S5 E4: Shift Your Hygiene Mindset: From Cleaning Teeth to Healthcare Practitioner

S5 E4: Shift Your Hygiene Mindset: From Cleaning Teeth to Healthcare Practitioner

Are you or your hygiene team stuck in “routine mode”? In this episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, I break down why mindset is the key driver behind better patient care, stronger case acceptance, and long-term practice growth. We can implement all the protocols, systems, and scripts in the world—but if we don’t change how we think, nothing truly changes. In this episode, I walk you through how to shift from simply “getting through the schedule” to operating as a true healthcare practitioner who delivers meaningful, life-changing care. You’ll learn how to develop critical thinking skills in real time, overcome common mindset blocks, and create more impactful patient conversations that lead to better outcomes—for your patients and your practice. In this episode, I cover: * Why mindset is often the biggest bottleneck in hygiene departments * The difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset in clinical care * How to think beyond the schedule and diagnose what patients actually need * The role of critical thinking in improving case acceptance and efficiency * How this shift can reduce burnout and make work more fulfilling If you're ready to elevate your hygiene department, improve patient outcomes, and practice at a higher level—this episode is for you. 👍 If you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your team or a colleague who could benefit! #DentalHygiene #Dentistry #DentalPractice #HygieneTeam #PatientCare #DentalPodcast

S5 E3: Clinical vs Business Leadership in Dentistry: Why They Both Matter.. A Lot

Clinical vs Business Leadership in Dentistry: Why They Both Matter.. A Lot What’s the difference between business leadership and clinical leadership? In this episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, I sit down with dental industry expert Perrin DesPortes to break down one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) topics in practice growth: the difference between business leadership and clinical leadership—and why you need both to succeed. If you're a practice owner trying to grow your practice, build a strong team, or improve consistency in patient care, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you actionable insights you can apply immediately. We dive into: ✔️ Why leaders are really in the talent development business ✔️ The transition from clinician to CEO (and why it’s so difficult) ✔️ The not-so-obvious risks of lacking clinical standards ✔️ The 3 core responsibilities every effective leader must master Whether you’re leading one location or scaling a group practice, this episode will help you build a stronger, more aligned, and more profitable business. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Perrin’s background in dentistry 06:30 – From clinician to entrepreneur: the leadership shift 10:00 – What leadership really means 15:20 – The 3 responsibilities of an effective leader 21:00 – Why you should always be recruiting 27:40 – Clinical vs business leadership explained 34:30 – What happens without clinical consistency 41:50 – The risk of no clinical standards 48:15 – Building team confidence through alignment   🔗 Resources & Links 📥 Download: Top 20 Mistakes in Building a Group Practic [https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/grouppractice/?inf_contact_key=6688bd1dd34b80407507809cc3297d95680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1]e 🎙️ Podcast: Next Level Executive Podcast [https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/grouppractice/?inf_contact_key=6688bd1dd34b80407507809cc3297d95680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1] 🌐 Learn more about executive coaching with Perrin [https://thenextlevelexecutive.com/grouppractice/?inf_contact_key=6688bd1dd34b80407507809cc3297d95680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1]   👍 Don’t Forget If you found value in this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share with someone in the dental field who needs to hear this. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations that elevate your practice and your leadership.

S5 E2: Chaos to Intentional Leadership: A Real World Story

What does it really take to lead a successful dental practice without feeling overwhelmed or burned out? In this episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Lindsay Langston of Perio Atlanta along with Geri Gottlieb and Kim Bates from GG Practice Coaching and Development. Together, we unpack the real challenges of dental leadership—and how to move from chaos to clarity through vision, systems, and team empowerment. Dr. Langston shares her powerful journey from stepping into unexpected ownership to building a thriving, aligned team. We dive into the importance of core values, leadership mindset, and why having the right support system can completely transform your practice. If you're a dentist, practice owner, or team leader looking to improve culture, reduce stress, and grow your practice the right way—this conversation is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Video: * How to define and lead with core values in your practice * Why most dentists struggle with leadership (and how to fix it) * The role of systems vs. culture in team success * How to handle difficult team conversations with confidence * Why coaching and leadership development are game-changers Resources & Links: * Perio Atlanta [https://www.perioatlanta.com/] * GG Practice Coaching and Development [https://ggpracticecoaching.com/] 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from stronger leadership in their practice.

S5 E1: Leadership in Dentistry: How to Build a High-Performing Team (Without Burnout)

What’s really holding your dental team back—systems, or leadership? In this episode of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, I sit down with lead coach Emme Sanders to unpack the real reason many dental practices struggle to create lasting change. We’re kicking off Season 5 by diving into leadership—the foundation of every successful, aligned, and thriving team. We talk about what happens when positive leadership is missing, why teams drift from expectations, and how to lead in a way that actually sticks (without frustration or burnout). Emme shares practical strategies you can start using immediately, including her powerful “Agree Shift, Agree Pact, Agree Drift” framework to help you create clarity, accountability, and momentum in your practice. If you’re a dentist, practice owner, office manager, or hygienist ready to elevate your leadership and get your team aligned—this episode is for you. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: * Why leadership—not just systems—drives real results * How to stop “team drift” and maintain consistency * Simple ways to lead effectively in everyday moments * How to address accountability without creating tension * A step-by-step approach to implementing lasting change 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Emme’s book: Welcome to Work CollabriCon (Team Training Experience) Free Assessment: 17 Mistakes That Destroy Collaboration (Links in description) If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to 👍 like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more insights on building a thriving, high-performing dental practice. And if this resonated with you—share it with a colleague who needs to hear it.

S4 E10: Invest Now in the Future of Dental Hygiene in Your Community

Invest Now in the Future of Dental Hygiene in Your Community | Season 4 Episode 10 Finale Access the resources mentioned in this episode here! [https://keap.page/zrj88966/lunch-and-learn-kit.html] In this Season 4 finale of the Inspired Hygiene Podcast, Rachel wraps up the conversation on rebuilding the dentist-hygienist relationship with a hopeful and practical look at how dental practices can invest in the future of the hygiene profession. After a season filled with powerful conversations about leadership, legislation, culture, expanded duties, and collaboration, this episode shifts the focus toward solutions. Rachel shares what she recently learned from visiting her own alma mater, Guilford Technical Community College, and explains why dental teams have more influence than they may realize in shaping the future of dental hygiene in their communities. From supporting local hygiene programs to mentoring students and creating better pathways into practice, this episode is packed with actionable ideas for dentists and dental teams who want to make a real impact. In this episode, you’ll hear: * Rachel’s personal story of how she “accidentally” found dental hygiene * What it was like returning to the hygiene school where her career began * Encouraging news about new and expanding dental hygiene programs * The difference between a “shortage” and reduced hygiene capacity in private practice * Practical ways dental teams can support local hygiene schools and students * Why scholarships, lunch-and-learns, shadowing, equipment donations, and advisory roles matter * Why practices should stop waiting for hygienists to “find them” and start building those relationships now Practical ways your practice can help grow the profession: * Sponsor a dental hygiene scholarship * Offer lunch-and-learn sessions for local hygiene students * Donate usable equipment that could support training * Join a school’s advisory board * Invite students to shadow in your practice * Include students and faculty in local CE events * Create a practice culture that makes new grads feel supported and confident Rachel also shares insights from her research into new and expanding hygiene programs across the U.S., and explains why this is good news for the future of dentistry. This episode is a reminder that every dental professional has the power to influence the profession in a positive way, whether through leadership, mentoring, education, or simply one meaningful conversation. If you care about the future of dental hygiene, team dentistry, and access to high-quality patient care, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!   #InspiredHygienePodcast #DentalHygiene #Dentistry #DentalLeadership #TeamDentistry #DentalEducation #DentalHygienist #PracticeCulture #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfDentistry