In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the dental handoff to the returning Dr. Uche Odiatu! Dr. Uche Odiatu is a Toronto dentist, author, international lecturer, NSCA Cert Personal Trainer, Cert Yoga instructor and a professional member of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Uche joins Dr. Kelly today to reveal his "3 As" that will magically turn around your chairside experience. Enjoy! Connect with Dr. Uche Odiatu: Website: www.DrUche.com Email: odiatuDMD@gmail.com Insta...
Jul 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 168
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Melia Lewis! Melia Lewis is a dedicated clinical dental hygiene professional with a passion for advancing oral health education and patient care. Currently she practices at Aspen Heights Dental in Highland, UT and is an adjunct professor at Colorado Northwestern Community College. She is cofounder of Hygiene Edge, an online education platform full of helpful tips and tricks to make dental professionals' l...
Jul 08, 2025•33 min•Ep. 167
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Lisa Mayo! Lisa Mayo has been an RDH for 25 years, dental hygiene professor and program director for 13 years, and international CE speaker for 20 years. She is highly published with a full-length textbook entitled Power Instrumentation for the Dental Professional that has been adopted in almost 50% of dental hygiene program in North America since its release in 2023. Lisa has written hundreds of articles...
Jul 01, 2025•40 min•Ep. 166
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Hannah Neumann! Hannah Neumann, RDH, attended Lane Community College, where she received her associate’s degree in dental hygiene in 2011. After working as a clinical dental hygienist for over 10 years, she returned to school and graduated in 2024 with her Bachelor of Science at the Oregon Institute of Technology, with a dental hygiene major and a business minor. Hannah has previously spent time working a...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 165
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Dr. Hugh Flax! Dr. Hugh Flax is a leading expert in cosmetic dentistry , restorative dentistry, and implantology and the creator of “proactive dentistry”. Proactive dentistry is the practice of helping patients increase longevity and quality of life utilizing predictive markers in dentistry. Through digital dentistry, Dr. Flax gives patients the tools to better understand how current conditions have futur...
Jun 17, 2025•36 min•Ep. 164
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Nicole Fortune! Nicole is a registered dental hygienist who has extensive experience in periodontics, providing non-surgical and preventative care. She is a recognized expert in training dental hygienists in areas of periodontics, including dental endoscopy, laser assisted hygiene care and dental implants. Nicole has delivered multiple educational presentations to many dental hygiene schools including, th...
Jun 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 163
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Tama Martello! With over 36 years of experience in the dental industry, Tama has a comprehensive background that began at her father's dental practice, where she started at the front desk. Her career progressed as she became a licensed dental assistant and later completed dental hygiene school. For the past 28 years, she has been a licensed dental hygienist. Tama currently is the CEO and Founder of Martel...
Jun 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 162
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to the returning Charo Earle! Charo has been in the dental industry since 1999 where she has held leadership positions in private practices, DSO's, and GPO's. Currently she is a Dental Officer and COO of a privately owned group dental organization in Michigan. Charo enjoys her roles by leading and partnering with Operations and Clinical Leaders to train, develop, and support team members to achieve personal and professional goals, a...
May 27, 2025•32 min•Ep. 161
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to TERESA DUNCAN! Teresa Duncan's career passion has been focusing on insurance & management issues. She is the author of "Moving Your Patients to Yes: Easy Insurance Conversations" and has contributed annually to the ADA’s CDT Companion Guide. Her podcasts ‘Nobody Told Me That!’ and ‘Chew On This’ are resources for dental leaders. Teresa received her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management. In today's conversation with Dr. Kel...
May 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 159
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Dr. Marc Liechtung! A pioneer in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, the host of Dentistry Beyond the Numbers, and the inventor of Snap-On Smile. Dr. Marc graduated from The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. His interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry led him to invent the Snap-On Smile multi-purpose restorative appliance. In addition to his thriving practices, Dr. Marc has spent the last several years ...
May 06, 2025•34 min•Ep. 158
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist Rachell Wall! Rachel Wall, RDH is CEO and Founder of Inspired Hygiene, a coaching firm focused on elevating hygiene services, systems and profits. Inspired Hygiene strives to help dental teams achieve a triple win with healthier patients, empowered, engaged hygienists and a profitable practice. Rachel is an award-winning educator and has spent the last 30 years serving the industry as a clinical hygienist ...
Apr 29, 2025•30 min•Ep. 157
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist Brooke Sergent! Brooke is a 20 year dental hygiene vet working in private practice. She served on the Colgate Oral Heath Advisory Board and organized a Bright Smiles Bright Future event in her town. She is an inaugural writer for Today's RDH where she not only publishes monthly articles but also has published several continuing education courses, and is a Senior Office Specialist for BURST Oral Care. In to...
Apr 22, 2025•29 min•Ep. 156
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist Shana Iacovino! Educated at the University of Bridgeport and Harcum College, Shane holds a bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene, forming a strong academic foundation for my expertise. Her commitment to the field is reflected in her focus on developing and implementing hygiene protocols that positively impact patient outcomes and practice revenue. At the heart of her approach is a collaborative spirit, worki...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min•Ep. 155
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Dayna Johnson! Dayna Johnson is a dental practice management expert, podcast host and the founder of Novonee, revolutionizing the dental industry through innovation and strategic leadership. With over 30 years of experience, Dayna's impact is acknowledged through significant awards, including "Dentrix Trainer of the Year" in 2022 and recognition as one of the "Top 25 Women in Dentistry" by Dental Products Report. Her presence has...
Apr 08, 2025•34 min•Ep. 154
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Chris Snyder! Chris Snyder is a seasoned full-stack marketer and media manager with over two decades of experience driving business growth and building impactful relationships. Chris is known for his dynamic presence at trade shows, innovative marketing strategies, podcast production, and ability to connect brands with their audiences. Passionate about fostering collaboration and growth, Chris blends creative execution with strat...
Apr 01, 2025•25 min•Ep. 153
In today's very special episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Jo-Ann Jones! A respected thought leader and international, award-winning speaker, Jo-Anne Jones has done over 1,000 presentations worldwide. Jo-Anne is a past honoree of DPR's Top 25 Women in Dentistry and joins the 2025 Dentistry Today CE Leaders for the 15th consecutive year. A 2021 Fellowship Award with the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics was presented to Jo-Anne for her...
Mar 25, 2025•34 min•Ep. 152
In today's very special episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Sheena Hinson! Sheena Hinson is a results driven leader and expert advisor with a passion for solving problems. In addition to expertise in the business of dentistry, Sheena brings 15 years of clinical experience. This is why she firmly believes that you can have an ethically profitable practice that aligns with your mission, core values, and patient care philosophy all while bringing more joy into your workdays. She...
Mar 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 151
In today's very special episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Kandice Swarthout! Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Dental Hygienist. She is a full-time dental hygiene educator in Texas where she teaches community dentistry and research. Kandice is the owner of Inspired Education & Wellness where she is a speaker, writer, and private practice therapist. Kandice is trained in a trauma-focused therapy called Accelerated Resolution ...
Mar 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 149
In today's very special episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Charo Earle! Charo Earle, RDH, BS, MSA, has been in the dental industry for 21 years. In 2008, Charo received a Master’s in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University. In 2001, she received a Bachelor of Science and Certificate of Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit-Mercy. Charo has held many positions within the dental field where she has worked as a Dental Ass...
Mar 04, 2025•38 min•Ep. 150
In today's very special episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to fellow dental hygienist, Caitlin Parsons! Caitlin Parsons is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 15 years of experience and a former chronic pain sufferer turned Certified Yoga Therapist and Ergonomic Consultant. With a deep commitment to the well-being of dental professionals, Caitlin specializes in helping teams prevent, reduce, and manage workplace pain, combat stress, and improve overall health. Her approach ...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 148
In today's very special episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Ryan Rutar! Ryan is the Dental Hygiene Manager of Morning Glory Dental. He knows how to make changes in the hygiene department to really make it profitable. His first time taking over the hygiene department, he increased production by 27% in the first year. His expertise lies in Dentrix software, coding, production pay, creating hygiene managers and effective communication. Ryan is a Past-President of NeDHA, and is a...
Feb 18, 2025•33 min•Ep. 147
In today's very special episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to not one but two past guests and experts in the dental field, Katrina Klien and Abram Whitehead! Katrina Klein RDH, CEAS, CPT has been a prac9cing registered dental hygienist since 2007. She is recognized as an interna9onal speaker, author, compe99ve bodybuilder, cer9fied personal trainer, cer9fied ergonomic assessment specialist, and biomechanics nerd. She is the founder of ErgoFitLife, where ergonomics and fitness a...
Feb 11, 2025•34 min•Ep. 146
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to an expert in dentistry and wellness, Abram Whitehead! Abram spent most of his life around both dentistry and wellness. His grandmother was an instructor at a vocational dental assisting program, his father owned a dental supply company, and his wife of almost 20 years is a dentist. Together, they built a solo GP office that grosses over 2 million a year in a suburb of St. Louis. Abram is a National Champion, and international com...
Feb 04, 2025•33 min•Ep. 145
In today's episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the "dental handoff" to Dr. Elaine Bylis! Dr. Elaine Bylis graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, College Park with a major in Neurophysiology. She was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society upon her graduation. Dr. Bylis went on to attend the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and graduated in 2017. Dr. Bylis received advanced training in cosmetic dentistry from the Nash Institute and was honored to later return to t...
Jan 28, 2025•33 min•Ep. 144
In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the 'dental handoff' to fellow dental hygienist, Erin Haley-Hitz! A native of Nebraska, Erin earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, in 1995. Subsequently, she obtained a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Human Resource Management from Nebraska Methodist College in 2002. Committed to ongoing professional development, Erin pursued additional education in myo...
Jan 21, 2025•35 min•Ep. 143
In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the 'dental handoff' to fellow dental hygienist, Lacy Walker! Lacy Walker is a registered dental hygienist, international speaker, author of the book Choices, and owner of Shared Hygiene LLC, with 25 years of experience in the dental field. She has worked in periodontal, psychiatric hospitals, cosmetic, DSO, and general private and military practices. Lacy is the CE Director for A Tale of Two Hygienists Podcast, a Fellow with AAOSH, and the P...
Jan 14, 2025•29 min•Ep. 142
In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the 'dental handoff' to fellow dental hygienist, Jessica Atkinson! Jessica Atkinson, MEd, BSDH, RDH, cofounder of Hygiene Edge and Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene at Utah Tech University is passionate about all things dental hygiene. Jessica has been in the dental field for 24 years with experience as a front office staff, dental assistant and Dental Hygienist. She has been in education for 10 years. As the COO of Hygiene Edge she seeks...
Jan 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 141
In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the 'dental handoff' to Heather McGuire! Heather McGuire is a transformative leader in the dental industry, with over two decades of experience in driving growth and excellence across both private practices and dental service organizations (DSOs). As Director of Dental Hygiene Development for Seva Dental Team, she excels in building high-performing teams, optimizing patient care, and driving clinical and financial success. A Master certified ...
Dec 31, 2024•32 min•Ep. 140
In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the 'dental handoff' to Gina Hanzel! Gina brings a unique balance of experience between dental education, clinical writing and chair-side dentistry. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a dual bachelor’s in chemistry and biology and later received her Dental Hygiene degree. She brings nearly 25 years of experience in dentistry working in roles as an office manager, consultant and dental hygienist. Gina recently left her 17-year...
Dec 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 139
In this week's Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner makes the 'dental handoff' to Dr. Merlin Ohmer! On Nov. 12, 2023, Merlin P. Ohmer, DDS, MAGD, was installed as president of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Dr. Ohmer, whose service to AGD is extensive and his knowledge about the organization is deep. He served as a board member, continuing education director, vice president and president of the Florida AGD. He also served as Region 20 regional director and as a trustee for Region 20 until h...
Dec 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 138
