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 Medical
Follow Emma Cubis @emma.cubis
Follow 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 Medical
Follow Hannah Thompson @theoutbacktoothfairy
Follow Emma Cubis @emma.cubis
Follow 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:
Follow Ruby @dentalwithruby
Follow Emma @emma.cubis
Subscribe 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 talkdentaltomepodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, Issy, a Swiss trained dental hygienist, opens up about her fascinating journey—from chairside dentistry to her current role as Education Manager at Curaprox Australia, and everything in between.
We explore how clinical skills translate into leadership and innovation in the world of oral health education. Issy shares what it really means to manage education at Curaprox, her role as an iTOP course host, helping professionals across Australia master the art of individual prophylaxis.
If you’ve ever wondered how far your clinical career could take you—or how to tap into your unique skill set to carve out your own path in dentistry—you don't want to miss this episode.
LINKS:
Issy's Instagram- @issy.loestcher
Learn more about Curaden Academy HERE
Book an iTOP course HERE
Emma's Instagram - @emma.cubis
Invest in your health and learn more about Byron Medical Ergoloupes
Online, on demand CPD courses with Talk Dental to Me
Emma's Youtube - VLOGS/behind the scenes of a non conventional dental professional
In this episode, we’re speaking with someone who’s taken a bold and inspiring leap — from scaling teeth to scaling implant solutions.
Thomas Clark-Otton spent many years building career as an oral health therapist, building a strong foundation in patient care and preventative dentistry and now pivoted into navigating the cutting edge of surgical technology and digital workflows, working as an implant solutions specialist with Straumann Australia.
In this episode, we’ll explore how he made that transition, what it's like working on the industry side of dentistry, and the skills that helped him bridge the clinical-to-corporate gap.
Whether you're curious about career pivots, passionate about implants, or just love a good story — you’re going to want to stick around.
Subscribe to be the first to know of new episodes:
Follow Emma on Instagram: @emma.cubis
Follow Thomas on Instagram: @thomas.straumanngroup
For behind the scenes of non-clinical dental adventures (trade shows, conferences, working with dental brands), clinician advice, Bachelor of Oral Health information, VLOGS, follow Emma on Youtube !
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to take dentistry on the road? Imagine trading a traditional clinic for a fully equipped, high-tech dental bus—bringing care directly to the people who need it most. Well, in this episode, we’re diving into the world of mobile dentistry with someone who’s done just that!"
"In this episode, I’m sitting down with Yung Starling of Starling Mobile Dental care- a dental clinician and entrepreneur who didn’t just think outside the box—they built a clinic on wheels! We’ll talk about what it takes to engineer a fully functional mobile dental unit, the challenges and rewards of treating patients on the go, and why this model might just be the future of accessible dental care."
"Whether you’re a dental professional curious about mobile practice, looking for inspiration, or just someone who loves hearing about innovative ways to deliver dentistry, this episode is for you!"
Resources & Links
🔗 Reach out to Yung at Starling Mobile Dental Care
🔗 Join the 2025 Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership
📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at talkdentaltomepodcast@gmail.com
🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform and leave a review! ⭐
👉 Follow us on Instagram, for the latest information!
In this episode, we dive into the world of health promotion and oral health therapy with Shelley Pham. As a Health Promotion Lead and Oral Health Therapist, she plays a crucial role in educating communities, advocating for better oral health policies, and providing hands-on care.
We explore:
✅ What a Health Promotion Officer does and why it matters
✅ The dual role of being an Oral Health Therapist and a Health Promotion Officer
✅ The impact of oral health education on public health
✅ Career pathways and advice for aspiring healthcare professionals
Resources & Links
🔗 Sign up to the Everyday Habits for Healthy Little Smiles newsletter
🔗 For any questions about DHSV programs, healthpromotion@dhsv.org.au
🔗 Join the 2025 Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership
📩 Got questions or feedback? Reach out at talkdentaltomepodcast@gmail.com
🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform and leave a review! ⭐
👉 Follow us on Instagram, for the latest information!
Are you interested in moving to Australia to study a Bachelor of Oral Health? This one is for you!!
In this episode, we explore the unique realities of studying a Bachelor of Oral Health as an international student in Australia from a recent graduate and practicing Oral Health Therapist Aayushma Rijal.
Key Takeaways:
Thank you to Byron Medical for powering this episode of the podcast! For a special gift with your ergoloupes, mentioned the podcast or Emma Cubis!! Learn more about the Admetec Ergoloupes here
In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of life after dental school. From managing team communication to navigating different patient personalities and balancing work-life dynamics, we uncover the truths and challenges that new dental professionals face.
Join Emma as she shares her experiences of over a decade in the dental industry practical advice, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Key Topics Covered:
1. The Human Element
2. The Business of Dentistry
3. Ethical Considerations
And more!
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our podcast for more insights and tips about navigating the dental profession. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with your friends and colleagues. Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us at talkdentaltomepodcast@gmail.com
In this episode, we dive into the personal experience of an Australian Oral Health Therapist Li-Ming who applied and successfully received registration to work as dental professional in the UK.
Li-Ming chats us through the admin, unexpected roadblocks, wait time, costs and everything in between while navigating the General Dental Council (GDC) application process
Key Topics Covered:
Introduction to the Journey: Why move from Australia to the UK as an Oral Health Therapist? Understanding the GDC Requirements: An overview of the registration process and key criteria for overseas applicants. Application Challenges: Navigating differences in qualifications, documentation hurdles, and how to overcome common obstacles. Skills and Training Equivalencies: How Australian qualifications align with UK standards and tips for proving your competence.Guest Highlights: Li-Ming shares her personal experience, shedding light on:
Preparing for the application process while still in Australia. Managing delays and administrative complexities. The emotional and financial aspects of moving internationally for work. Successes and lessons learned along the way.Links and Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Subscribe to Talk Dental to Me for the CPD membership discount General Dental Council Registration Guide Follow @emma.cubis for the latest updatesThe final episode in "How to Refer to a Specialist" series with Specialist Endodontist Dr Aovana Timmerman.
What You’ll Learn:
When to Refer to an Endodontist:
Crafting a Comprehensive Referral:
Streamlining Communication with the Endodontist:
Enhancing the Patient Experience:
Building Strong Professional Relationships:
Speaker Bio: Dr Aovana Timmerman graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne in 2001.
After completing her fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) in 2010, she continued with her specialist training in endodontics, obtaining a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Endodontics, also from the University of Melbourne.
Aovana has been involved in endodontic education since 2011. Currently, she is a clinical demonstrator for the Doctor of Dental Surgery Endodontic program at The University of Melbourne and examines dentists in the Membership (GDP) program for RACDS and Australian Dental Council. Above all, she is a lovely person and this is her second Talk Dental to Me episode so we are very lucky to have her end this series!
Aovana will walk you through the essential elements of an orthodontic referral and key stages of development to refer on.
In this episode with Specialist Orthodontist Dr Katie Xu, we’ll dive into the essential elements of crafting a top-notch referral, improving patient outcomes, and strengthening professional relationships. Whether you are a Dentist, Oral Health Therapist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist - these tips will help streamline your referral process.
What You’ll Learn:
The Importance of Clear Communication:
Essential Patient Information to Share
Building Collaborative Relationships:
Streamlining the Referral Process:
Connect with Us:
Got questions, have a podcast idea or would like to be on the podcast yourself? Share them with us! Email us at talkdentaltomepodcast@gmail.com or connect on Instagram [@emma.cubis / @talkdental.tome
We are very lucky to have the incredible Dr Emilija Jensen on this episode and she will discuss the essential components of a stellar paeds referral and how to effectively communicate with specialist paediatric dentists
By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable steps to elevate your referral process and ensure your patients receive the best possible collaborative care.
Dr Emilija will walk you through the essential elements of a pediatric dental referral, including how to identify when to refer, what information to include, and how to prepare both the child and parents for a smooth transition to specialised care.
Episode Highlights:
Guest Bio: Dr Emilija Jensen is a Specialist Paediatric Dentist at the Dental Department of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and concurrent Bachelor of Dental Science awarded with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide in 2012. She then completed a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Paediatric Dentistry from the University of Adelaide in 2020. Emilija has commenced a PhD through ARCPOH, University of Adelaide in the area of cleft lip and palate.
Thank you to Byron Medical for powering the "How to Refer to Specialist Series" and this episode of the podcast.
My refractive ergoloupes from Byron Medical: https://www.byronmedical.com.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_qG5BhDTARIsAA0UHSJ16tbyCZGg6iLBJZwEqOEnAS8HMusBZ9WIeksJAObmjSwNx5lko4AaAkVBEALw_wcB
In this episode, we dive deep into the critical process of creating an effective referral to an oral medicine and oral pathology specialist with Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen.
Whether dealing with complex oral lesions, undiagnosed soft tissue abnormalities, or systemic conditions manifesting in the oral cavity, knowing how to craft a clear, comprehensive referral can significantly impact patient outcomes.
We’ll cover when and why to refer, the key components to include, and how to ensure smooth collaboration between general dentists and specialists.
Episode Highlights:
1. The Role of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology Specialists
2. When Should You Refer to an Oral Medicine/Pathology Specialist?
3. Key Elements of a Stellar Referral
4. Providing Adequate Supporting Documentation
5. Communicating Clearly with the Specialist
6. Preparing Your Patient for the Specialist Visit
7. Following Up Post-Referral
8. Common Pitfalls in the Referral Process
Referrals are more than just routine paperwork; they are a vital part of ensuring comprehensive patient care.
We are very lucky to have the incredible Dr Rebecca Ellis on this episode and she will discuss the essential components of a stellar referral, how to effectively communicate with periodontists, and what to include to improve the patient’s periodontal outcomes.
By the end of this episode, you'll have actionable steps to elevate your referral process and ensure your patients receive the best possible periodontal care.
Episode Highlights:
1. Understanding the Importance of a Proper Referral:
2. Key Indicators for Referral to a Periodontist:
3. What Makes a Stellar Referral:
4. Effective Communication Between General Dentists and Periodontists
5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Dr Rebecca Ellis Bio:
Dr Rebecca Ellis graduated top of her class with BDS (Distinction) from the University of Otago, New Zealand 2011. In 2015 Rebecca moved to Melbourne, Australia to complete a three-year doctoral degree in Periodontology at the University of Melbourne. During her training she was awarded an ITI research grant for preclinical research in implant dentistry. Her research interests include preclinical and clinical research in immediate implant placement and also guided bone regeneration. Rebecca is a fellow of the ITI, and current Australasian Section Chair. She is a member ofNZDA, ADA &ANZAP. Rebecca enjoys teaching and presenting both locally and internationally. Since 2018 Rebecca has been a young KOL for Geistlich Asia-Pacific. She also presents for Straumann, Nobel Biocare and EMS. She holds honorary faculty positions at both Charles Sturt University, NSW and the University of Melbourne. In 2020 Rebecca launched a new initiative- ‘Women in Dentistry- Ladies who lunch and learn’, a group focused on the wellbeing, education and support of the female demographic within the dental profession of New Zealand. Rebecca is a specialist Periodontist working in full-time private practice at Sydney Periodontics Implant Centre. In 2024 she become co-director of the practice.
Thank you to Byron Medical for powering this episode of the podcast!
In this episode, we delve into the latest advancements in dental hygiene with the immensely passionate and inspirational Certified GBT trainer, Kevin Ohashi Lopez.
We explore the groundbreaking concept of Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and how it's transforming the way we approach oral care. We also discuss the pivotal role of EMS Airflow technology in achieving optimal oral health.
Kevin Ohashi Lopez, MHA, BSDH, RDH, is a San Francisco-based dental hygienist. He graduated from West Coast University in 2019 and obtained a master's in health administration. Currently practicing in Napa Valley, Kevin brings diverse dental experience, with both front- and back-office expertise. He is a speaker, ambassador, mentor, Guided Biofilm Therapy trainer with the Swiss Dental Academy, and NBDHE review faculty with Sanders Board Preparatory.
Key Topics:
Can you have it all? This episode explores the inspiring story of Mary Jane Livingston, a dental hygienist who wears many hats – a skilled professional, a dedicated mom, and a captivating online presence. We delve into her journey of juggling a demanding career with the joys of motherhood and we also get real about her experiences of working while pregnant and the transition back to dental hygiene while building a successful platform while staying true to herself.
Key Points Discussed:
Who Should Listen:
Links and Resources:
A big thank you to my friends at Byron Medical for powering this episode of the podcast!