Talk Dental to Me

What would dentistry look like if we fully utilised every member of the dental team? And what would it take to get there?I’m joined by Robbie to discuss a topic that I think is incredibly important for the future of our profession: dental therapy, professional advocacy, and breaking down the misconceptions that still exist around our scope of practice.Robbie has been a passionate advocate for dental therapists in the UK, using his voice and platform to challenge outdated perceptions, raise awareness, and push for greater recognition of the profession.In this episode, we’ll explore what the scope of practice for dental therapists looks like in the UK today and Australia, and why there’s still work to be done to ensure dental therapists are understood, respected, and utilised to their full potential.Whether you’re a Dental Therapist, an Oral Health Therapist, a Dentist, or a Dental Student, this conversation is a reminder that advocating for our profession isn’t just about recognition. It’s about collaboration, making better use of our skills, and ultimately improving access to care for our patients.Resources and Links:⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠Follow Robbie Stewart  ⁠@robbiethedentaltherapistFollow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠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 unpacking what orofacial myofunctional therapy actually is, and how things like breathing, sleep, oral habits and muscle function can all play a role in a child's development.We'll talk about some of the early signs that a child may be experiencing airway or breathing concerns - including symptoms that can easily be dismissed as just being “normal” childhood behaviour.We'll also explore mouth breathing, snoring and prolonged dummy use, and how these seemingly everyday habits can potentially impact things like sleep, behaviour, learning and development.Nateenee and I also dive into why early intervention matters, and the important role that oral health therapists and dentists can play in identifying these concerns before they become bigger problems.And if you're a parent listening today, don't worry - we've got you covered too!

What if the most rewarding day of your dental career wasn’t in your own practice - but in a community hundreds of kilometres away, where simply showing up could change someone’s life?Welcome back to Talk Dental to Me - the podcast for dental professionals who want more than just the clinical stuff. This is the podcast where we explore the people, stories, and ideas shaping the future of dentistry.On this podcast, I’m joined by Dr Kian, Dr Nikhil, and Dr Raoul for a conversation that shines a light on a side of dentistry that many of us don’t get to see.Together, they’ve volunteered their time and skills to provide dental care in remote communities, working with patients who often have limited access to oral healthcare. IWe’ll also talk about the challenges, the rewards, the importance of cultural awareness, and how volunteering has shaped not only their clinical skills, but also their perspectives on healthcare, service, and the role we can all play in improving access to care.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to volunteer in remote communities- or perhaps you’ve considered doing it yourself - this episode is full of honest insights, practical advice, and stories that I know will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is changing the way many oral health therapists, dental hygienists and dentists approach prevention- but what is it, and why are so many clinicians making the switch?In this episode of Talk Dental To Me, I'm joined by Celso, Chief Marketing Officer at EMS Dental, for an open conversation about the evolution of preventive dentistry.I share my personal experience transitioning to the GBT protocol, why I decided to make the change, how it has transformed my appointments, and the impact I've seen on both patient experience and clinical outcomes.From there, Celso dives into the science behind Guided Biofilm Therapy - what it is, how it differs from traditional approaches to biofilm management, and why understanding the distinction matters for both clinicians and patients.Whether you're curious about implementing GBT in your practice, wanting to better understand the evidence behind the protocol, or simply interested in where preventive dentistry is heading, this episode will give you practical insights and plenty to think about.In this episode, we discuss:Why more clinicians are adopting Guided Biofilm TherapyWhat GBT actually is (and what it isn't)The key differences between traditional scaling and the GBT protocolHow GBT can improve the patient experienceClinical workflow, efficiency and practice implementationCommon misconceptions about GBTPractical advice for clinicians considering the transitionWhether you're an Oral Health Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Dentist , Dental Therapist or Dental Student, this conversation will help you better understand one of the biggest shifts happening in preventive dentistry.LINKS:Learn more about EMS Dental and GBTGuided Biofilm Therapy Scientific Evidence Library Book a Swiss Dental Academy In-Practice Training (Australia)Follow Celso de CostaFollow Emma CubisSign up to Talk Dental to me CPD Membership On-Demand, 24+ hours annually

In this episode, we sit down with Imogen to explore the growing field of sports dentistry and why oral health deserves a place in every conversation about athlete performance, health and wellbeing.While nutrition, sleep, recovery and physical conditioning are often front of mind for athletes and their support teams, oral health is frequently overlooked. Imogen shares how sports dentistry is helping bridge that gap and why the mouth may play a bigger role in performance than many people realise.We discuss the unique oral health challenges faced by different athlete populations, from endurance athletes to contact sport competitors and artistic performers, as well as the barriers that continue to prevent oral health from being fully integrated into athlete care.Imogen also reflects on her own professional journey, including her involvement with the UK Sports Dentistry Association and co-founding the South African Sports Dentistry Association, offering valuable insights into what it takes to build a niche area of practice and create impact on a global scale.Finally, we look ahead to the future of sports dentistry, discuss emerging opportunities within the profession, and hear more about the upcoming inaugural Australian Sports Dentistry Conference.Whether you're a dental professional, student, sports enthusiast or simply curious about this evolving field, this episode provides an inspiring look at the intersection of oral health, performance and innovation.Resources and Links:⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠Sign up for the ANZ SDA: The Inaugural Sports Dentistry Conference 2026Follow Imogen Johnson  ⁠@thedentalsportstherapistFollow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠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!#dentalpodcast #sportsdentistry #dentaleducation #oralhealththerapist #dentist #sportsmedicine #athletehealth #dentalcpd #talkdentaltome

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Lora Banicevic to unpack one of the most unspoken realities in dentistry: perfectionism. From the pressure to perform chairside to the fear of complaints, judgement and never feeling “good enough,” this conversation explores the hidden mental and emotional load so many clinicians quietly carry.Together, we discuss the difference between high standards and harmful perfectionism, the culture of “pushing through” in healthcare, and what happens when dentistry starts to become your entire identity. Dr Lora also shares honest insights into burnout, wellbeing, self-worth and how clinicians can begin building a more sustainable and fulfilling career - both inside and outside the clinic.Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, therapist, student or healthcare professional, this episode is a reminder that clinical excellence should never come at the expense of your health.Resources and Links:Follow Dr Lora Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠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, I sit down with Cassie Cowdroy to talk about one of the most nuanced and underserved spaces in oral health — working with neurodivergent kids and the families navigating it all. Cassie brings a depth of clinical experience and a genuinely refreshing perspective on what it means to deliver care that’s actually useful, not just textbook-perfect.We cover:✦ Cassie’s clinical background and what drew her to paediatric and neurodivergent-focused care✦ How she tailors oral health conversations around diet, brushing, and caries risk without triggering guilt or shame✦ The pressure clinicians face to give “ideal” advice - and what to do when that advice just isn’t realistic for a family✦ Small, realistic behaviour changes that parents actually stick with at home✦ How Cassie’s career goals have evolved and what gave her permission to take a non-traditional path✦ What a truly sustainable dental career looks like - and why that question matters more than everWhether you’re a clinician working with complex paediatric cases, a parent trying to navigate your child’s oral health, or someone quietly questioning what longevity in this profession actually looks like for you - this one is for you.

What if the key to a smoother, more efficient and more harmonious dental practice has been sitting right beside you at the chair all along?In this episode of Talk Dental to Me, we sit down with Rochelle Fisher - founder of Dental Assisting and Beyond. Rochelle has spent her career championing one of the most underestimated roles in dentistry, and this conversation is long overdue.We get into the real, unfiltered conversations that don't always happen inside the practice - and if you work with a dental assistant, manage a dental team, or ARE a dental assistant, this episode is for you.In this episode we cover:What originally inspired Rochelle to create an entire academy around the dental assistant roleWhat dentists most commonly misunderstand about their dental assistantWhat it actually takes to make a dental assistant feel valued in a practiceWhere communication breaks down between clinicians and dental assistants - and how to fix itThe role of respect in front of patients and why it matters more than you thinkHow to give constructive feedback without it feeling like criticism or micromanagementThe ONE thing every clinician could change tomorrow to completely transform their working relationship with their assistant🎙️ About Rochelle Fisher Rochelle Fisher is the founder of Dental Assisting and Beyond, an academy committed to raising the standard of dental assisting through education, empowerment and recognition. With years of experience in the industry, Rochelle is a passionate advocate for the dental assistant role and the vital contribution assistants make to patient care and practice success.🦷 About Talk Dental to Me Talk Dental to Me is the podcast for dental clinicians, oral health professionals and anyone passionate about dentistry, practice culture and continuing professional development. Hosted by Oral Health Therapist Emma, each episode dives deep into the clinical, professional and human side of working in dentistry in Australia.New episodes drop regularly - make sure you subscribe, leave a review and share with a colleague who needs to hear this one.📱 Connect with Rochelle Fisher & Dental Assisting and Beyond Instagram: @dentalassistingandbeyond Website: dentalassistingandbeyond.com.au📱 Connect with Talk Dental to Me Instagram: @talkdental.tome Website: learn.talkdentaltome.onlineSubscribe 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 diving into one of dentistry’s biggest grey zones: TMD and craniofacial pain.It’s an area that sits at the intersection of dentistry, physiotherapy, osteopathy, and pain science - yet it’s often siloed, inconsistently managed, and misunderstood. While most dental professionals receive some exposure to TMD during training, it’s rarely enough to feel truly confident assessing, treating, or collaborating across disciplines. To unpack this complex space, I’m joined by Darron Goralsky, who works on the front line of TMJ and craniofacial pain management. Together, we explore why TMD lives in this professional grey zone, how different disciplines assess and approach these patients and what meaningful multidisciplinary collaboration actually looks like. If you’ve ever wondered where your role ends, where another profession’s begins, or how we can work better together for patients living with TMD and craniofacial pain - this conversation is for you.To take an even deeper dive into TMD, Darron has kindly extended a discount code to our community for the upcoming "5 step TMD Protocol Course" coming up in Melbourne 14-15.03.2026Use "TDTM" when booking and they will honour the early bird discount!Resources and Links:Learn more about Melbourne TMJ CentreSign up for the 2026 ⁠⁠Talk Dental to Me CPD Membership⁠⁠ - use Podcast30 for $30 off!Follow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠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 Podcast30 for $30 off!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Anh Makkar — dentist, wellbeing educator and founder of Makkar Wellbeing — to explore a powerful theme as we wrap up the year: reflection.In this conversation, we dive into why looking back can actually move us forward: how reflection fuels growth, how self-judgment can be transformed into self-compassion, and what mindset shifts help young professionals handle failure, feedback, and the pressure to “get it right.”We’ll unpack evidence-based habits that truly build mental fitness, from simple daily practices to practical strategies for rebuilding resilience when you’re feeling burnt out or behind, and the one question she believes everyone should ask themselves before stepping into a new year.Resources and Links:⁠Ergonomic Loupes from Byron Medical⁠Follow Makkar Wellbeing  ⁠@makkarwellbeingFollow Emma Cubis  ⁠@emma.cubis⁠Follow ⁠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!