Disrupting Dentistry Podcast

Melissa Obrotka, Tabitha Acret

About

Here is the story of two dental hygienists from opposite sides of the world, who became friends because they realized their professional lives were so in sync. One in Australia and one in America both exuding their passion for high-level patient care, both pushing back on legacy dentistry. If you are ready to revolutionize the practice of dental hygiene through science & innovation, then join us as we are disrupting dentistry.

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60 episodes

The one where we talk about writing a children's book

Welcome to the first episode of season 4!!!! On this installment Tabitha talks to Tanya Deacon a dental hygienist in Newcastle Australia on her journey from thought to action. Here about how to take an idea and action it into a finished product! Well done Tanya!

33m
Feb 28
The One About Provocative Issues in Our Profession

In true Disrupting Dentistry fashion, we are kicking off 2024 with an episode that tackles some provocative issues in dentistry head-on with repeat guest Kevin Oshani Lopez.     In this episode, Melissa and Kevin discuss some trending circumstances that US dental professionals face.  One particular topic they tackle is the RDH shortage and how the demand has driven up salaries.  For many, this seems like a good thing, but Mel and Kevs outline how this may negatively impact the profession over time... Dental Post Salary Survey Report   

53m
Feb 19
The One Where We Talk About Part 2 of Periodontal Treatment Planning

In this installment we continue with our chat on periodontal treatment planning. Mel and Tab talk about the importance of a diagnosis and prognosis for patients and, as per usual, some other random converstations and and giggles along the way    This is our last episode for 2023, and we look forward to catching up again in 2024!  

48m
Dec 27, 2023
The one where we talk about creating a natural toothpaste

On this installment we talk to founder Rosi of About 28 functional toothpaste. Rosi is an OHT in QLD and trying to find an effective natural toothpaste was a challange so she made one!!  Have a listen and hear all about the process idea to reality ! about28 https://about28    

55m
Dec 12, 2023
Host Chat: The One About Standard of Care in Perio

In honor of Dental Hygiene Appreciation Month, this Host Chat episode is on Tabitha and Melissa's tackle standard of care in periodontal disease.  During this episode, we explore periodontal disease, assessments, and diagnosis and provide real-world strategies to implement in your operatory or surgery.  Listen in as they discuss establishing the standard of care for periodontal disease treatment in your practice and calibrating within your team.  Exploring evidence-based treatment protocols and patient education.  Stay tuned for the next part of this standard of care in periodontal disease series.  Please subscribe and leave a review!  Keep Disrupting! 

1h 0m
Oct 18, 2023
The One About Cardiovascular Health

This episode discusses the connection between dental hygiene and heart health and how critical the dental hygienist's role is in risk assessment.   Melissa chats with our guest, Tiffany Dillion, as she shares her heartfelt story on why she became an EMT in addition to a Dental Hygienist. Tiffany will inspire you to re-calibrate with screenings we are taught to perform and the link between periodontal disease and heart health. Tiffany shares how critical it is to implement life-saving screenings and how RDH can help prevent heart attacks through proper medical intake, assessments, oral care patient education, and real-world strategies to elevate the care we provide our patients.   Tiffany's company, Scaling Up Innovations, offers BLS courses for dental practices.   Get to know Tiffany: @scalingupinnovations This episode will have you running to purchase a BP cuff and re-integrate this screening into your workflow.   AHA Blood Pressure Categories:  HBP-rainbow-chart-English.pdf (heart.org)    

1h 18m
Sep 05, 2023
Part Two: What's Trending in Dental Hygiene

Miranda Beeson is BACK for Part Two:  What is Trending in Dental Hygiene.  In this episode, Melissa and Miranda discuss the high salary demands from the ongoing workforce shortage and how that impacts the profession.   The high hourly rate demands a high standard of care.   There has been a shift in mindset regarding dental hygiene with the robust scientific evidence of inflammation and the oral microbiome.  People are realizing that it's not just about having a white, pretty smile; oral health is about maintaining overall health.   Melissa and Miranda discuss how dental hygienists are called to begin to emphasize the importance of expanding their knowledge base beyond the conventional methodology in and out of the chair for our patients.   It's an exciting time for dental hygiene as people become more educated and proactive about their oral health!  This episode will leave you inspired to raise the bar in your OP! 

1h 7m
Aug 23, 2023
The One Where Were Talk About Burning Mouth

We enjoyed chatting with Dr. Amanda Phoon Nguyen, an Oral Medicine Specialist, as she shared her clinical expertise in Burning Mouth Syndrome.   Here are some key takeaways: __ __ Go to products: __ __ __ __ Want more from Dr. Amanda? Contact her here:  __ __ Like this episode?  Please subscribe to our show and leave us a review!

58m
Jul 06, 2023
The One About Product Creation

In this episode, we chat with Joseph Hanna, the co-creator of Bumbl Co Toothpaste.  Joseph shared how he and his wife went on this journey to bridge the gap he witnessed in children's toothpaste.  Joseph walked us through how they worked to understand the market and identify a gap their product filled.   Joseph shares everything from idea to concept to formulation, production, branding, packing, and distribution. You want to listen in just for his inspiration about this journey!   Naturally Flavoured Kids Toothpaste - Bumbl Co Oral Care https://bumblco.com.au/ Instagram: Bumbl Co (@bumblco) • Instagram photos and videos

59m
Jun 28, 2023
The One About Coaching

In this episode, we dive into the world of dental consultant coaching. Our returning guest and friend, Miranda Beeson, shared how she transitioned from private practice to a Lead Practice Coach with ACT Dental. In this episode, Miranda shares how as a Lead Practice Coach, she is driven to create opportunities to find value in experiences and cultivate new approaches and insights. A master of communication, Miranda shares her enthusiasm for patient interactions and loves helping others find the power that words can bring to their patient relationships and practice dynamics.   Miranda Beeson, MS, BSDH, has over 25 years of clinical dental hygiene, front office, practice administration, and speaking experience. Miranda graduated from Old Dominion University and enjoys spending time with her husband, Chuck, and her children, Trent, Mallory, and Cassidy. Family time is the best time and is often spent on a golf course, a volleyball court, or spending the day boating at the beach.   Miranda Beeson and ACT Dental Coaching 

59m
Jun 16, 2023
The one where we chat about kids teeth

Join us on our latest installement where we chat with Dr Bethany about her career. We chat about how she has built a business around promtoing oral health and healthy behaviours for children. Dr Bathany is passioante about changing the status of oral health in children and her energy can be heard throughout the podcast. A little about Dr Bethany  * A qualified dentist and teacher, and award-winning children's entertainer, Dr Bethany Fisher has combined her skills on a mission to reduce the alarming rates of decay in young Australians, one toe-tapping tune at a time. Shocked by the number of teeth she was extracting in young children, Dr Bethany's Tooth Tales was born - a fun and interactive musical oral health program for preschoolers that has educated and entertained thousands of children across Australia. * The energetic entertainer uses singing and dancing to teach children about the importance of regular dental check-ups, nutrition for healthy teeth, and optimal oral hygiene. Most importantly, she strives to empower children to be champions of their oral health alongside their parents. *   * http://www.drbethanystoothtales.com/ *   *  

1h 6m
May 31, 2023
The One About Dental Phobias

This Host Chat episode of the Disrupting Dentistry Podcast is Part Two of our Three part series on Dental Anxiety and Phobia.  In this installment, we define the different types of dental phobias and the various techniques and strategies that can be used to help our patients overcome dental anxiety and phobia.  Tabitha and Melissa discuss the prevalence of dental phobia, its impact on oral health, and how many who have dental phobia avoid dental visits altogether.  Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of regular dental visits and highlights the role of dental professionals in helping patients overcome their fears.  We then delve into the different types of dental phobias, their symptoms, how to identify their specific fears and concerns, and how to tailor our approaches to better address these issues.  This podcast will help listeners feel more empowered and confident in caring for dental-phobic patients. Stay tuned for Part Three in this series featuring a new technology to reduce dental phobia! 

48m
May 05, 2023
The One About Technology in Dentistry

Join us on the latest episode for a chat with the fabulous Nicole Fortune about using technology in dentistry. Nicole shared with us her vast experience with lasers and periodontal endoscope and how she has incorporated this into her clinical practice. This episode will leave you a little bit jealous if you don't use this technology but super inspired!  Nicole Fortune  https://nicolefortunerdh.com

54m
Mar 22, 2023
The one where we talk about career development - take 2

Join us for the latest installment where we chat to Dr Melanie Hayes again about career development . We talk about being in a cross roads and what to do next, how to think about our career and what we would like from it  to find out more about Dr Hayes check out the links below  Website: nextstepdentalcareers.com.au Find me on FB or LinkedIn – Next Step Dental Careers Email: nextstepdentalcareers@gmail.com Future events: https://nextstepdentalcareers.com.au/events

1h 4m
Mar 08, 2023
The One Where We Talk About Dental Anxiety

On this episode we have a host chat about anxiety, what is anxiety and how it effects people who are living with it. We discuss treatments, side effects and how it can impact oral health  join us as we try and smash through some of the stigma attached to anxiety and hopefully help make us all a little bit more understanding of those who are suffering 

46m
Feb 24, 2023
The One About the Professional Comeback

THE ONE ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL COMEBACK In this episode, we chat with Jonneal Scott as she shares many of her personal experiences as a dental hygienist returning to the profession, gender inequality, racism, and sexual orientation.  Jonnie is looking to change the way the profession is viewed, and she is leading by example! She proudly proclaims she is a queer black woman and there is space for everyone in the dental profession regardless of race, gender identity or sexual orientation.   We thank Jonnie for her courage and strength to be authentic and vulnerable while raising awareness that we can all bring to our operatories.  Jonneal is here to disrupt the dental profession; we are excited to see how her journey unfolds!      IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW WHERE YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS!   Keep Disrupting! Episode ArtwoRK BY WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING  http://www.apple.com

59m
Feb 14, 2023
The One About an Alternative Career Path in Orthodontics

THE ONE ABOUT AN ALTERNATIVE CAREER PATH IN ORTHODONTICS  In this episode, we chat with Cheryl Dey and discuss her alternative career path as a dental hygienist working in orthodontics.  Over the past ten years, Cheryl has honed her skill as an orthodontic hygienist through her work in one of the leading orthodontic practices in Australia, working at clinics in Adelaide and Melbourne.  She has attended specific orthodontic training around Australia and abroad and is passionate about helping change people’s lives by changing their smiles.  Cheryl chatted with us about how her clinical days are very different from that of a conventional dental hygienist. She shares everything from patient flow to 3D scanning and how she ended on this journey into orthodontics.   This interview will leave you inspired to discover your niche in dentistry.  IF YOU LIKED THIS EPISODE, PLEASE LEAVE US A REVIEW WHERE YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS!   Keep Disrupting!   EPISODE ARTWORK BY WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING

58m
Jan 30, 2023
The One About Menopause

In this episode of the Disrupting Dentistry podcast Tabitha and Melissa tackle the topic of Menopause and how we can support our menopausal women during this time of transition.      The facts of menopause are very eye opening as Tabitha and Melissa review the multitude of symptoms in addition to the oral manifestations of menopause so oral health professionals can identify complications that can correlate with menopause symptoms.  This episode will help raise awareness of symptoms from menopause that manifest in many different ways.  Menopause facts  Crazy Hormones with Michelle https://www.instagram.com/chwmichelle_/

37m
Jan 19, 2023
The one where we talk about red flags in the dental practice

On this episode Tabitha and Melissa disucss what red flags to look for when looking for the perfect dental practice, they chat about some of the red flags they have seen in the dental practice and what questions to ask in interviews 

1h 10m
Dec 02, 2022
The One About Disrupting the Profession

In this episode we get to chat with Kevin Lopez, AKA about being a male in a predominately female profession and cultural racism in dentistry.  Kevin is quiet wise beyond his years in hygiene practice and his story is inspirational.  Kev is here is to disrupt dentistry -  and he is just getting started!  

53m
Nov 08, 2022
Host Chat: The One Where We Discuss Epilepsy

In this episode Tabitha shares her personal journey as her son was just diagnosed and is being treated for epilepsy.  Tabitha and Melissa discuss and learn about the many oral connections to epilepsy and this host chat shares the facts on diagnosis,  treatment and how dental hygienists can aid in specialized care for this patient population.   Thanks for listening!  Please leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts.  Keep Disrupting ;) 

47m
Oct 25, 2022
The One Where We Talk About Brain Health

On this installment of disrupting dentistry with talk with USA based Dental Hygienist Angie Stone. Angie has written the book dying of dirty teeth and is an advocate for oral health in aged care facilities and patients with dementia. On this episode we discuss what is dementia and how we can help prevent and help. This is an important episode  and one not to be missed

1h 5m
Sep 28, 2022
The One for Drug Dependence Day

Drug dependance occurs whne you need on or more drugs to function and dependance can occur in over the coutner, perscription and illegal drugs. On the latest installment of the podcast Tabitha and Melissa discuss drug dependancy satistics, social impact, hospilisations and the health and  oral health impacts for drug dependant patients    

38m
Sep 12, 2022
The one where we talk with the disruptor of orthodontics Dr Derek Mahony

This episode we are excited to be talking with specialist orthodontist Dr Derek Mahony.  Derek Mahony is a Sydney based Orthodontist who has spoken to thousands of practitioners about the benefits of interceptive orthodontic treatment. Early in his career Dr. Mahony learned from leading clinicians the dramatic effect functional appliance therapy can afford patients in orthodontic treatment. He has been combining the fixed and functional appliance approach ever since. His lectures are based on the positive impact such a combined treatment approach has had on his orthodontic results and the benefits this philosophy provides in reducing extractions of teeth. On this episode we talk airways, function, growth, diet and everything inbetween in its relation to orthodotics   

1h 4m
Aug 09, 2022
The one where we talk with an oral cancer Survivor

Join us on this very special spisode where we chat with Theresa Ryan from Australia about her journey survining cancer, As part of Theresa's Journey she had part of her mandible removed, reconstruction surgery and chemptherapy  We chat with her about what her journey was like, the stuggles and emotional toll it took and where she is now Its a very emotional episode but one that all dental professionals should listen to. We hope this helps give a better understanding of what its like on the other side   Thank you Thersea for sharing your story with us

1h 33m
Jul 27, 2022
The One Where We Talk with an Oral Cancer Survivor

Join us on this very special episode where we chat with Theresa Ryan from Australia about her journey surving cancer. As part of Theresa's journey she had part of her madible removed, reconstruction surgery and chemotherpay.  We chat with her about what that journey was like, the struggels and emotional toll it took and where she is now.  Its a very emotional episode but one that all dental professionals should listen to, so that we can get a better understanding of what its like to be on the other side  Thank you Theresa for sharing your story with us 

59m
Jul 26, 2022
The one where we talk about oral immunology

Join us as we chat with Dr Camille Zenobia from the USA. Dr Zenobia is a scientist, innovator and Entrepreneur Her Special interests and Passions include  Oral health, mucosal immunology, microbiome, host-pathogen, infectious disease, skin biology, vaccine, adjuvant, inflammation/resolution, novel therapeutics, scientific writing and communication, project management, clinical design in oral and systemic health and all things Beauty. We have a chat about her amazing career from hairdresser to scientist and the oral microbiome  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34078913/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35677024/ https://ossacare.com/

53m
Jul 10, 2022
The one for Pride Month

Join the Disrupting Dentistry team as we chat with William Carson-Jones ( CJ) an OHT from Adelaide Australia about Pride month and how dental clinicans can be allys to the LGBTQ+ community.  Please remember pride is more than one month and its important we work to be allys to the LGBTQ+ community all year  https://www.mentalhealthhelp.com.au/service-directory/lgbti-services/ https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/resources/

49m
Jun 27, 2022
Domestic Violence Awareness

This is a special episode dedicated to Mackenzie, Tabitha's daughter.  During this episode we discuss what are the different types of domestic violence and how as dental professionals we may be able to help with referrals to other services. Please be aware this is an emotional episode, look after yourself. Thank you to the Dreggs for permission to play "Give myself to you" at the end of the episode today. Please turn it up loud May Mackenzie's memory be a blessing to everyone who knew her and may her tragic death be the catalyst for change Australia  1800 RESPECT https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/family-and-domestic-violence USA https://ncadv.org/resources New Zealand 0508 744 633 Shine Helpline — free from any phone, 9am to 11pm every day. http://0508%20744%20633%20Shine%20Helpline UK https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/domestic-abuse/ Please consider donating to the WOMEN AGAINST ABUSE fundraiser in loving memory of Mackenzie Anderson. Mackenzie Anderson Women Against Abuse Fundraiser  

46m
Jun 14, 2022
The One Filled with Oral Systemic Wisdom for New Grads and Seasoned Hygienists

In this episode Melissa interviews Eileen Prizzi, a seasoned dental hygienist, clinical adjunct professor, and oral systemic extraordinare.   Eileen will drop many pearls of wisdom for the new graduates and seasoned dental hygienits alike.  You will feel inspired after listening to this episode!  Eileen touches on ergonomics, interviewing the practice, going on a "first date" before accepting a job offer, self advocacy  and many more!  https://baledoneen.com/the-baledoneen-method/ https://baledoneen.com/bdm-books/

44m
Jun 01, 2022