Dental leadership isn’t failing because people don’t care; it’s failing because we forget we’re human.

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with practice management consultant Kristin Haynes to talk about empathy, burnout, and the unseen emotional load carried by dental teams and doctors alike.

This conversation is for dental hygienists, dentists, practice owners, and educators who feel the tension between clinical excellence, business pressure, and human connection.

Kristin Haynes is a consultant, speaker, and founder of KH Productivity Management, where she helps dental practices achieve growth with clarity and confidence. Through her signature Assessment to Clarity Framework™, Kristin guides practices to optimize three essential pillars: People Clarity to align team roles and leadership; Operations Clarity to streamline systems and increase efficiency; and Valuation Clarity to position the business for scalable growth or successful transition.

With over 25 years of deep experience in dentistry, Kristin is a trusted partner for doctors navigating expansion, adding associates, or preparing for a future sale. Her clear, actionable approach equips leaders with the structure and strategy needed to move forward decisively.

You’ll hear why:

If you’ve ever felt like you had to “wear the mask” at work, this episode will resonate.

Join the conversation: What does empathy look like in your practice, and where do you wish it showed up more?

www.khpromanagement.com

www.linkedin.com/in/khpm

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this episode, Dr. Kelly sits down with Krystal Afzalzada, a Canadian RDH, educator, and CE speaker who works at the intersection of:

🧠 Aging & dementia

🦷 Oral health & prevention

🤍 Fear, empathy & advocacy

They talk about:

Krystal Afzalzada is a Registered Dental Hygienist, educator, and speaker with a passion for advancing oral healthcare through empathy, education, and interprofessional collaboration.

With experience teaching in post-secondary dental programs and developing continuing education focused on aging populations and cognitive health, Krystal brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to leadership, communication, and care. Her work bridges clinical practice, education, and advocacy, helping professionals better support patients, caregivers, and one another.

👇 Tell us in the comments:

Connect with Krystal:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystal-hurteau-rdh

https://www.instagram.com/krystal.afzalzada.rdh/

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Many adults think orthodontics is just about straight teeth—or that it’s “too late” to start.

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with orthodontic hygienist and educator Liisa Moore to discuss why adult orthodontics is about far more than appearance.

They dive into:

Whether you’re a dental professional or a patient, this episode will shift how you think about orthodontics—and prevention.

She is a published author with articles in Oral Hygiene and Oh Canada Magazines, earning her a Reader’s Choice Award nomination. Outside the operatory, she is a Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates Mat instructor, and Healthy Eating and Weight Loss Coach.

Although Liisa loves to travel, she is a true homebody who enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and her dog. 

www.rdhu.ca

LISA MOORE's PODCAST: rdhCanada

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

What really happens behind the scenes of a successful CE speaker?

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with oral pathology expert Dr. Ashley Clark to talk about the evolution of oral pathology, digitized slides and AI, and the unspoken realities of life on the lecture circuit—from shoes and slide advancers to ethics, sponsorships, and being scouted without knowing it.

A candid, funny, and insightful conversation for dentists, educators, and aspiring speakers.

Dr. Ashley Clark is a board-certified oral pathologist who lectures nationally and is on several professional boards.

https://www.camplaboratory.com/

https://www.rarebirdspeakers.com/our-speakers

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this powerful episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner and Tia Meyer break down one of the most overlooked yet transformative systems in dentistry: the handoff.

From the moment your patient walks in the door to the final scheduling step, every touchpoint is an opportunity to build trust, create value, and strengthen case acceptance.

Tia S. Meyer, RDH, is a clinical hygienist and the Clinical Director for a 11- location dental group, where she leads training, operational excellence, and team development across South Dakota and Nebraska.

She is an active advocate for the dental hygiene profession at both the state and national levels and is known for her leadership in building empowered teams, elevating patient care standards, and integrating innovative clinical workflows.

Tia is also a speaker, mentor, creator behind the One Day at a Time leadership brand, focused on inspiring growth in dentistry and beyond.

If you've ever wondered why patients say “Do I really need this?” after the doctor leaves — this episode is your breakthrough.

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this unforgettable episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Dr. Jacob Dent — a dentist, father, educator, and fierce advocate for inclusive dentistry.

From a high-school comment about “steady hands”…

to losing TWO dental offices to natural disasters…

to raising a son diagnosed with autism at age two…

Dr. Dent’s story reshaped not only his life, but the future of special needs dentistry.

Book Dr. Dent:

Visit Rare Bird Speakers to bring him to your next meeting or event. https://www.rarebirdspeakers.com/our-speakers

https://www.specialneedswarriordoc.com/

Visit Rare Bird Speakers to bring him to your next meeting or event.

https://www.rarebirdspeakers.com/our-speakers

https://www.specialneedswarriordoc.com/

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Lynn Pencek, RDH, MS—speaker, educator, implant maintenance expert, and former long-time clinical rep—for a deep dive into the evolution of a dental hygiene career that began at age six and led to national speaking, implant education, ergonomics advocacy, and business leadership.

Lynn shares her inspiring journey from early fascination with dental health, to hospital-based hygiene, to ergonomics education with Orascoptic, and later diving into the complex world of implants with Nobel Biocare. She talks about navigating steep learning curves, mentorship, transitioning into corporate dentistry, and why implant maintenance and chemistry compatibility have become her mission today.

Lynn Pencek brings a unique balance of industry knowledge and clinical experience. As a member of the Nobel Biocare team, she helped dental implant teams bring in new technology and develop efficient workflows. Being a Dental Hygienist, Lynn wanted to unravel the common questions and misunderstandings dental hygienists have about implant care and maintenance. Lynn is the founder of Practice at Your Best, she can be reached at [email protected].

Whether you’re a practicing hygienist, dental professional, educator, or someone exploring career growth in dentistry, this episode is packed with clinical pearls, career wisdom, and real talk about how to pivot, evolve, and stay passionate in this profession. 

www.practiceatyourbest.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnpencek/

https://www.facebook.com/lynn.minni

https://www.facebook.com/LynnPencekRDH/

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

This episode features Jodie Cantarelli, A.A.S, RDH, DipAdEd, as she shares her journey from aspiring 15-year-old dental enthusiast to accomplished dental professional and leader. Learn how mindset, asking for help, and knowing your worth can transform your career in dentistry.

Jodie Cantarelli is a results-driven clinical operations leader with strong expertise in the DSO space. She brings proven success in project management, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. Known for her ability to lead teams, streamline processes, and drive clinical excellence, she excels in managing change and implementing effective organizational improvements.

With a background in adult education, Jodie is also a dedicated trainer and mentor who empowers teams through high-quality instruction and coaching. Her innovative problem-solving skills, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any forward-thinking healthcare organization.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jodiecantarelli

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Brad Hughes, a third-generation dentist, entrepreneur, and mentor, to talk about what truly drives success in dentistry — leadership, empathy, and connection.

They dive into:

If you’ve ever struggled with balancing patient care, leadership, and personal growth, this episode will reignite your “why.”

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bdhughesdds

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

Dr. Brad Hughes is the Founder & CEO of Vision Dental Partners, a rapidly growing dental group with 9 locations across Indiana and South Carolina. Under his leadership, VDP was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies and recognized by Group Dentistry Now as one of the “Emerging Groups to Watch” in 2025—cementing its place as a rising force in the dental industry.

A third-generation dentist, Dr. Hughes proudly follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. For over 18 years, he has blended clinical excellence with entrepreneurial grit. A graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry, he is deeply passionate about building high-performing teams, developing leaders, and helping others grow both personally and professionally.

Dr. Hughes’s entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive continue to shape not only his expanding dental group, but also the broader conversation around what’s possible in dentistry when culture, leadership, and execution align.

Join Dr. Kelly Tanner as she talks with Lisa Moore, a passionate dental hygienist from Ontario, Canada, whose career journey went from hygiene school to orthodontics and now education.

In this episode, Lisa opens up about:

This episode is filled with real insights, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to grow in their dental career.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liisa-moore-855b9b240

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com

She has been a registered dental hygienist since 2006. Throughout her career, she has worked in private practice, an oral surgery office, and even owned her own clinic, though her primary focus has been in orthodontics. Recently, she became a QA portfolio coach with RDHU and designed a course for dental hygienists focused on orthodontics—an area she is deeply passionate about presenting.

In addition to her dental career, she is a certified personal trainer, healthy eating and weight loss coach, and Pilates instructor. In 2019, she launched her training business, NOW Fitness, with a mission to help clients achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle rather than follow restrictive “diets.”

She offers one-on-one and group coaching to help dental professionals build strength and resilience to extend their careers. Her programs are designed around real life and realistic goals, ensuring that anyone can achieve lasting success.