, we sit down with Larelle Bradley, an experienced Dental Hygienist who has navigated a unique career path. From hands-on clinical care to a career-impacting injury that led to the world corporate dentistry and back to clinical practice once more.

We explore:
💬 Larelle's background as an Oral Health Therapist and what first drew her to the profession
🏢 The inspiration behind her transition from patient care to corporate roles in CRM and lead management
🔍 What working in CRM and lead management really involves within a global dental implant company
⚙️ The biggest challenges she faces in her current role
🩺 Her experience with the AHPRA re-registration process — including unexpected hurdles and helpful insights
🔄 How time in the corporate world changed her appreciation for clinical work
💡 And the valuable transferable skills that flow both ways between clinical and corporate roles

Whether you’re a dental professional considering a career pivot, or simply curious about how clinical expertise translates into business success, this episode offers honest reflections and practical takeaways from a career that bridges both worlds.

Resources and Links:

⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠

Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠

Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠

Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist 

Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

What happens when your passion for helping teams and dental professionals takes you beyond the dental chair? In this episode, Danielle Hammond an Oral Health Therapist and Work Health and Safety Business Partner at Abano Healthcare Group, shares her personal journey of growth, courage, and reinvention.

From hands-on patient care to building safer, healthier workplaces, she reflects on the transferable skills, lessons learned, and challenges faced while redefining what it means to care.

Whether you’re in healthcare, considering a career pivot, or just love a good story about purpose and change — this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace new possibilities within the dental industry!

LINKS:

⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠

Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠

Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠

Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist 

Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, we’re joined by Hannah Thompson, an Oral Health Therapist working with the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, or BACHS, in remote New South Wales.

She shares what drew her to BACHS, and gives us a look at what a typical week looks like in her role. 

Hannah speaks openly about the importance of building trust, promoting culturally safe care, and connecting with patients in ways that honour their values and lived experiences.

And if you're a dental professional thinking about working in remote or Aboriginal health—Hannah offers practical advice and encouragement to help you take that first step.

This is a powerful conversation about purpose-driven care, cultural sensitivity, and the impact one clinician can have in community health.

Resources and Links:

Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical

Follow Hannah Thompson @theoutbacktoothfairy

Follow Emma Cubis @emma.cubis

Follow Talk Dental to Me

Subscribe on Youtube for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist

Sign up for the Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, we're talking about moving countries, navigating paperwork, and building a new career across the ditch.
And to walk us through it, we’re joined by Ruby Mills —a New Zealand–trained Oral Health Therapist who has been living and working in Australia for the last few years. 
In this episode, Ruby shares  what that transition really looked. She dives into the AHPRA registration process—from paperwork and radiology certification to indemnity insurance and everything in between.
Ruby breaks down the cost, what was required, how long it all took, and whether she faced any unexpected challenges or delays along the way.

She shares her experience job-hunting in a new country, pay and biggest professional adjustments she’s had to make since relocating.

Remember this is a personal experience so please ensure you conduct your own research and contact the relevant bodies for more information or clarification on your individual circumstances.

LINKS:

Ergoloupes from Byron Medical

Follow Ruby @dentalwithruby

Follow Emma @emma.cubis

Subscribe to Emma's Youtube for other helpful videos for clinicians, VLOGS, Q&A and more!

In this episode, I’m honoured to speak with Andrea Wilson, a dental hygienist who has been battling cancer and has been incredibly generous with us to share her chemotherapy journey in hopes to help others going through the same. 

Her hope is to also share with fellow dental colleagues  management tips, symptoms to be aware of, her own personal challenging symptoms and products that have helped her.

And remember, this episode regards a personal experience so if you are going through similar circumstances please always double check with your medical practitioners if anything mentioned today is right for you.

Thank you so much for listening to this episode  - share it with a peer or a friend so Andrea’s message can inspire even more individuals.

Don’t forget to Subscribe on whatever streaming platform you listen on so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you have any questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, Issy, a Swiss trained dental hygienist, opens up about her fascinating journey—from chairside dentistry to her current role as Education Manager at Curaprox Australia, and everything in between.

We explore how clinical skills translate into leadership and innovation in the world of oral health education. Issy shares what it really means to manage education at Curaprox,  her role as an iTOP course host, helping professionals across Australia master the art of individual prophylaxis. 
If you’ve ever wondered how far your clinical career could take you—or how to tap into your unique skill set to carve out your own path in dentistry—you don't want to miss this episode.

LINKS:

Issy's Instagram- @issy.loestcher

Learn more about Curaden Academy HERE

Book an iTOP course HERE

Emma's Instagram - @emma.cubis

Invest in your health and learn more about Byron Medical Ergoloupes

Online, on demand CPD courses with T⁠alk Dental to Me⁠

Emma's Youtube - VLOGS/behind the scenes of a non conventional dental professional

In this episode, we’re speaking with someone who’s taken a bold and inspiring leap — from scaling teeth to scaling implant solutions.

Thomas Clark-Otton spent many years building career as an oral health therapist, building a strong foundation in patient care and preventative dentistry and now pivoted into navigating the cutting edge of surgical technology and digital workflows, working as an implant solutions specialist with Straumann Australia. 

In this episode, we’ll explore how he made that transition, what it's like working on the industry side of dentistry, and the skills that helped him bridge the clinical-to-corporate gap.

Whether you're curious about career pivots, passionate about implants, or just love a good story — you’re going to want to stick around.

Subscribe to be the first to know of new episodes:

Follow Emma on Instagram: @emma.cubis

Follow Thomas on Instagram: @thomas.straumanngroup

For behind the scenes of non-clinical dental adventures (trade shows, conferences, working with dental brands), clinician advice, Bachelor of Oral Health information, VLOGS, follow Emma on Youtube !

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to take dentistry on the road? Imagine trading a traditional clinic for a fully equipped, high-tech dental bus—bringing care directly to the people who need it most. Well, in this episode, we’re diving into the world of mobile dentistry with someone who’s done just that!"

"In this episode, I’m sitting down with Yung Starling of Starling Mobile Dental care-  a dental clinician and entrepreneur who didn’t just think outside the box—they built a clinic on wheels! We’ll talk about what it takes to engineer a fully functional mobile dental unit, the challenges and rewards of treating patients on the go, and why this model might just be the future of accessible dental care."

"Whether you’re a dental professional curious about mobile practice, looking for inspiration, or just someone who loves hearing about innovative ways to deliver dentistry, this episode is for you!"

Resources & Links

⁠🔗 Reach out to Yung at Starling Mobile Dental Care

🔗 ⁠Join the 2025 Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠

📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at [email protected]

🔔 Subscribe & Follow

Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform and leave a review! ⭐

👉 Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠, for the latest information!

In this episode, we dive into the world of health promotion and oral health therapy with Shelley Pham. As a Health Promotion Lead and Oral Health Therapist, she plays a crucial role in educating communities, advocating for better oral health policies, and providing hands-on care.

We explore:
✅ What a Health Promotion Officer does and why it matters
✅ The dual role of being an Oral Health Therapist and a Health Promotion Officer
✅ The impact of oral health education on public health
✅ Career pathways and advice for aspiring healthcare professionals

Resources & Links

🔗 Sign up to the Everyday Habits for Healthy Little Smiles newsletter
🔗 For any questions about DHSV programs, healthpromotion@dhsv.org.au
🔗 Join the 2025 Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership

📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at [email protected]

🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform and leave a review! ⭐

👉 Follow us on Instagram, for the latest information!