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 Lynn@PracticeatYourBest.com.

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:

• Why empathy and soft skills matter more than technology
• How to lead your dental team with intention and culture
• Overcoming burnout, ego, and comparison
• Building resilience and confidence as a clinician and leader

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:

• The reality of dental hygiene education in Canada
• Why orthodontics became her calling
• Balancing work, family, and personal growth
• How investing in yourself changes everything
• Her transition to teaching and co-hosting the RDH Canada Podcast

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.

In this episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Dr. Gary Ratz to explore how mentorship and mindset shape stronger, more connected dental teams.

Discover how authentic leadership, clear communication, and a culture of trust can help your team thrive — plus actionable insights you can apply in your own practice today.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• Building trust and connection within dental teams
• The power of mentorship in dentistry
• Leadership mindset for long-term success

Website: https://www.coloradosleepapnea.com/meet-dr-gary-radz.html

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. Gary Radz maintains a private practice, Cosmetic Dentistry of Colorado, in downtown Denver. His full time general practice focuses on cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Radz is a graduate and former chief resident of both AEGD and GPR residency programs. He has completed and been an associate clinical instructor for several post-graduate dental education institutions.

Over the course of the last fourteen years Dr. Radz has lectured internationally, teaching the materials and techniques used in cosmetic dentistry. He has presented at many of the major national dental conventions, and in 2006 he has been invited to be the presenter for the ADA's Post Session meeting in Las Vegas. He has published over 130 articles on cosmetic dentistry, and serves on the editorial board of 7 dental publications, including the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry and has served as Editor-in-Chief of ACEsthetics and Mentor magazines .

In 2003, he was the program chairman of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s annual meeting. He will assume the same position for the AACD's 2011 meeting in Boston. In 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 he was listed in Dentistry Today's "Top Clinicians in Continuing Education" . He has also been listed in 5280 Magazine for "Denver's Best Dentists", and served as a contributing editor for Denver's "BLOOM" magazine.

Dr. Radz served for 10 years as an evaluator for Reality Publishing and is a clinical consultant for numerous dental manufacturers. In working with dental manufacturers, Dr. Radz has contributed in the evaluation and developement of dozens of dental products. He had the original idea, and worked on the developement of the first automix composite resin build up material, LuxaCore, LuxaCore Dual, and LuxaCore Z by Zenith/DMG. In conjunction with dental manufacturers he has provided the photography and written the instructions for use of 5 different dental products.

His photography has been published on the cover of five different dental journals and he has provided photography of educational and promotional purposes to dental manufacturers and dental laboratories. Recently, his expertise in photography has lead him to be invited to provide promotional photography for local profession sports teams cheerleaders and dance teams, as well as photographing for an online swimsuit catalogue.

Dr.Radz has served as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in the Department of Restorative Dentistry since 2004.

In this inspiring episode of The Dental Handoff, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Kelly Swanson-Jaecks — past ADHA President and global dental leader — to explore the power of connection, growth, and belonging in the dental hygiene profession.

A professional speaker, published author, and breast cancer survivor, Kelli travels all over the world captivating audiences and speaking with healthcare and corporate professionals who are burned out, stressed out, and maxed out.

Focusing on health and wellness issues, her presentations combine dynamic and information-rich experiences that energize audiences at events of all sizes. She brings high energy, humor, and ‘real talk’ to her presentations and is adept at customizing her messages to your audience.

Together, Dr. Kelly and Kelli discuss: ✨ How professional relationships shape career success 🌍 Global perspectives on dental hygiene and therapy 💡 Mentorship, advocacy, and leadership growth 💬 Actionable advice for every stage of your dental career

Whether you’re a student, educator, or practicing hygienist, this episode will reignite your passion for leadership and lifelong learning in dentistry.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that empower dental professionals!

https://kellijaecks.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

Welcome back to The Dental Handoff, where we bridge stories of purpose, growth, and innovation in dentistry.

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Alicia Murria, an inspiring dental hygienist turned entrepreneur, author, and educator. From surviving a career-changing accident to creating Hygienists for Humanity and publishing her powerful book “They Don’t Make Awards for This,” Alicia shares her heartfelt journey of resilience, leadership, and redefining what it means to care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why dental hygiene chose Alicia — and how she found purpose beyond the chair
• How she turned challenges into opportunities for impact
• The power of saying “no” and trusting your intuition as a professional
• Her upcoming CE Zoom program Hands On Demand and how it’s changing hygiene education

“Trust yourself. Delegate. And know what you’re saying yes to.” — Alicia Murria

https://aliciamurria.com/media-page/

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