There’s a big difference between FDA approval, registration, and compliance—and most whitening reps don’t get it. This week’s episode breaks down the facts behind the label and why “approval” might actually be a red flag.

00:00 – Intro: “Are my gels FDA-approved?” Trend or truth? 01:01 – Cosmetic vs dental gels: what you can (and can’t) use 02:10 – The red flag of “FDA approved” claims 03:20 – Medical-grade gels vs cosmetic scope (the real difference) 04:15 – Rach’s “Ask Them” theory – get receipts or walk away 05:08 – What FDA & Health Canada actually regulate 06:04 – Facility standards, compliance & why your gel is still safe 07:05 – What to actually ask your supplier instead of “FDA approval” 07:55 – Why overselling “FDA approved” makes you look sketchy 08:30 – Final mic-drop: Stop the false trends

Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

🎙️ Whitening Wednesday - Season 5, Episode 6: How to Get More Bookings

In this episode, we talk about why August is the real start of the end-of-year business rush — and how to lock in more bookings before 2026 hits. From making your booking process ‘dummy proof,’ to adding Buy Now, Pay Later options, to cutting your chair time, this is your blueprint to keep your calendar full.

You’ll hear real stories of talented providers losing clients due to friction, learn exactly how to simplify your packages, and get actionable marketing tips (including a genius mailer trick) to reach the right clients.

⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro – Why August feels like the business year-end rush 00:58 – Sponsor shoutout: Fern Whitening Supplies – top supplier for busy clinics 02:02 – Reflecting on your season so far: what's working, what's not 03:05 – Mark Cuban truth: a business isn’t a business without sales 03:45 – Step 1 – Make booking easy and ‘dummy proof’ 04:05 – Two real-world examples: talented providers losing clients due to booking friction 06:10 – Why you must have a website, Google profile, and booking link 07:52 – Overcoming objections: ‘extra fees’ vs client convenience 09:02 – Quick-start tools: Square, Shopify, Fresha, GlossGenius 10:15 – Keep packages simple: one full service, one take-home 12:05 – Step 2 – Add a Buy Now, Pay Later option 13:15 – How BNPL works and why it boosts sales by 30–45% 15:45 – Addressing provider concerns: fees, credit checks, and refunds 17:30 – Real-world Fern results from BNPL usage 18:12 – Step 3 – Reduce chair time for higher profits and happier clients 20:30 – Premium gel vs cheap gel: why faster is more profitable 22:02 – 2026 planning: audit what's working, budget for new marketing 23:15 – Marketing tip: use Canada Post/USPS mailers for high-income households 25:05 – Final recap – The ‘Flawless Three’ for more bookings: easy flow, split payments, short chair time

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Most whitening gels used in North America are peroxide-based. Let me repeat that: peroxide-based. If you haven’t already, go listen to our other episodes where we explain why terms like plant-based, organic, and all-natural don’t actually apply when peroxide is involved.

So now that we’re on the same page, here’s my hot take: I think this is a trend—and here’s why…

00:00 – Intro: Truth or Trend – Let’s Talk Pregnancy & Whitening 00:22 – What is “plant-based peroxide”? Reminder: it’s still peroxide. 01:24 – Why there's no research proving it's safe for pregnant women 02:05 – Ethical barriers to pregnancy trials in cosmetic services 02:45 – What health boards actually say (hint: it’s not “approved”) 03:15 – pH levels, formulation impact, and oral changes in pregnancy 03:47 – Gingivitis, gum sensitivity, and why it might hurt more 04:30 – Ingredient review and our 3-step client education approach 05:25 – Can pregnant clients whiten? Yes—but here’s how we do it 06:30 – The “Show Me Theory” – stop accepting fluff marketing 07:10 – Why informed consent matters more than a sales claim 07:55 – Final thoughts: protect your biz, protect your client 08:30 – Outro: Share this with every provider who needs a reality check 💅

Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

Ever been confused by whitening gels labeled as hybrid, blended, or 30/5 and thought… what the hell does that even mean? Is it stronger than your 20% hydrogen peroxide—or weaker?

This week on Whitening Wednesday, we break down the science (and the math) behind blended gels so you can stop guessing and start whitening with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just getting started, this episode will clear the fog and help you make smarter choices in your treatment room.

Real examples, peroxide breakdowns, and a dose of shade for anyone still saying “blended gels don’t work.

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Thanks to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies

Is 44% carbamide peroxide one of the strongest gels on the market? Nope. In this Truth or Trend episode, we explain why 44% CP is often misunderstood, how it compares to hydrogen peroxide, and what role it actually plays in cosmetic vs. dental-grade whitening services.

00:00 – Intro: What people think 44% CP actually means 01:22 – Why CP percentages must be divided by three to compare with HP 02:23 – What makes a product cosmetic vs. dental grade 03:29 – When 44% CP is appropriate for self-admin vs. provider method 04:15 – Why CP shouldn’t be your premium chairside whitening option 04:45 – Final thoughts: Know what you’re working with before charging dental-grade rates

Thank you to our sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

🎙️ Whitening Wednesday - Season 5, Episode 4: From Side Hustle to Smile Sealer With Mallory, Founder of Glowing Grins & SmileSealer You don’t have to quit your 9–5 to build something big—and Mallory is proof.

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Mallory, a dental hygienist turned whitening clinic owner and product creator. We dive into how she scaled Glowing Grins from mobile side hustle to brick-and-mortar, her retail-first mindset, and the launch of SmileSealer—a enamel barrier that’s changing the game for health smiles throughout North America.

We talk real retail stats, client behavior, custom packaging vibes, and why your whitening room should feel like a wine bar. Oh—and how to stop dampening your client’s results with a laundry list of aftercare rules. 🛍️ If you’re not retailing yet, you will be after this episode.

⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: From Charleston with shine ✨ 00:26 – Meet Mallory: Hygienist turned whitening entrepreneur 01:46 – Glowing Grins started as a travel side hustle 03:40 – The transition from part-time to full-time whitening 04:27 – Inside her studio: 2 chairs + strong retail shelves 05:25 – Retail strategy: 100% of clients walk out with something 07:08 – Why your whitening biz should be a one-stop shop 08:05 – Branding magic: Self-Pour & Top Shelf treatment names 10:00 – Customization: self-admin vs provider method 11:41 – Gingival barrier on everyone—no matter what 13:28 – 4 years of whitening & what led to SmileSealer 14:27 – The ‘white diet’ dilemma + client frustration 16:16 – What is SmileSealer? (Spoiler: it’s sunscreen for teeth) 17:11 – Texture, taste, and how it feels on enamel 18:13 – Reapply before eating — not a one-and-done fix 19:52 – Other products failed: why this one makes clinical sense 20:52 – SmileSealer dominates Mallory’s retail sales 22:53 – How to wholesale SmileSealer for your own studio 25:39 – 120 uses per tube?! 26:35 – Shipping available to Canada, USA, and worldwide 28:10 – Where to follow Mallory & claim your discount

🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🛍️ Check out our sponsor: www.fernwhiteningsupplies.ca 🔗 Mallory’s businesses:

• @‌glowinggrins

• @‌smilesealer

Is a high LED bulb count the secret to better whitening results? Nope. In this Truth or Trend episode, we explain why bulb count is just a marketing tactic, what actually matters when it comes to whitening machines, and how to choose a system that delivers safe, effective results.

00:00 – Intro: What suppliers keep promoting about LED machines 01:04 – What LED light actually does during whitening 01:52 – Why more bulbs doesn’t mean more power 02:39 – How excess bulbs can cause overheating and fake results 03:29 – Why arch reach matters more than bulb count 04:15 – The truth about take-home lights with high bulb numbers 04:45 – Final thoughts: What to actually look for in a whitening light

Thank you to our Sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies.

🎙️ Whitening Wednesday - Season 5, Episode 3: Tooth Shades vs Tooth Abnormalities: Never Guarantee Results

Not all teeth are created equal — and your whitening results shouldn’t be either. In this episode, we dive into the difference between natural tooth shade variations and abnormalities like erosion, attrition, and bruxism that impact results.

You’ll learn why some clients just don’t hit B1 (and shouldn’t), how to spot structural red flags, and how to confidently educate without diagnosing.

We’re putting an end to the “guaranteed results” myth and giving you the clinical context you actually need to run a safe, ethical, and results-driven whitening business.

🧬 Genetics, 🥤 consumption habits, 🦷 wear and tear — it all matters.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Why whitening isn’t one-size-fits-all 00:30 – Confused about tooth hue? You're not alone (yellow, gray, red?!) 01:58 – Sponsor shoutout: Fern Whitening Deluxe Home Kit 02:59 – Why guaranteeing results is a giant industry red flag 03:45 – Tooth anatomy 101 (beyond enamel and dentin) 04:28 – The two biggest factors: genetics vs consumption 05:28 – Real examples: hypodontia, extra teeth, developmental differences 07:08 – The truth about gray hues, translucency, and bruxism 09:45 – Why non-invasive ≠ simple 11:07 – Case study: yellowing at the gum line and what it really was 13:30 – Reminder: You’re not expected to know everything 14:37 – Pro tip: Get a hygiene textbook and learn the signs 15:25 – One darker tooth? Let’s talk jaw function and habits 16:27 – Another client case: gray teeth, stress, and clenching 18:46 – Final reminder: safe brightening > fake results 19:38 – Just say it: “I can’t guarantee results — every tooth is unique.” 20:33 – Your job: exfoliate, bleach, activate, extend — ethically.

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Is drinking water before a whitening session the secret to preventing sensitivity? Nope. In this Truth or Trend episode, we explain why that advice is false, what really causes sensitivity, and how to prep clients properly for a safe, effective whitening session.

00:00 – Intro: What trainers are telling providers to do 01:04 – What actually causes whitening sensitivity? 01:52 – Teeth don’t store water—how hydration works in the mouth 02:39 – Why dehydration isn’t bad (in controlled amounts) 03:29 – Clinical study: Dental dam dehydration = brighter teeth 04:15 – If water fixed sensitivity, dentists would already use it 04:45 – Final thoughts: Stop telling clients to drink water—it’s not helping

Thank you to our Sponsor Fern Whitening Supplies

Thinking of launching a teeth whitening business this year? Don’t make the mistake of skipping the essentials. In this episode of Whitening Wednesday, Rach breaks down the 2025 landscape for new whitening providers — including legalities, licensing, self-admin vs tray-based methods, startup costs, marketing realities, and how to know if the business fits your lifestyle.

Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck after a rocky launch, this episode gives you the real talk you need before throwing more money at another startup kit. No fluff. Just facts.

🎧Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

00:00 – Intro Why we’re going back to basics in 2025 and what inspired this episode.

00:39 – The Problem with Fast Starts Why so many new whitening businesses crash within 4–6 months — and the red flags to avoid.

01:22 – The Reality of Entrepreneurship Instagram says 3 clients = 6 figures. Let’s debunk that real quick.

02:10 – A Personal Note from Rach Hinting at a brand-new business under the U Whitening umbrella 👀

02:55 – Fern Whitening Supplies Sponsor Segment Why Fern’s startup kits are built for long-term success — not just the hype.

03:51 – Legalities: Canada vs. U.S.

• Canadian rules for cosmetic whitening (spoiler: you’re good to go)

• The truth about U.S. dental boards, laws, and why you must check your state policy

06:20 – What is Self-Administered Whitening? Explaining how it works, how it differs from take-home kits, and why it matters legally

08:10 – Tooth Gems & Why the Law is Murky The wild legal double standards in North America — why Acid Etch is allowed in DIY kits but chairside whitening gets heat

09:06 – Be Careful Where You Get Your Info Facebook groups vs. real education — why so many providers are misinformed

10:59 – Tray-Based Whitening is a Scam The science behind why tray-based methods suck (and why patients should never pay for them)

11:46 – Recap: Legalities, Insurance, Infection Control How to make sure you're covered, from handwashing stations to IPAC

13:35 – Market Research 101 How to assess your local competition, map your radius, and figure out where you fit

16:49 – Pricing Strategy Why you don’t copy competitors, how to factor in chair time and supplier costs, and how to price with intention

18:28 – What If a Competitor Uses the Same Brand? How to differentiate when you're using the same products — and still price competitively

19:23 – Lifestyle Fit Check Is your current lifestyle compatible with running a business? (Endorphins vs. execution)

20:54 – The Sales Psychology Behind Startup Kits Why most sales reps push hard in 24 hours — and what that means for you as a buyer

22:44 – Why Are You Really Starting This Business? For the money? The purpose? Or just spite because Susan down the street offers whitening?

24:11 – The Truth About Getting Clients Marketing is the hardest part. Period. Let’s talk visibility, effort, and reality.

26:34 – Budgeting & Revenue Examples What your startup might really cost, how many clients you need, and how long before you break even

29:02 – Slow Growth is Normal Why 6-month payback timelines are reasonable — and what to expect along the way

30:43 – Product Cost ≠ Business Startup Budget Why $3,400 in equipment is not enough — you need a real marketing budget too

31:39 – Work with a Financial Advisor Planning properly and working with experts will save you money (and your sanity)

33:11 – Real Supplier Support What your supplier should be able to answer — and when to run the other way

33:51 – Behind the Scenes: Rach’s New Startup Domain names, branding, tone of voice, financial planning — the actual backend work

35:30 – Curated Instagram vs. Business Reality The six-figure graphs don’t show the work it takes to get there

36:14 – The Pattern of Burnout Why most new providers ghost after 3 months and what you need to do differently

37:08 – Daily Effort Matters What “trying” actually looks like in 2025 — and how to show up consistently

37:56 – Time to Market = Part of the Job If you can’t commit to marketing daily, you’re not ready for this business

38:46 – Final Tips on Budgeting + Accountability Hold yourself accountable before investing — and map out a realistic plan

39:38 – Final Words You’ve got this — just don’t let the endorphin hype sell you a pipe dream. Let’s build a real business.

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Check out our sponsor: www.fernwhiteningsupplies.ca