Straight Up With Steph

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Dr. Tony Stefanou for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the future of dentistry. Our industry is rapidly evolving, and dentistry as we know it is changing by the day. Dr. Tony brings a unique perspective, combining years of clinical experience with deep involvement on the business side of dentistry, which makes him the perfect guest to unpack some of the major changes happening within our profession right now. 

Together, we tackle a b...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Kevin Henry, a longtime advocate, speaker, and journalist for dental assistants, as we break down the new role being introduced in dentistry, the OPA (Oral Preventive Assistant). Together, we have a real and honest conversation about what this new position means for dental assistants, why it was created, and the real impact it could have on dental teams everywhere. 

Kevin and I break down not only the basics of what the OPA rol...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by dental hygienist and anesthesia educator Tina Clarke to tackle questions and controversies sweeping the dental community over anesthesia. We cover everything from the new expansion of dental assistants’ roles, allowing dental assistants in some states to administer local anesthesia, the social media backlash Tina received as a result of this, practical tips for tricky injections, and guidance for how to stay ergonomic while working. 

Together, we unpack what it means for patient care...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Tom Viola, a renowned pharmacologist and nationally recognized speaker, to dive into the world of GLP-1 medications– think Ozempic, Wegovy, and the rapidly growing black market alternatives becoming more common. Tom unpacks how these drugs work, why they’ve become so popular, and some of the lesser-known (and scary) side effects popping up.

Tom and I dig deep into the history of diabetes management and the unintended– but highly effective– weight loss side effec...

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Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling on your phone, procrastinating on your to-do list, or feeling completely drained after work, and chalked it up as the usual side effects of adulthood and overwhelm? There might be something bigger going on. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Jenna Free, an ADHD therapist and coach (who lives with ADHD), to unpack the reality of adult ADHD and mental dysregulation, especially as it shows up in dental clinicians. 

Jenna shares her...

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Did you know that dental reimbursement rates and deductibles have not increased since the 70s? It’s no wonder that dental insurance is such a loaded topic in our profession. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by my friend and fellow dental hygienist, Bethany Montoya, to unpack the complexities and confusion surrounding dental insurance. 

In our conversation, Bethany and I dive into the complicated history behind dental insurance, clarifying what it was originally designed for versus how it operates today...

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Have you ever considered breaking into the world of professional speaking, but weren’t sure if you were qualified or didn’t know where to start? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I bring Jasmin Haley, a dental hygienist, educator, speaker, and entrepreneur, onto the podcast to share how she transformed her passion for impactful education into a thriving speaking business and how you can do the same!

Jasmin and I dive into common misconceptions around speaking, the practical steps it takes to bec...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Samantha Coxe, the creator and founder of Flaus, the first-ever electric flosser. As a lawyer and not a dental clinician, Sam brings a unique advantage point to her invention with a patient-first perspective. Flaus has received recognition on shows like Shark Tank and LIVE with Kelly and Mark, as well as publications like Time Magazine and Oprah. Flaus has also received the award for TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions. 

In our conversation, we un...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by dental hygienist and educator Kristin Evans to learn more about what is known as the silent killer: osteoporosis. That’s right! Osteoporosis is not just a condition reserved for “little old ladies.” Rather, it’s a serious disease (that affects both men and women) that requires attention much earlier in life – as early as your 30s. 

Kristin shares with us her personal experience with being diagnosed with osteoporosis, the risk factors associated with this dis...

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Have you ever wondered what the tongue tells us about our overall health? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Lani McBeth, an expert in tongue mapping and holistic dental hygiene, to unpack a unique corner of the dental world: how we can use tongue mapping to open the door for comprehensive patient care. 

Not only does Lani unpack what tongue mapping is and what the different areas of the tongue can show us about our overall health, she als...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Mark Burhenne, famously known as “Ask the Dentist,” and I are diving deeper into the hot topic debate of fluoride vs. nano-hydroxyapatite. 

With the rising controversy over the use of fluoride, Dr. Burhenne shares his insights on the systemic issues with fluoride, its potential toxicity concerns, and why nano-hydroxyapatite is undoubtedly the better choice for oral health. We explore what it means to be a functional dentist and how this holistic approach can change the landsca...

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In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to bring you a special bonus episode of Straight Up With Steph, where Susan Cotten, a returning podcast guest, seasoned dental hygienist, and oral cancer specialist, presents a masterclass in oral cancer education. 

This year, it’s estimated that about 59,660 Americans will be diagnosed with either oral or oral pharyngeal cancer. That’s over 160 Americans diagnosed every single day.  

Susan joins us in sharing the four pillars of her Cotten Method for oral cancer s...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Marc Liechtung and I are unpacking the critical role that hygienists play in dental practices and the dynamics within the hygiene department. The sad truth is that hygienists are often underestimated and undervalued, focusing more on their daily production than their full value and potential. 

Dr. Marc Liechtung, an experienced dentist and dental practice owner, has seen firsthand the role that hygienists play in bridging the gap between the patient and the front desk, as wel...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Kathryn Gilliam and I are tackling one of the most pressing challenges faced by dental hygienists today: time management. While the expectations of dental hygienists keep growing, the time we have to meet these expectations is not, leaving many of us overwhelmed and on the verge of burnout. 

As a time management coach and dental hygienist herself, Kathryn is a wealth of knowledge and shares her top tips for time management including: using the 20-20-20 app...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, certified biological hygienist Kristen King joins the podcast as we explore a fascinating yet underutilized tool: dental microscopes. She shares her expert insights on how to incorporate a microscope into your practice, what training looks like to introduce this new tool, and how you can use it to enhance patient participation in their oral health and, thus, grow your practice. 

After having the opportunity to step into biological dentistry and see firsthand how mic...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth (aka Dr. Jen, Founder of Dr. Jen Natural) to unpack a hot topic in dentistry: nano-hydroxyapatite vs. fluoride. With controversy over fluoride arising, Dr. Jen introduces an alternative to remineralization and enamel protection by using nano-hydroxyapatite. 

After her daughter developed C. diff following prolonged antibiotic use, Dr. Jen set out to create a clean and effective solution for dental health that her daughter could use. This resulted in the lau...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Sade Morel, another dental hygienist who made the leap from traditional practice models, outlines her path to building an independent dental hygiene practice in California. 

Driven by the desire for autonomy and frustration with outdated business models limiting hygienists, Sade knew she wanted more from her career. After overhearing about a unique program that supports hygienists working outside of traditional dental offices, she knew exactly where she was headed and now supports others doing the same. 

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, dental hygienist and entrepreneur Jazmine Chavez shares her insights into breaking off from the norm and opening up an independent practice. With changes to legislation and the future of our profession shifting as we speak, I wanted to bring on a guest who can shed light on the options that are out there for dental professionals. 

After working as a dental hygienist for many years, Jazmine decided to embark on a pioneer journey and open her own...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by returning guest Alyssa Aberle to take a closer look at the Dental Access Model Act, specifically looking at the Certification of Oral Preventive Assistants (OPA) section as introduced by the American Dental Association (ADA). We unpack what this is, what it means for the future of our profession, and what we, as practitioners, can do about it. 

Alyssa, a seasoned dental hygienist, has been at the forefront of discussions around legislation that cou...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Melissa Groves Azzaro and I are unpacking the intricate relationship between nutrition, exercise, and hormonal balance! She dives into conditions such as PCOS and perimenopause, as well as shedding light on some of the root causes of fatigue, acne, weight gain/ difficulty managing weight, and hair loss. 

As an integrative and functional women’s health dietitian, Melissa’s focus is finding the root cause of the conditions impacting us, not just slapping a generic bandaid on what sh...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Dr. Laura Brenner, a dental career coach, to unpack something I get asked about often: how to make the shift to a career outside of the operatory. While I did this myself, I had a natural calling to ergonomics so the transition felt seamless. But this isn’t the case for everyone. After 10 years and a rollercoaster of emotions, Laura made the necessary leap from her dentistry job and now helps others do the same...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Teresa Power to explore how better sleep can transform overall health and well-being. Drawing on her experience with oral appliances and sleep education, Teresa shares actionable tips on improving sleep hygiene, recognizing sleep disorder signs, and optimizing rest with the right sleeping positions and bedding materials.

Sleep impacts every aspect of physical and mental health, yet common issues like poor rest or disorders are often overlooked. Teresa’s insights will empower dental profes...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, brain health expert and dental hygienist Anne Rice returns to dive deeper into brain health. This time, we tackle stress, depression, and loneliness—key factors often overlooked in cognitive health.

Anne shares how elevated cortisol from stress impacts the brain and offers mindfulness tips like yoga, meditation, and journaling to manage it. She also highlights the links between depression, Alzheimer’s risk, and the harmful effects of loneliness. Plus, she explains why multitasking does more harm than g...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Hannah Hutson and I are unpacking the number one reason people avoid taking the first step to bettering their health– there is just too much overwhelming and conflicting information out there!

Hannah is a no-B.S. fat loss coach who, after healing her own relationship with food, became determined to help others do the same, helping clients reach their goal fat-to-muscle ratio in a sustainable way so they, too, can feel good in their bodies!

Sh...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Tina, a dental hygienist, educator, and entrepreneur who has built an impressive career both in and out of the operatory.

We dive into her journey into teaching, the transition from classroom to online platforms, and how her clinical skills have translated into successful business ventures.

Tina shares her expertise in certifying dental hygienists in local anesthesia, her thoughts on assistants in Oregon administering local anesthesia, the boundaries she’s learned to s...

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In this episode, I chat with Sarah Thiel, the co-founder of CE Zoom, about her incredible journey building a successful CE tracking platform from scratch. 

Sarah shares how she started with zero business experience, tackled technical and entrepreneurial challenges, and navigated the unexpected opportunities and hurdles brought by the pandemic. 

We dive into her insights on networking, the joys and struggles of entrepreneurship, and her advice for aspiring business owners. 

Sarah also discusses CE Zoom’s impact on dental professionals and exc...

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 In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, we dive into the inspiring journey of Janet, a trailblazing dental hygienist who combined her passion for holistic health and mobile care to create a thriving practice.

Janet shares her background in dentistry, how she built her company from the ground up, and the unique services she offers to patients. She also provides insights on elevating dental hygiene practices, the challenges of mobile care, and the importance of allowing hygienists more time with patients.

Whe...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, we dive into the often-overlooked topic of menopause and its impact on women's health, especially for those balancing demanding careers like dentistry.

I share my personal experience navigating menopause and offer insights into recognizing perimenopause symptoms, managing hormonal changes, and understanding treatment options like hormone replacement therapy.

We also cover topics like genitourinary health, pelvic floor health, and breaking the stigma around women's health.

Tune in to empower yourself with knowledge and pr...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, we dive into the journey of a hygienist turned entrepreneur who’s making waves with her mobile dental business. Shelley shares her favorite parts of being a dental hygienist, the ins and outs of launching a mobile practice, and how she navigates patient care challenges.

We also explore the importance of oral health advocacy in care facilities, collaboration for restorative treatment, and her passion for spreading knowledge through Hygiene Edge.

Whether you're considering mobile dent...

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Join us for a deep dive into the career journey of Lynn, a trailblazing hygienist who’s leveraged her clinical skills in unique and impactful ways. 

From her insights on networking effectively to navigating common issues with vision and loupes, Lynn shares valuable advice for clinicians at every stage. 

We'll also debunk myths about implants, explore the essentials of speaking confidently, and discuss how to transfer clinical expertise into new ventures. 

Whether you're aspiring to improve your communication skills or broaden...

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In this episode, Jess shares her journey from dental assisting to becoming an educator and content creator. We discuss the importance of assistants and hygienists working harmoniously, her thoughts on assistants scaling, and solutions to the current hygiene shortage. 

Jess also dives into her path toward founding Hygiene Edge, advice for aspiring educators and content creators, and why building a supportive community is key to professional growth. 

Don’t miss this insightful episode with Jess from Hygiene Edge, packed with practical tips for de...

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In our latest episode, Steph and Alyssa Aberle tackle a significant shift in the dental field: the ADA's recent resolution that allows internationally-trained dentists to work as hygienists in the U.S. without a board exam.

The conversation starts by questioning the impact of this decision on dental care standards and what we, as professionals, can do to address any concerns. Alyssa stresses the importance of being an active member of professional associations, especially now, and explores the role these organizations play in advocating fo...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I catch up with Whitney, known to many as Teeth Talk Girl! We explore her journey through dentistry, her passion for battling healthcare misinformation, and how her entertaining videos blossomed into a thriving business.

Whitney also shares why she’s working toward a doctorate, how she deals with negativity on social media, and the purpose behind her unique merchandise.

Whether you're an aspiring creator or curious about the behind-the-scenes life of a dental influencer, this...

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In this episode, Machele takes us on her journey into life coaching, sharing how she transitioned into this empowering field. We dive into the challenges of imposter syndrome and explore whether the thoughts we tell ourselves are actually true. Machele also gives practical advice for those navigating new career opportunities and provides insights on overcoming the habits of people pleasing. Tune in for her tips on how to stop beating yourself up and learn more about the transformative programs she offers.

If you’ve ever...

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Ever wondered how dental clinicians can expand their careers into aesthetics? On this episode, Katie takes me behind the scenes of her journey into neuromodulators, covering both the cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

We discuss what makes dental professionals a great fit for this field, the steps to certification, and why lip fillers hold a special place in Katie’s practice.

Tune in to discover the exciting potential of this career path!

About Katie:
Katie Barrer is a Registered Dental Hygi...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Rafael, a dental hygienist who has navigated non-traditional roles in dental hygiene, from working in DSOs to coaching other hygienists. Rafael shares his journey, how his role as a hygiene coach makes an impact, and the challenges and opportunities he has faced as a male in the industry.

If you're curious about non-traditional hygiene roles or what it's like to be a male in a female-dominated industry, don't miss this episode!

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In this episode, I sit down with Susan to discuss her personal injury journey and the crucial role disability insurance plays in protecting one's financial future.

We dive into key topics such as understanding disability insurance, the importance of policy portability, taxable vs non-taxable policies, and why getting coverage early can make all the difference.

Whether you're considering insurance or already have policies in place, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your options and secure your income.

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In this episode, I sit down with Anne, a brain health expert and dental hygienist, to explore the essential topics surrounding cognitive well-being.

We break down the differences between Alzheimer’s, dementia, and general cognitive decline, dive into the risk factors contributing to these conditions, and share practical ways to protect brain health.

From reducing inflammation to tips for talking to patients about cognitive health, and the critical role of exercise, sleep, and mental health in preserving cognition, this episode offers valuable insi...

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In this special episode of Straight Up with Steph, I sit down with my former boss and friend, Dr. Brett Kessler, the American Dental Association's President-Elect.

We dive into his goals for his presidency, with a focus on wellness for both patients and dental professionals.

Dr. Kessler opens up about his personal journey with substance use disorder (SUD), shedding light on the unique challenges faced by dental clinicians.  As someone who has also begun to share my own story, this conversation is esp...

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In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with a fellow dental hygienist and entrepreneur Rachel Wall, who has built her own company dedicated to elevating hygiene teams and systems in dental practices.

We dive into the importance of understanding the business side of dentistry, resolving the rising tension between practice owners and hygienists over wage increases, and how implementing new systems can be the solution both sides need.

We also discuss the growing trend of assisted hygiene and th...