Episodes
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Today's guest is Dr. Sandra Hulac, co-founder of Tam, Hulac & Partners, a cutting-edge interdisciplinary dental practice in Hong Kong.
In this episode, we dive into what it means to be a global citizen and business owner. Weâll also get a rare, inside look at how someone as accomplished as Sandra handles challenges - and even navigates moments of self-doubt.
Sandra has been living and practicing in Hong Kong since 2001 and has also worked in London, Germany, and the US.
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Why young people worldwide want and need âmeaningful workâWhat's In This Episode
How Sandra found herself working in Hong Kong.Sandraâs approach to tackling challenges in her life.What Sandra thinks makes someone extraordinary.Her advice to young people. -
Today's guest is Sheena Hinson, Senior Marketing Manager at Philips. Sheena's journey began as a dental hygienist, but she quickly uncovered a passion for business development. Since then, sheâs not only launched her own ventures but also built a vast expertise in entrepreneurship.
This is part two of Sheenaâs interview. In this episode, she opens up about her struggles, and how reaching out for support has helped her grow. She also reflects on how she balances short-term and long-term thinking in business and finding mentors in unlikely places.
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Sheenaâs mission to reach out to others and learn.The short-term vs long-term dilemma of business-focused thinking.How we have more in common than we think.Sheenaâs life of constant improvement
What's In This Episode -
Episodes manquant?
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Today's guest is Sheena Hinson, Senior Marketing Manager at Philips. Sheena's journey began as a dental hygienist, but she quickly uncovered a passion for business development. Since then, sheâs not only launched her own ventures but also built a vast expertise in entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Sheena shares insights on the importance of human capital, the role of mentors, and the value of curiosity and perseverance in personal and professional growth.Resources
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How Sheena became an âaccidental expertâ.Sheenaâs style of leadership from the ground up.The Socratic Mentoring method.How trust has to be earned.
What's In This Episode -
Today's guest is Dr. Tracey Nguyen, the owner of Lansdowne Dental Care in Leesburg, Virginia. In addition to her general practice, Tracey specializes in airway health, with a particular focus on pediatric care. She is also among an elite group of only 350 individuals worldwide accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Traceyâs journey to success was far from easy. Growing up in poverty and facing challenging circumstances, she lacked the guidance of strong role models. Now, reflecting on her past, she is committed to giving back by serving as a mentor and teacher to others in her community.
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Dr. Tracey Nguyen on Instagram
Machell Hudson on resilience and compassion
Traceyâs origin story.Why airway health is important to dentistry.Why accountability is so important.How teaching should benefit the student and the teacher.
What's In This Episode -
This week's guest is the phenomenal Dr. Steve Lamberg, one of the world's leading experts in dental sleep medicineâa field that explores the critical roles sleep and breathing play in maintaining our health and well-being.
Steve has been practicing dentistry on Long Island for over 45 years, where he runs the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center alongside his general practice.
Steve is also the author of Treat the Cause... Treat the Airway: The Role of Snoring & Sleep Apnea in Contemporary Preventive Medicine, a book that reveals how common and dangerous snoring, sleep apnea and adult sleep problems can be.
Steve believes that we should all stop and smell the roses sometimes. Even when we're very busy, taking time for this helps us not sweat the small stuff and live life to the fullest.Resources
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Dr. Steve Lamberg Website
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Treat the Cause... Treat the Airway: The Role of Snoring & Sleep Apnea in Contemporary Preventive Medicine
The GROW Coaching Method
What's In This Episode
How Steve became interested in sleep as a subject area.Why dentists should be coaching patients toward better health outcomes.Why you shouldnât sweat the small stuff.What would Steve tell his 25-year-old self? -
This weekâs guest is Dominik Lysek, an entrepreneur with over 15 years of impactful contributions to the dental and pharmaceutical industries. He is the CEO of PharmaTrail, a Swiss company specializing in blockchain-based software solutions for capturing and managing clinical trial data. Dominik also serves on the board of several companies, including the dental science firm Vvadis and the RNA-based therapeutics organization Altamira Therapeutics.
In 2010, Dominik founded Credentis, a company that pioneered groundbreaking enamel restoration technology. This marked the beginning of his journey in innovation and entrepreneurial success.
Please be advised that this episode includes a discussion of cancer mortality.
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PharmaTrail Website
Altamira Therapeutics Website
The Futuri Foundation (The Future Foundation) Website
The Mentorâs Guide Sample Chapter
CancerCare's Cancer Grief Resource
Dominik's entrepreneurial journey.The relationship between mentor and mentee.Why overnight success takes years.How Dominikâs wife supported him.
What's In This Episode -
This week's guest is Dr. Kelly Blodgett, a man who has made it his lifeâs mission to challenge the ânegative stereotype of dentistry.â Kelly Blodgett founded Blodgett Dental Care in 2001 where active listening plays a crucial role in the patient experience.
Kelly was also one of the first within dentistry to recognize the significance of the mouth-body health connection. He shares his expertise with a large audience on Instagram, where his popular weekly series, Toxic Tooth Tuesdays and Wellness Wednesdays, have garnered significant attention. The success of Toxic Tooth Tuesdays even led him to take it on tour across the country.
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What Is Active Listening? - The Harvard Business Review
What's In This Episode
Kellyâs experience on a crisis line.Why active listening is so important.How Kelly manages the patient experience.How the Toxic Tooth Tour came to be. -
This week's guest is Dr. Tina Saw, a dentist and serial entrepreneur. She founded Light Solutions Company, which creates wireless lights for dentists, Harmony Health Foundation, an organization supporting healthcare in underserved communities, and Oral Genome, which uses saliva testing to identify potential health issues before they arise.
Tina is a proactive problem solver who can't help but create solutions for any problem she encounters. Currently, she doesn't have much work-life balance. With two young children and multiple startups to run, Tina is certainly in her busy era.
This conversation took place at SmileCon 2023 in Orlando, Florida, so be prepared for some background noise and maybe even some music.
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Oral Genome Website
Harmony Health Website
Light Solutions Company Website
How to avoid egg on your face from common founder f**k ups - StartUp Factory Article
What's In This Episode
How Tina became a serial entrepreneur.Is there such a thing as work-life balance?Why many people should think twice about starting a business.How Tina stopped people pleasing. -
This week's guest is Dr. Doug Thompson, a pioneer in understanding the connection between oral health and overall well-being. In 2016, he founded the Wellness Dentistry Network to encourage dentists to adopt this more holistic approach, moving beyond the traditional focus on drilling and filling teeth.
Doug also serves on the American Academy of Systemic Health Board and is an adjunct faculty member and clinical instructor at the Kois Center.
Doug started his journey as a lab technician, working by day and taking classes by night. This determined path led him to become a dentist in his 30s. Despite his hard work, Doug strongly believes in "living your life along the way," ensuring he enjoys experiences beyond his professional career.
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Dr. Kim Kutsch on LinkedIn
Dr. Doug Thompson on LinkedIn
Wellness Dentistry Network Website
Integrative Oral Medicine Website
What's In This Episode
Dougâs unconventional journey to dentistry.How Doug has faced challenges in his life and career.The art of the late-life career shift.How passion and faith combine for Doug. -
This week's guest is the rebellious Leon Hermanides, Owner and President of Protea Dental Studio in Redmond Washington. Heâs also a Clinical Instructor and Scientific Advisor at the Kois Center.
Leon's journey began in his native Zimbabwe, where his father was a prominent figure in the dental space who had vowed never to leave the country. However, it was a major surprise when his father decided to move the family to South Africa when Leon was 13.
Across his life and career, Leon has embraced the idea of incremental change. At one point, he would make drastic changes overnight, believing that this would help his business evolve. However, he now realizes that the best results come from slowing down and figuring out the best changes over a longer period.
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1. John Kois on Enriching The Heart, The Mind, and Dental Industry
TED Talk: The little risks you can take to increase your luck with Tina Seelig
Leonâs journey across Africa, and then the world.How Leon embraced incremental change.How risk and reward impacted Leonâs life.Why we should all strive to be extraordinary.
What's In This Episode -
This week's guest is the vibrant and multi-talented Melissa Turner. She is the Senior Executive Consultant and Chief Hygiene Officer at Cellerant Consulting Group, an incubator and accelerator for dental companies. Melissa is also the co-founder of the Denobi Awards, which celebrate the positive impact of dental professionals worldwide. Additionally, Melissa co-hosts the Dentistry Gone Wild Podcast and the IWoman Podcast.
This conversation was recorded at SmileCon 2023 in Orlando Florida.
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Melissa Turner on LinkedIn
Melissa Turner on Instagram
The Denobi Awards Website
Dentistry Gone Wild Podcast
I, Woman Podcast Website
What's In This Episode
Melissaâs origin story in the Amish community.How Melissa found her feet in dentistry.Finding common ground in the generational divide.Why Melissa founded the Denobi Awards. -
Todayâs guest is Dr. Mark Benavides, a dentist practicing in Ottawa, Illinois. Mark is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
He also uniquely serves as the Scientific Advisor for Computer Technology at the Kois Center. Mark is the only dentist member of iXorg, an organization that provides technical education and business networking to its members.
In honor of Fatherâs Day 2024, this episode features a few heartwarming stories about Markâs father - an incredible surgeon who inspired many people throughout his life.
This episode contains some strong language.
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Dr. Mark Benavides Website
What's In This Episode
How Markâs journey to becoming a surgeon changedWhy Markâs father was such an influential characterHow to spot an âassholeâ at workWhy a smile goes a long way -
Todayâs guest is Minal Sampat, speaker, marketing strategist, coach, and bestselling author. Minal is the definition of a third culture kid - she began her life in India and moved to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a child. Her final relocation was to the US. where she still lives today.
Those early years left an impression on Minal and taught her a lot about the value of grit and determination. She began her journey studying dentistry at Rutgers University. But something shifted, and she started to set her sights on a new path - marketing.
Minal is the author of the Amazon bestseller Why Your Marketing Is Killing Your Business: And What To Do About It.
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Minal Sampat Website
Minal Sampat on LinkedIn
Where Minal got her grit and determination.Her experience of starting her own business.Why it takes grit to succeed.What people often get wrong about marketing.
What's In This Episode -
Todayâs guest is Dr. Bob Margeas, a dental professional in Des Moines, Iowa, a professor of Operative Dentistry at the University of Iowa, and the Editor-in-Chief of Inside Dentistry.
Described as the âdentistâs dentistâ, Bob has achieved so much in his field, but always embraces his failures, seeing them as a valuable learning opportunity. He sees teaching as a privilege - and never takes his position as an educator for granted. As he puts it -
âThere are a lot of amazing people out there who never get the opportunity to speak, so you can never assume that the people speaking are the best.â
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What's In This Episode
The mentor that kickstarted Bobâs career.Bobâs first big career failure.Why heâs humbled by the talent around him.Bobâs life as a stepdad. -
When we think of oral cancer, we often picture a seasoned smoker or a long-time tobacco user. But did you know that a growing number of cases are affecting young, non-smokers?
Over 20% of oral cancer diagnoses occur in people under 55, and the culprit might not be what you expect. The rise in instances is linked to Human papillomavirus (HPV) from unprotected oral sex, not tobacco.
During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we want to take some time to spotlight the extraordinary dentists and practitioners who have taken on this little-understood cancer and are survivors.
Today's guest is Dr. Scott Edison, a Clinical Associate Professor at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Before Scott found a lump on his neck in 2019, he didn't know all that much about head and neck cancer. Nothing makes you an expert in something more quickly than lived experience, and he set out to find out everything he could about the different types of treatment available to him. What followed was a long and painful journey. Additionally, Scott was diagnosed with prostate cancer soon after.
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Dr. Michael R. Sesemann on LinkedIn
Dr. Scott Edison UNC Adams School of Dentistry Profile
Oral Cancer ResourcesDr. Scott Edison Interview - How Clinicians Can Combat One of the Fastest-Growing Cancers
Dr. Michael R. Sesemannâs Neck Lymph Node Exam Video
Head & Neck Cancer - Insights from Dr. Mike Milligan
The Oral Cancer Foundation Website
Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Website
Choose Hope Website
Side Effects Support Website
Oral Cancer Cause Website
The American Cancer Society - Seeking a Second Opinion
The American Cancer Society - Dealing with Chemo Brain
CariFree Anticavity Fluoride Tooth Gel
CariFree Moisturizing Oral Spray
What's In This Episode
How Scottâs diagnosis came out of the blue.How side effects are sometimes lifelong.The importance of a supportive survivor community.How having cancer changed Scottâs perspective on his life. -
Head and neck cancer is the 7th most common cancer globally. Symptoms may include a lump in the neck, a sore in the mouth, or a sore throat that doesnât go away. During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we want to take some time to spotlight the extraordinary dentists and practitioners who have taken on this little-understood cancer and survived.
Today's guest is Dr. Michael R. Sesemann, a dentist, educator, and Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry founder. Michael has been described as "the best dentist you've never heard of". He exudes a passion for his work that helped him through his cancer diagnosis.
Michael served as the President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry between 2009 and 2010, is a member of seven American dental associations, and is currently an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Kois Center.
In 2018, Michael found a lump on his neck. Like many people often do, Michael didn't get it checked out right away, after being told that it was probably just caused by allergies. When he found out that it was cancerous, he began a long and hard journey to recovery.Resources
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Dr. Michael R. Sesemann on LinkedIn
The Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry Website
The Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry on LinkedIn
Oral Cancer Resources
Dr. Michael R. Sesemannâs Neck Lymph Node Exam Video
Head & Neck Cancer - Insights from Dr. Mike Milligan
The Oral Cancer Foundation Website
Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Website
Choose Hope Website
Side Effects Support Website
Oral Cancer Cause Website
The American Cancer Society - Seeking a Second Opinion
CariFree Anticavity Fluoride Tooth Gel
What's In This Episode
Why Michael loves education.How he discovered the lump on his neck.Why parents should investigate the Gardasil 9 HPV Vaccine.Where Michael found hope in dark times. -
Close to 54,000 Americans will hear the words âYou have oral or throat cancerâ in 2024. Shockingly only about half of them will survive beyond 5 years. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to take some time to spotlight the extraordinary dentists and practitioners who have taken on this little-understood cancer and survived.
Today's guest is Dr. Mike Milligan, a dentist who has served the community of Bloomington Illinois for over 45 years. He's also the Founder and President of www.OralSystemicLink.net, an online resource that helps patients and dentists understand how oral health fits into their overall well-being.
"Help people live better" is Mike's life mission. In this conversation, you're going to hear how, after he was diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer in 2020, Mike made sure to document the entire experience, knowing that his efforts would benefit other survivors.
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Eastland Dental Center Website
www.OralSystemicLink.net
Oral Cancer Resources
Head & Neck Cancer - Insights from Dr. Mike Milligan
The Oral Cancer Foundation Website
Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Website
Choose Hope Website
Side Effects Support Website
Oral Cancer Cause Website
The American Cancer Society - Seeking a Second Opinion
What's In This Episode
How Mike was first diagnosed.Why it's important to be your own health advocate.How faith helped Mike through his cancer.Why Mike decided to create a resource document for other survivors. -
This episode marks the first anniversary of Contrary to Ordinary. Thank you so much to all of our amazing guests, and to the listeners that have made this show extraordinary.
Itâs also CariFreeâs 20th birthday! Another big thank you to everyone who has been a part of our amazing journey over the last two decades.
In the last episode, we began our conversation with Dr. Betsy Bakeman, a private practice owner and expert in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Betsy is included in an elite group of less than 300 dentists worldwide who are Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). In fact, she is one of 50 dentists worldwide and the first dentist in Michigan to have achieved the distinction of being an Accredited Fellow in the AACD.
In Part 1, Betsy discussed the first people who believed in her, how much learning at the Kois Center means to her, and how important constructive criticism is to personal growth.
Today, Betsy discusses the future of digital dentistry, her forward-thinking mentality, and we ponder why extraordinary people donât often see themselves that way.
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Dr Betsy Bakeman's Website
The future of digital in dentistryBetsyâs mindset around teachingWhy she doesnât see herself as extraordinaryWhat excellence means to Betsy
What's In This Episode -
Dentists want every single one of their patients to walk away from a treatment with a smile that they can be proud of. If a practitioner can also make their patients feel comfortable in the alien world we inhabit, they must be doing something extraordinary, right?
Today's guest is Dr. Betsy Bakeman, a private practice owner and expert in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Betsy is included in an elite group of less than 300 dentists worldwide who are Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). She is one of 50 dentists worldwide and the first dentist in Michigan to have achieved the distinction of being an Accredited Fellow in the AACD.
Betsy is also an adjunct faculty member and clinical instructor at the Kois Center which is where our conversation took place.
Join us for part 2 of Betsyâs interview.
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Dr Betsy Bakeman's Website
What's In This Episode
The people who first believed in BetsyWhat does being part of the Kois Center mean to Betsy?Building trust with patientsWhy constructive criticism is important to personal growth -
Compassion, Altruism, Respect, and Excellent are the tenets that have guided Professor Hien Ngo throughout his career.
Heâs currently the Dean and Head of the Dental School and Director of the Oral Health Centre at the University of Western Australia. Indeed, Hien is a prolific educator who has taught thousands of students about minimal intervention dentistry and cariology all over the world.
He was instrumental to the establishment of the Minimal Intervention 2020 projects in Adelaide and other dental schools in South East Asia. He serves on the board of the Academy of Minimally Invasive Dentistry and the editorial board of the Journal of Dentistry, Journal of Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry.
Hien also has an amazing backstory. He grew up in Vietnam during the war, relocating to the Philippines and later the US. with his father. He finally settled in Australia, which he now calls home.
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Hien Ngo on LinkedIn
What's In This Episode
Hienâs incredible journey from Vietnam to America.How Hien approaches mentorship.A few acronyms that guide Hien.How Hien approaches teaching. - Montre plus
