Dental + Meaningful

12. Life in Art with Dr. Deborah Miller

This Dental + Meaningful conversation feels different. I’m sitting on Deborah’s couch, we don’t just hear about her life, we see it. Creativity isn’t something she does on the side, it’s how she moves through the World. Deborah’s art spans from prints to shoemaking to sculptures, working with various mediums to capture her humour and unique take on life. We explore her time providing dental care in Aboriginal communities, the cultural experience, indigenous health gap, and what it means to show up with humility. She speaks with honesty about significant health challenges, including cancer and multiple strokes. Yet, what stands out is her humour. Her generosity. Her ability to keep her heart open. Deborah embodies lifelong learning, collecting degrees and certifications, methodically disproving a teacher who once told her she wasn’t smart enough. Dentistry gave her independence. Art gave her voice. She shares an important truth many women recognise: You must learn to stand for yourself. No one is coming to rescue you. A truly enjoyable conversation, Debbie reminds us that a life well lived is not monochromatic. It is bold. It is textured. And you’ll want to add your own colours to it. Learn more about Deborah and her art [https://deborahmiller.com.au]

11. Living in the Moment with Dr. Ellie Borgelt

This episode of Dental & Meaningful is one of the most candid and important conversations to date and a great one to open 2026 with! I’m joined by Dr Ellie Borgelt for an honest discussion about the lived realities of many women in dentistry. We discuss gender bias in clinical environments, including sexual harassment in the workplace (trigger warning), and the emotional toll of building a successful career in a patriarchal system. Dr Borgelt shares her journey as an immigrant dentist to Australia, rebuilding a professional identity from the ground up. We also explore her experience as a single parent to 3 teenagers, carrying the load of her career, business, motherhood, and her own health & happiness. A powerful part of this conversation centres on menopause, self-care, and the mindset shift that comes with choosing to finally prioritise yourself after years of putting everyone else first. Ellie brings a hopeful, energising perspective to this chapter of life, one that is truly infectious. This episode is a must-listen for women in dentistry seeking validation, solidarity, and reassurance that they are not alone, it’s never too late to start choosing yourself.

10. Wisdom and Joy in Dentistry with Dr Purnima Kumar

If you need some powerfully uplifting energy and joyful grit in your life right now, this is for you. I sit down with Dr. Purnima Kumar in Vienna for this conversation. She is the head of department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. She has built a wonderfully successful and accomplished career in research and academics, whilst also finding time for countless philanthropic pursuits and tangible initiatives to lift other women in dentistry. We cover her career experience through tertiary institutions, her passionate advocacy of the "He for She" movement, and countless insights and wisdoms hard-earned from a colourful career in dentistry. This is one not to be missed! Chapters 00:03:00 Experience as Immigrant- India to USA 00:09:00 Importance of Adapting to Change 00:15:00 Middle East and Challenges in Academia 00:21:00 Family and Support Systems 00:27:00 Advocacy and Women in Leadership 00:33:00 Innovations and Contributions 00:39:00 Wholeheartedly Embracing the Present

9. Strength in Vulnerability with Dr Parul Bhatia

This was a beautiful episode covering multiple facets of the lived experience of a woman in our profession. Dr Parul Bhatia's strength shines through as quiet fortitude and hope in the journey she shares with us. We open with the bittersweet experience of selling the practice she build from scratch but ultimately looks towards all the different possibilities in her next chapter with great anticipation and excitement. Parul shares her internal suffering from needing to re-sit her final year exams amidst difficult personal events, to the guilt of endometriosis pain and struggles of IVF, managing menopause, to the shame of almost failing in her business once but coming out stronger and more equipped. She had to find her own path to success and continues to do so. Through it all she remains connected to what brings her joy and inspiration- her creativity. Parul is determined to bring more empathy and ease to our fellow colleagues. Enjoy the episode! Chapters * 00:01:00 Applying Business Skills to Dentistry * 00:03:00 Selling the Practice and Finding Balance * 00:05:00 Mental Health and Empathy in Dentistry * 00:07:00 Challenges of Practice Ownership * 00:09:00 The Impact of Perimenopause * 00:11:00 Creative Outlets for Professionals * 00:13:00 Building a Supportive Community * 00:15:00 Leadership and Growth in Dentistry

8. Soulful Hustle: On Growth and Gratitude with Dr. Olan Hartley

Episode Summary Ready to check in with yourself and come out feeling recharged? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Olan Hartley for a soul-nourishing conversation that’s equal parts grounding and uplifting. We talk about redefining self-worth, recognising the quiet signs of burnout, setting boundaries with intention, and making gratitude more than just a passing thought. Olan’s grace, clarity, and fierce commitment to growth are magnetic. She inspires us to hold ourselves to accountability with compassion. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to re-align with your purpose, this one’s for you. Whether you're curious about mentorship, navigating burnout, or just craving space for honest self-reflection, Olan is that voice of calm you didn’t know you needed.