Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Recap with Irene & Vic as Madam Vic has new credentials, but what will Irene do now that their plan to graduate together was crushed? 

Vic graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion program from George Brown College (yes, the same one Irene was denied admission to, despite a lengthy appeal process.)   

We chat all about her journey, course load and length. 

If you’re considering this program or one like it, you’ll want to hear Vic’s experience as a student, including:

▪️Career opportunities with a dental hygiene degree

▪️What to consider if you want to teach 

▪️Balancing studying while working full-time

▪️Would Irene have done well in this program if she were accepted?

We also talk about Irene, what's she going to do now. MBA perhaps? 

This episode of the Tooth or Dare podcast is sponsored by Philips Sonicare. Their innovative products, including electric toothbrushes with 62,000 brush movements per minute, help dental professionals meet diverse patient needs, from teeth whitening to gum health. 

For more information, visit the Philips website at www.philips.ca or comment below if you have any questions about their products. I'll happily answer! 

📲 Questions or Episode Topic Requests?

@toothlife.irene — Check the top 3 pinned posts to access the download and leave your questions in the comments.

We'll be answering them in upcoming episodes!

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. 

Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

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WAIT... AM I GOING BLIND?

"Irene, If things continue, you'll have vision loss."

"I thought I was here to get a cleaning... I mean, new glasses!" 

After a routine eye exam, I left with more than just a new prescription; I walked out with a moment of clarity and panic.

While I was distracted wondering how much my insurance would cover for new sunglasses, the optometrist said something that stopped me cold:

"Your eyes are 200% worse this year than they were last year."

It wasn’t vague. It wasn’t sugar-coated. It was direct, backed by a scan, and paired with a clear treatment plan. If I didn’t follow through with the exercises, medical devices, and recommendations, I could face long-term vision loss. Simple. Clear. Urgent.

And it hit me: this is exactly what patients need from us in the dental chair, clarity without judgment, and a transparent, actionable path forward.

In this episode of Op Talk, Vic and I explore how that one appointment reshaped the way I approach communication and education in my operatory. We often expect compliance, but fail to deliver the kind of information that actually empowers patients to act. If they don’t understand the problem, they won’t prioritize the solution.

👂 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

How visual aids help patients truly understand their condition

Why does using measurable data hit harder than subjective language

The real reasons patients delay action or ignore recommendations

Why do they wait for scheduled visits to bring up concerns

The surprising power of printed or written take-home tools in a digital world

🔗 Resources:

📥 Download the free educational resource discussed in this episode:

https://toothlife.ca 

📲 Questions or Episode Topic Requests?

@toothlife.irene — Check the top 3 pinned posts to access the download and leave your questions in the comments.

We'll be answering them in upcoming episodes!

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment.

Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things:

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3 

Follow on Social Media:

_______________________________________

💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene

https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene 

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu

https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene

https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene 

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife

https://www.instagram.com/toothlife 

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio

https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio 

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast 

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree

https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE 

Dear Dental Hygienists,

Respectfully, if you're scaling alone during your SRP, you likely could be doing it better...

In this episode, Irene and Vic go 5-7mm deep into the Perio Rabbit Hole, sharing the why behind a standardized SRP protocol and how shifting your mindset can improve both clinical consistency and patient care.

Have you ever found yourself hesitating during a treatment recommendation, wondering if insurance, patient “vibes,” or financial concerns might hold them back? Irene shares her turning point in the operatory when she realized how external influences were clouding clinical decisions. This inspired the creation of a free downloadable perio resource, designed to support clarity, confidence, and clinical excellence.

Don’t miss these highlights:

💡 How to explain perio therapy to first-time patients, including the one-liner Irene now uses in every case:

“I'm here to present you with options and make suggestions. In the end, you're the one making decisions.”

🧫 The clinical benefits of incorporating oral probiotics into therapy

📊 A closer look at this 2022 study comparing:

SRP alone vs. SRP + Diode Laser + 3% H₂O₂ that results showed significantly reduced bleeding on probing and pocket depths with the adjunctive laser/H₂O₂ treatment. Comment below if you want the study.

Link to that study here: 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8953835/

📅 Why re-eval and maintenance visits should be booked at the time of SRP and not after.

📎 How having a consistent, clear perio protocol can help improve case acceptance and clinical outcomes.

🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast platform

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: Watch it here

📄 Download the free perio protocol resource at toothlife.ca or via the top pinned posts on Instagram at @toothlife.irene.

Leave a comment there with your questions, we’re answering them in upcoming episodes!

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment.

Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things:

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3

Follow on Social Media:

_______________________________________

💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene

https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu

https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu 

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene

https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene 

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife

https://www.instagram.com/toothlife 

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio

https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio 

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast 

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree

https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE 

Xylitol does it all—at least when it comes to fighting cavity-causing bacteria! In Part 2 of Irene’s chat with Epic Dental’s Donald and Monica Bailey, they dive into the science of how xylitol targets Streptococcus mutans while sparing good bacteria. The Baileys also discuss their commitment to education, product transparency, and making it easier for dental pros to help patients maintain oral health.

Learn more & explore the research:

Link to study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23786466/ 

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

 📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things:

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3

Follow on Social Media: 

_______________________________________

💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife https://www.instagram.com/toothlife

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE

Can gum and mints really help with cavities? Science says yes, if they contain xylitol like the ones from Epic Dental!

Joining Irene this week on the podcast are Donald and Monica Bailey, the husband and wife team behind the business. In Part 1 of this interview, hear the story of how Donald started the company, how he met Monica when she was using a competing product, and the amazing synergy that happened when they put their talents together. Their line of xylitol-based products is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with cavities, despite following good dental hygiene, and can benefit young children just starting to develop healthy oral habits as well. Just ask the Baileys’ kids, who are also involved in the family business! Don’t miss this wholesome episode about building on a simple idea, finding the right partner, and work-life balance.

Donald Bailey - Founder and Chief Smile Officer, Epic Dental

Donald has had a passion for peddling tasty treats ever since he was young, as seen from his first venture into the world of business as a 13-year-old: selling candy out of his backpack to his fellow junior high students. When Donald’s having a bad day, his favourite thing to do is read through our most recent customer reviews as a reminder of the difference our product can create. In addition to his work, Donald loves drone photography and stealing a few minutes to play a round of Golf Clash on his phone.

Monica Bailey - Chief of Staff, Epic Dental

Donald’s wife and partner-in-crime Monica is passionate about taking Epic to the next level and loves managing the Epic Team. Monica enjoys making caramel apples and crème brulée, was crowned Mrs. Utah America in 2016, and will never be spotted far from a cold can of Coca-Cola (with fresh lime).

For more information and to connect with Donald and Monica Bailey, check out their social media profiles:

Instagram: @epic.dental

Website: https://epicdental.com/ 

This episode of the Tooth or Dare podcast is sponsored by Philips Sonicare. Their innovative products, including electric toothbrushes with 62,000 brush movements per minute, help dental professionals meet diverse patient needs, from teeth whitening to gum health. For more information, visit the Philips website at www.philips.ca.

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

 📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things:

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3

Follow on Social Media: 

_______________________________________

💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife https://www.instagram.com/toothlife

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE

In this episode of Op Talk, Irene and Vic discuss Scaling and Root Planning (SRPs) and how to effectively monitor periodontal disease progression in patients.

This complex condition can be challenging to manage, but having a clear clinical protocol helps simplify treatment planning and patient education.

We explore key questions, such as:

Plus, stick around until the end of the episode to discover an often-overlooked resource for patients who may require more treatment than their insurance plan can support.

To submit questions and access helpful tools, head over to @toothlife.irene on Instagram and check out the top three pinned posts. Resources are located at the center of each post, and you can ask questions directly in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to visit toothlife.ca to explore an extensive library of resources tailored for dental professionals navigating periodontal care and maintenance protocols.If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment.

Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things:

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3

Follow on Social Media:

_______________________________________

💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife https://www.instagram.com/toothlife

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE

Well, I didn't see this one coming...

In this deeply personal episode, I share the whole story behind my recent academic appeal to George Brown College after being declined admission to the S305 Honours Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion program in October 2024. The original reasoning was that 21-year-old Irene went to the "wrong" school 17 years ago. One that didn't prepare 39-year-old Irene for the academic journey of an online degree completion program.

This episode covers every step of the journey, from the initial application process to receiving the decision and ultimately crafting my formal appeal. I also read the full appeal letter and reflected on what it means to advocate for yourself, especially in an academic setting. Whether you're a dental professional considering a degree completion program or someone who’s ever felt the weight of rejection and the courage it takes to respond, this episode is for you.

Let’s discuss the complexities of higher education, professional growth, and the sometimes nonlinear paths we must take.

What you'll hear in this episode:

Unfortunately, a pathway doesn't exist; worse, one needs to be planned. Other institutions in Canada have the same program without the limitations of where you went to school to achieve the same license by the same accreditation board.

I have thoughts about this and will post a part 2 with them soon.

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️ _______________________________________ 📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3 Follow on Social Media: _______________________________________ 💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene 🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu 💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene 🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife https://www.instagram.com/toothlife 🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio _______________________________________ 🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast _______________________________________ 🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE

"I have TMJ" - Yes, patient... you have two actually.

If you are a practising dental clinician, chances are you’ve encountered patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction - TMD.

In Part 2 of this interview, Irene discusses this tricky disorder with Dr. Tony Urbanek, who specializes in its treatment using wearable custom-made devices.

Tune in to find out what our surgical TMJ doc thinks about the Botox craze. 

Dr. Anthony P. Urbanek DDS, MS, MD

Tony is a double-degree Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He received his DDS and MS in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Indiana and his MD and internship/residency from Vanderbilt. While at Vanderbilt, he held a research fellowship with the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, focusing on laser-induced intrauterine surgery and creating animal models with facial growth anomalies. 

He has been in private practice in Nashville for the past 46 years, focusing on the most complex types of maxillofacial surgery.  

During his long career he founded charity medical clinics in both Haiti and Jamaica  and is proud to have 54 years as a private pilot prompting many “hold my beer” moments. 

Based on 10 years of research, he discovered the common denominator for TMJ/TMD and is now the president and CEO of TMJ Services which has developed  a network of doctors dedicated to the non-surgical solution for this devastating and very common disease. 

Tony’s greatest joy in life is spending time with his three grown children, six grandchildren, one great grandchild and his wife Ann. 

For more information and to connect with Dr. Urbanek, check out his social media profiles:

Instagram: @tmjservicesofbrentwood

Website: https://www.urbanektmj.com/ 

YouTube and TMD Demystified Podcast: @urbanektmjdevice

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

 📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things:

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3

Follow on Social Media: 

_______________________________________

💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife https://www.instagram.com/toothlife

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE

Meet Dr. Tony Urbanek, an oral-maxillofacial surgeon with a list of wild tales as long and varied as his accomplishments in the dental field.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone with more life-changing experiences and storytelling ability than Tony.

Listen all the way to the end for some valuable advice on dealing with difficult people, including patients!

Dr. Anthony P. Urbanek DDS, MS, MD

Tony is a double degree Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with his DDS and MS in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Indiana and his MD and internship/residency from Vanderbilt. While at Vanderbilt he held a research fellowship with the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research focusing on laser induced intrauterine surgery creating animal models with facial growth anomalies. 

He has been in private practice in Nashville for the past 46 years focusing on the  most complex types of maxillofacial surgery.  

During his long career he founded charity medical clinics in both Haiti and Jamaica  and is proud to have 54 years as a private pilot prompting many “hold my beer” moments. 

Based on 10 years of research, he discovered the common denominator for TMJ/TMD and is now the president and CEO of TMJ Services which has developed a network of doctors dedicated to the non-surgical solution for this devastating  and very common disease. 

Tony’s greatest joy in life is spending time with his three grown children, six grandchildren, one great grandchild and his wife Ann. 

For more information and to connect with Dr. Urbanek, check out his social media profiles:

Instagram: @tmjservicesofbrentwood

Website: https://www.urbanektmj.com/ 

YouTube and TMD Demystified Podcast: @urbanektmjdevice

If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️

_______________________________________

 📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things:

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3

Follow on Social Media: 

_______________________________________

💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife https://www.instagram.com/toothlife

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE

Periodontal Probing and Billing deep dive in this episode.

Irene and Vic address probing - a non-invasive, deceptively simple yet fundamental tool for monitoring oral health.

To submit questions and access helpful resources, head over to @toothlife.irene on Instagram and check out the top three pinned posts.

Resources are conveniently located in the middle of these posts, and you can ask questions directly by leaving a comment.

Additionally, visit toothlife.ca to explore a wide range of resources tailored to your needs. If you made it all the way down here, hit a like and share a comment. Until next time, Peace out peeps! ✌️ _______________________________________

📦 Amazon Store with my FAV things: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/toothlife.irene?listId=YLX0271390I3

Follow on Social Media: _______________________________________ 💁🏼‍♀️Personal Instagram @Toothlife.Irene https://www.instagram.com/toothlife.irene

🙋🏼‍♀️Facebook Irene Iancu https://www.facebook.com/irene.iancu

💃🏼TikTok @Toothlife.Irene https://www.tiktok.com/@toothlife.irene

🛒Online Store and Instagram @Toothlife https://www.instagram.com/toothlife

🥼Office Instagram @ToothlifeStudio https://www.instagram.com/ToothlifeStudio

_______________________________________

🎤Podcast @ToothorDare.Podcast https://www.instagram.com/ToothorDare.Podcast

_______________________________________

🔗🌲Cool links in my Linktree https://linktr.ee/TOOTHLIFE.IRENE