Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever thought, “I love hygiene, but I can’t do one more day of being micromanaged,” this conversation is for you. We sit down with Shade, an RDHAP in Southern California, to get honest about what it takes to build an independent dental hygiene practice that actually works, clinically and financially. The goal isn’t to bash dentistry, it’s to prove something bigger: hygienists can expand access to preventive care while building careers with real autonomy. We walk thr...

Send us Fan Mail We talk with Dr. Parul Dua Makkar about losing her brother Manu to a late oral cancer diagnosis and how that loss reshapes her mission to help dental teams catch oral cancer earlier. We share concrete ways to screen efficiently, communicate without fear, and build referral relationships that lead to timely biopsies and better outcomes. • Manu’s story and why late diagnosis happens even for clinicians • Turning grief into education through writing and publishing Life Interr...

Send us Fan Mail Cancer changes the way a mouth feels, heals, and functions—and too often, patients don’t get the guidance they need until they’re in pain. We sit down with hygienist and Side Effect Support founder Jill Meyer-Lippert to talk about practical ways clinicians and caregivers can prevent oral complications before they start. From pre-treatment dental visits to gentle, microbiome-friendly products. We unpack the power of early intervention and compassionate education: short, clear...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what truly sets one dental practice apart from the dozens of others lining "dental row" in your town? Kelly Dugan, certified image consultant and presence expert, shares a refreshing perspective that might surprise you. The secret isn't found in your clinical skills or even your office décor—it's in the subtle nuances of how you and your team show up every day. "When we think about communication, it comes from how we dress, to how our bodies communicate, to how...

Send us Fan Mail Dental professionals seeking flexibility often explore temporary work, but navigating the options between agencies, platforms, and independent contracting can be overwhelming. Shannon Ferguson, owner of Assistance on Call, Colorado's longest-running dental temp agency (est. 1983), pulls back the curtain on what truly matters when choosing a temping path. The conversation reveals how temping can be tailored to fit almost any lifestyle—from the hygienist who travels internatio...

Send us Fan Mail A conversation with Janet Madrid, a veteran dental hygienist who's revolutionizing oral healthcare through her mobile holistic practice. After 46 years in dentistry, Janet discovered her true calling when she established "Hope for Health" – a business dedicated to the critical connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Janet's journey began with a revelation: traditional dental settings rarely address the complex relationship between oral health and ...

Send us Fan Mail Every dental professional knows they should perform oral cancer screenings, but many struggle with confidence in their technique and communication. In this episode with Susan Cotten, creator of the Cotton Method Screening and owner of Oral Cancer Consulting, we explore how to transform routine dental appointments into potentially life-saving encounters. Susan walks us through her four science-based pillars for effective oral cancer screening, beginning with implementing dedi...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Cheryl Calmis, a dental hygienist with 35 years of experience, who shares her journey of evolving from clinical practice to writing and education. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of embracing new technology and networking to overcome burnout, encouraging dental professionals to explore diverse career paths within the industry. • Cheryl shares her 35-year journey in dentistry • Discusses the impact of technology on dental hygiene practice&nb...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the Dental Bun Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Anne Guignon. In our discussion, we cover the vital role of integrating dental care products into everyday practice, enhancing both patient care and professional satisfaction. Anne opens up about the importance of self-care for dental hygienists, urging us all to overcome the guilt of investing in ourselves. With heartfelt reflections on the challenges of the dental profession. Anne's journey is anything...

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt like your workplace is a haunted house, teeming with energy vampires lurking around every corner, waiting to drain your spirit? Join me on the Dental Bun Podcast as I recount my own eerie encounters with those negativity-driven coworkers who thrive on gossip and emotional chaos. Through candid storytelling, I unravel the profound impact these energy vampires can have on our mental and physical health. We will explore effective strategies for setting boundaries and r...