In this episode, we sit down with Dr Lora Banicevic to unpack one of the most unspoken realities in dentistry: perfectionism. From the pressure to perform chairside to the fear of complaints, judgement and never feeling “good enough,” this conversation explores the hidden mental and emotional load so many clinicians quietly carry.Together, we discuss the difference between high standards and harmful perfectionism, the culture of “pushing through” in healthcare, and what happens when dentistry starts to become your entire identity. Dr Lora also shares honest insights into burnout, wellbeing, self-worth and how clinicians can begin building a more sustainable and fulfilling career - both inside and outside the clinic.Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, therapist, student or healthcare professional, this episode is a reminder that clinical excellence should never come at the expense of your health.Resources and Links:Follow Dr Lora Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, I sit down with Cassie Cowdroy to talk about one of the most nuanced and underserved spaces in oral health — working with neurodivergent kids and the families navigating it all. Cassie brings a depth of clinical experience and a genuinely refreshing perspective on what it means to deliver care that’s actually useful, not just textbook-perfect.We cover:✦ Cassie’s clinical background and what drew her to paediatric and neurodivergent-focused care✦ How she tailors oral health conversations around diet, brushing, and caries risk without triggering guilt or shame✦ The pressure clinicians face to give “ideal” advice - and what to do when that advice just isn’t realistic for a family✦ Small, realistic behaviour changes that parents actually stick with at home✦ How Cassie’s career goals have evolved and what gave her permission to take a non-traditional path✦ What a truly sustainable dental career looks like - and why that question matters more than everWhether you’re a clinician working with complex paediatric cases, a parent trying to navigate your child’s oral health, or someone quietly questioning what longevity in this profession actually looks like for you - this one is for you.

What if the key to a smoother, more efficient and more harmonious dental practice has been sitting right beside you at the chair all along?In this episode of Talk Dental to Me, we sit down with Rochelle Fisher - founder of Dental Assisting and Beyond. Rochelle has spent her career championing one of the most underestimated roles in dentistry, and this conversation is long overdue.We get into the real, unfiltered conversations that don't always happen inside the practice - and if you work with a dental assistant, manage a dental team, or ARE a dental assistant, this episode is for you.In this episode we cover:What originally inspired Rochelle to create an entire academy around the dental assistant roleWhat dentists most commonly misunderstand about their dental assistantWhat it actually takes to make a dental assistant feel valued in a practiceWhere communication breaks down between clinicians and dental assistants - and how to fix itThe role of respect in front of patients and why it matters more than you thinkHow to give constructive feedback without it feeling like criticism or micromanagementThe ONE thing every clinician could change tomorrow to completely transform their working relationship with their assistant🎙️ About Rochelle Fisher Rochelle Fisher is the founder of Dental Assisting and Beyond, an academy committed to raising the standard of dental assisting through education, empowerment and recognition. With years of experience in the industry, Rochelle is a passionate advocate for the dental assistant role and the vital contribution assistants make to patient care and practice success.🦷 About Talk Dental to Me Talk Dental to Me is the podcast for dental clinicians, oral health professionals and anyone passionate about dentistry, practice culture and continuing professional development. Hosted by Oral Health Therapist Emma, each episode dives deep into the clinical, professional and human side of working in dentistry in Australia.New episodes drop regularly - make sure you subscribe, leave a review and share with a colleague who needs to hear this one.📱 Connect with Rochelle Fisher & Dental Assisting and Beyond Instagram: @dentalassistingandbeyond Website: dentalassistingandbeyond.com.au📱 Connect with Talk Dental to Me Instagram: @talkdental.tome Website: learn.talkdentaltome.onlineSubscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, we’re diving into one of dentistry’s biggest grey zones: TMD and craniofacial pain.It’s an area that sits at the intersection of dentistry, physiotherapy, osteopathy, and pain science - yet it’s often siloed, inconsistently managed, and misunderstood. While most dental professionals receive some exposure to TMD during training, it’s rarely enough to feel truly confident assessing, treating, or collaborating across disciplines. To unpack this complex space, I’m joined by Darron Goralsky, who works on the front line of TMJ and craniofacial pain management. Together, we explore why TMD lives in this professional grey zone, how different disciplines assess and approach these patients and what meaningful multidisciplinary collaboration actually looks like. If you’ve ever wondered where your role ends, where another profession’s begins, or how we can work better together for patients living with TMD and craniofacial pain - this conversation is for you.To take an even deeper dive into TMD, Darron has kindly extended a discount code to our community for the upcoming "5 step TMD Protocol Course" coming up in Melbourne 14-15.03.2026Use "TDTM" when booking and they will honour the early bird discount!Resources and Links:Learn more about Melbourne TMJ CentreSign up for the 2026 ⁠⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠⁠ - use Podcast30 for $30 off!Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Podcast30 for $30 off!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anh Makkar — dentist, wellbeing educator and founder of Makkar Wellbeing — to explore a powerful theme as we wrap up the year: reflection.In this conversation, we dive into why looking back can actually move us forward: how reflection fuels growth, how self-judgment can be transformed into self-compassion, and what mindset shifts help young professionals handle failure, feedback, and the pressure to “get it right.”We’ll unpack evidence-based habits that truly build mental fitness, from simple daily practices to practical strategies for rebuilding resilience when you’re feeling burnt out or behind, and the one question she believes everyone should ask themselves before stepping into a new year.Resources and Links:⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠Follow Makkar Wellbeing  ⁠@makkarwellbeingFollow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, we sit down with Larelle Bradley, an experienced Dental Hygienist who has navigated a unique career path. From hands-on clinical care to a career-impacting injury that led to the world corporate dentistry and back to clinical practice once more.We explore:💬 Larelle's background as an Oral Health Therapist and what first drew her to the profession🏢 The inspiration behind her transition from patient care to corporate roles in CRM and lead management🔍 What working in CRM and lead management really involves within a global dental implant company⚙️ The biggest challenges she faces in her current role🩺 Her experience with the AHPRA re-registration process — including unexpected hurdles and helpful insights🔄 How time in the corporate world changed her appreciation for clinical work💡 And the valuable transferable skills that flow both ways between clinical and corporate rolesWhether you’re a dental professional considering a career pivot, or simply curious about how clinical expertise translates into business success, this episode offers honest reflections and practical takeaways from a career that bridges both worlds.Resources and Links:⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

What happens when your passion for helping teams and dental professionals takes you beyond the dental chair? In this episode, Danielle Hammond an Oral Health Therapist and Work Health and Safety Business Partner at Abano Healthcare Group, shares her personal journey of growth, courage, and reinvention.From hands-on patient care to building safer, healthier workplaces, she reflects on the transferable skills, lessons learned, and challenges faced while redefining what it means to care.Whether you’re in healthcare, considering a career pivot, or just love a good story about purpose and change — this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace new possibilities within the dental industry! LINKS:⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠Talk Dental to Me ⁠Subscribe on ⁠Youtube⁠ for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist Sign up for the ⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠ - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, we’re joined by Hannah Thompson, an Oral Health Therapist working with the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, or BACHS, in remote New South Wales.She shares what drew her to BACHS, and gives us a look at what a typical week looks like in her role. Hannah speaks openly about the importance of building trust, promoting culturally safe care, and connecting with patients in ways that honour their values and lived experiences.And if you're a dental professional thinking about working in remote or Aboriginal health—Hannah offers practical advice and encouragement to help you take that first step.This is a powerful conversation about purpose-driven care, cultural sensitivity, and the impact one clinician can have in community health.Resources and Links:Ergonomic Loupes from Byron MedicalFollow Hannah Thompson @theoutbacktoothfairyFollow Emma Cubis @emma.cubisFollow Talk Dental to Me Subscribe on Youtube for VLOGS, Q&A, life as as Oral Health Therapist Sign up for the Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership - use Youtube10 for 10% off!

In this episode, we're talking about moving countries, navigating paperwork, and building a new career across the ditch.And to walk us through it, we’re joined by Ruby Mills —a New Zealand–trained Oral Health Therapist who has been living and working in Australia for the last few years. In this episode, Ruby shares  what that transition really looked. She dives into the AHPRA registration process—from paperwork and radiology certification to indemnity insurance and everything in between.Ruby breaks down the cost, what was required, how long it all took, and whether she faced any unexpected challenges or delays along the way.She shares her experience job-hunting in a new country, pay and biggest professional adjustments she’s had to make since relocating.Remember this is a personal experience so please ensure you conduct your own research and contact the relevant bodies for more information or clarification on your individual circumstances. LINKS:Ergoloupes from Byron Medical Follow Ruby @dentalwithrubyFollow Emma @emma.cubisSubscribe to Emma's Youtube for other helpful videos for clinicians, VLOGS, Q&A and more!

In this episode, I’m honoured to speak with Andrea Wilson, a dental hygienist who has been battling cancer and has been incredibly generous with us to share her chemotherapy journey in hopes to help others going through the same. Her hope is to also share with fellow dental colleagues  management tips, symptoms to be aware of, her own personal challenging symptoms and products that have helped her. And remember, this episode regards a personal experience so if you are going through similar circumstances please always double check with your medical practitioners if anything mentioned today is right for you.Thank you so much for listening to this episode  - share it with a peer or a friend so Andrea’s message can inspire even more individuals. Don’t forget to Subscribe on whatever streaming platform you listen on so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you have any questions or topic suggestions? Email us at [email protected]