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Burnout Bites

by Kari Carter-Cherelus

Careers Mental Health

Season 2

Beyond the Operatory: Reinvention, Technology, and Purpose

In this episode of Burnout Bites, Kari Carter-Cherelus sits down with Misti Lenoir, RDH, a dental hygienist with 16 years of experience and a passion for transforming oral healthcare through innovation, education, and community outreach. Misti shares her journey in dental hygiene, discussing how her commitment to comprehensive oral-systemic care has shaped her career and fueled her dedication to improving patient outcomes. She explores the growing role of technology in dentistry, how clinicians can embrace innovation while maintaining patient-centered care, and why expanding access to oral health education remains a critical part of advancing public health. Beyond clinical practice, Misti discusses her work leading teams, delivering continuing education programs, and advocating for underserved communities. Her purpose-driven approach highlights the powerful impact dental professionals can have both inside and outside the operatory. Whether you're a practicing hygienist, a dental leader, or someone looking to create greater impact in your career, this conversation offers inspiration and practical insights for the future of dental hygiene.

Social Media DIY Dental Trends

In this episode of Burnout Bites, Kari Carter-Cherelus sits down with Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS, MEd, a respected dental hygienist, educator, and advocate with more than 30 years of clinical experience. Cheryl shares her journey from clinical practice to becoming a nationally recognized speaker and educator. With expertise in periodontics, laser therapy, and Guided Biofilm Therapy, she discusses how dental hygienists can continue to grow professionally while remaining passionate about patient care. The conversation explores the importance of lifelong learning, the role of evidence-based dentistry, and how education can empower clinicians to provide exceptional care while avoiding stagnation and burnout. Cheryl also reflects on her work as a Professional Educator for Waterpik™, her contributions to dental publications, and the value of mentorship and professional involvement throughout a dental hygiene career. Whether you're a new graduate or a seasoned clinician, Cheryl's insights offer inspiration for building a sustainable, fulfilling, and impactful career in dental hygiene. Cheryl Calmis is a dental hygienist with more than 30 years of clinical experience specializing in periodontics, laser therapy, and Guided Biofilm Therapy. She holds bachelor's degrees in biology and dental hygiene and earned a Master of Education degree with honors in Instructional Design. A sought-after speaker and educator, Cheryl has presented continuing education programs for organizations nationwide and has contributed articles to Today’s RDH, Cocofloss, and DoctorBase. She is currently in her seventh year as a Professional Educator for Waterpik™ and remains actively involved with ADHA, CDHA, and the American Academy of Periodontology's Dental Hygienist Recognition Program.

Changing Dentistry Through Advocacy and Airway Awareness

In this episode we discuss: • Amanda’s journey becoming a dental hygienist as a deaf professional • Barriers students with hearing loss face in dental hygiene programs • The mission behind That Deaf RDH and the importance of mentorship • How representation and advocacy can improve diversity in healthcare • The role of myofunctional therapy and airway health in dentistry • Why early intervention in oral function and breathing matters for children • How dental hygienists can become advocates for airway health • Advice for professionals navigating challenges in their careers This powerful conversation highlights mentorship, advocacy, and how representation can transform healthcare professions. Amanda Zubricki is a deaf mom, dental hygienist, nonprofit founder, and myofunctional therapist dedicated to improving access and awareness in dentistry. She founded That Deaf RDH, a nonprofit that provides mentorship and community support for students with hearing loss pursuing careers in dental hygiene. Through The Myo Project, Amanda works with families to address oral function, breathing patterns, and early intervention strategies that support healthier long-term outcomes. Amanda’s work focuses on advocacy, mentorship, and empowering others to overcome barriers while transforming the future of dental and airway health. Connect with Amanda • That Deaf RDH • The Myo Project • Instagram: @ThatDeafRDH

Oral Dysfunction = Whole Body Dysfunction

In this episode, we’re joined by Joy Lantz, owner of Joy Lantz: Transforming Oral Health, internationally recognized speaker, educator, and airway advocate who is helping dental professionals rethink oral health from infancy through adulthood. With nearly 30 years in dentistry, Joy specializes in oral myofunctional disorders, airway health, lactation support, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She consults with dental practices across the country to help them incorporate airway-centered care and comprehensive screening into everyday dentistry. We dive into: ✨ Why airway and oral function matter for overall health ✨ How dental professionals can begin screening for oral myofunctional disorders ✨ The connection between oral development, sleep, feeding, and long-term wellness ✨ How to bring airway and myofunctional services into your practice ✨ Educating patients and parents on early intervention and prevention ✨ Collaboration between dental and medical professionals for better outcomes Joy’s passion is empowering clinicians to “make the invisible visible” by identifying oral dysfunction early and improving whole-body health through dentistry. If you’re ready to expand your clinical perspective and understand the powerful connection between airway, oral function, and overall wellness this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Joy Lantz & Learn More: Website: https://www.joylantz.com/ Oral Function Specialties: https://oralfunctions.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyLantzPro/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joylantzpro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joylantzrdh/ 🏢 Company: Joy Lantz: Transforming Oral Health Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with a colleague who is ready to elevate patient care and rethink what’s possible in dentistry.

Permission to Think Differently

In this episode of Burnout Bites, we sit down with Dr. Sonya Dunbar, affectionately known as The Geriatric Toothfairy. Sonya is an international speaker, award-winning author, Mindset Detox Coach, and a visionary healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience in dental hygiene and geriatric oral health. She’s also the CEO and Co-Founder of Mobile Dental Xpress, transforming access to dental care for seniors and homebound individuals across multiple states. We dive deep into: Mindset matters: How cultivating a healthy mindset fuels resilience, purpose, and impact in your personal and professional life. Caring for the elderly: The unique challenges and rewards of providing dental care to seniors and homebound patients. Combating burnout: Practical tips for staying energized, inspired, and compassionate while serving others. Whether you’re a dental professional, caregiver, or someone navigating the demands of healthcare and life, Sonya’s wisdom will inspire you to care for yourself while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. www.linkedin.com/in/geriatrictoothfairy Connect with Dr. Sonya Dunbar: Being Her Unapologetically conference 1/24/ 26 www.bhuconference.com

Stepping Stones: One Dental Assistant’s Journey into Hygiene School

In this inspiring episode, Kari sits down with Jayla Bryant, a former dental assistant and current dental hygiene student who is passionate about elevating and educating the next generation of dental professionals. Jayla shares her journey from dental assisting to pursuing her dream of becoming a dental hygienist, opening up about what motivated her transition, the challenges she’s overcome, and the growth she’s experienced along the way. With a heart for connection and a commitment to spreading awareness about the dental field, Jayla brings an authentic and uplifting perspective to the student experience. Listeners will hear: Why Jayla decided to take the leap from dental assisting to dental hygiene school How her background as an assistant strengthened her confidence and clinical skills Tips for students considering the transition into dental hygiene The importance of mentorship, community, and representation in dentistry Jayla’s vision for using her platform to educate, connect, and inspire others Jayla is engaged, community-focused, and dedicated to making a positive impact in the dental profession. Her story will resonate with aspiring hygienists, current students, and anyone navigating a career transition within dentistry. You can contact her on every platform under Jaloodental

Mental Health: Mind, Body, Optimization

Listen as I discuss the importance of mental health with Sydney Reece who is the VP of operations at Mind Body Optimization. We discussed why mental health is so importance for overall wellness and how burnout can effect every area in our lives. As we celebrate May as Mental Health Awareness Month, lets make sure we we are creating a culture where we make sure we support one another and take time to connect with others and to also make sure we are doing ok. Mind Body Optimization has various programs that they can assist in helping individuals, family's, and groups to achieve overall health and wellness. Mind Body Optimization: mindbodyyo.com

Implants, Networking, and Finances

Lynn Pencek has had a diverse career as a dental hygienist. From working as a clinical dental hygienist to working with companies such as Nobel Biocare, Hu-Friedy, and Orascoptic to delivering her own dynamic presentations on implant maintenance and more. Listen as we discuss how she has successfully navigated the dental industry to have a diverse career that affords her the opportunity to pursue ever changing passions! To connect with Lynn Peneck use the following links www.PracticeAtYourBest.com Lynn Pencek, RDH, MS | LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lynnpencek

Non-Clinical Dental Hygiene Jobs: The Hard Truth

Dental Hygienists are interested in nonclinical alternative options that are available to them. Many are however unsure how to go about getting these positions that they adamantly desire as either a side gig or to transition from clinical to nonclinical positions. In this episode listen as I talk with Allison Norris is the founder and CEO of The Dentele Group, LLC about how we can successfully attain a non-clinical role as a dental hygienist. The leading non-clinical recruiting agency renowned for its concierge approach to hiring. The Dentele Group under Allison’s leadership specializes in placing non-clinical talent across executive, sales, operations, and technology roles. Allison's commitment to elevating the industry extends beyond recruitment. She actively mentors dental professionals, empowering them to find their passion and purpose. Her dedication and influence have been widely recognized: she has been published in Dental Entrepreneur Women Magazine, Dentistry Today, Group Dentistry Now, AGD Impact, received the prestigious Rising Star Denobi Award in 2024, and was honored with the Who’s Who in America award. Through the Dentele Group, Allison has become a source of hope for dental professionals to discover new meaningful careers. You can reach her at: AllisonNorris@thedentelegroup.com https://thedentelegroup.com/

Decoding Insurance: Bridging The Gap Between Medical and Dental Benefits

Daily dental professionals present treatment options to their patients and are asked "what does my insurance cover?" We know that unfortunately, dental benefits might be barrier for patients in receiving the treatment the desperately need. Kandra Sellers, RDH, BA has been able to successfully bridge the gap between medical and dental benefits, by focusing on oral systemic health and medical billing as the Founder & CEO of TIPS Medical Billing. With over 35 years in the dental industry, Kandra has had many different career roles due to the fantastic mentors she has met along the way. She is no longer seen as “just a dental hygienist,” which is a profession certainly not to be minimized. Instead, Kandra is now viewed as a predominant educator in the field of oral systemic health intertwined with dental medical billing, as well as creator and CEO of TIPS Medical Billing. Kandra is able to educate, implement processes, and professionally coach doctors and team members to the next level of where the dental profession is heading. In creating TIPS (Tandem In-Practice Solutions), the niche is implementation to ensure successful outcomes to billing the medical procedures that dentists do every day. Dental practice owners seeking a coach that can elevate their practice production and revenue through solid protocols for optimal oral systemic solutions and medical billing are raving about Kandra’s ability to move both doctors and team members towards excellence. You can connect with her at email: kandra@tipsmedicalbilling.com website: tipsmedicalbilling.com

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