Dr. Kristine Grazioso joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion focused on the importance of building a community in organized dentistry. Dr. Grazioso shares her journey from residency to now, espousing on the importance of her involvement in various AAPD councils and committees, as well her state organization, leading to the development of an alliance focused on the needs of independent dentists.

She also delves into her experience as a member of Cohort VI of the John S. Rutkauskas Leadership Institute, and the personal growth and connections gained that continue to shape her career.

Guest Bio:

Kristine Grazioso, DMD is a board-certified pediatric dentist, founder of South Shore Children’s Dentistry and Abington Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, and Vice President and founding member of the Alliance of Independent Dentists. With over 30 years of experience, she is a passionate advocate for children’s oral health, modern practice management, and preserving the future of independent dentistry. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Emily Imes, co-chair of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Dental Resident Committee, for a conversation focused on ways new pediatric dentists can gain exposure to impactful ways they can impact patient advocacy and access to care. She shares her experience at the AAPD’s Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference (POHAC) and how it reinforced her decision to pursue a Masters in Public Health.

Dr. Imes also delves into how her mentors – including her childhood pediatric dentist – helped define her path and interest, leading to a diverse and rewarding journey into the profession. She shares how these experiences have inspired her engagement in organized dentistry and shaped the way she would like to support future pediatric dentists.

Guest Bio:

Emily Imes works in private practice and is a part-time Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at NYU. She is also a student at the Mailman School of Public Health, where she is currently completing her Masters in Public Health in the Department of Health Policy and Management.

Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree, majoring in Chemistry and Hispanic Literatures and Cultures. She went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and completed her pediatric dentistry residency training at Columbia University/ New York-Presbyterian.

Her professional interests include teaching and mentoring dental students and conducting research rooted in the intersection of pediatric dentistry and public health. She is passionate about advancing oral health through teaching, scholarship, advocacy, and meaningful patient care. She is also engaged with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, serving as the current co-chair of the Resident Committee. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Brianne Butler joins the podcast for a conversation detailing her unique experience as a practitioner in rural Washington and the choices led her to her work. A long-time children’s health advocate, Dr. Butler shares her journey from interning in Senator Patty Murray’s office during healthcare bill negotiations to making a home for her practice in a location that allows her to not only make a difference in the clinic but also in hercommunity. Dr. Butler and host Dr. Joel Berg also discuss her growth as a volunteer focused on advocacy and optimal oral health for all kids within organized dentistry and how others can use her path as a roadmap.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Brianne Butler, or “Dr. Bri” as she prefers to be called, was born and raised in Washington State. She completed both dental school and her pediatric residency at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she received extensive experience in working with children of all ages and children with special needs. After completing residency, she and her husband decided to relocate to the beautiful Olympic Peninsula where she has been serving children for the past nine years. Dr. Butler has also completed her board certification in pediatric dentistry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

When Dr. Butler is not in clinic, she volunteers her time working as affiliate faculty at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and attends events throughout the community to promote oral health in children. She is an active member of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, and Olympic Peninsula Dental Society. She has also served as president of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is currently serving as a President for the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Butler is committed to bettering the oral health of our community by working with patients and parents both in the clinic and in the community at large. In her free time, Dr. Butler enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and their dog, Huc.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Sara Werb joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a deep dive into behavior management. The duo discusses the importance of maintaining an individualized approach to behavior management. A former teacher, Dr. Werb shares tools she’s applied to create a “curriculum” for her patients, not only educating them on oral health but also to be more comfortable in the chair. Dr. Werb also shares what she’s learned from her more recent move into lecturing, which she credits with building her community within organized dentistry.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Sara Werb was born and raised in Toronto. She completed an Honors bachelor’s in science at the University of Toronto and received her master’s in education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. There, she conducted research in creating a high school program that allowed female students to excel in STEM. During her Master’s, she won a bet and had her dental school application to the University of Toronto paid for. She completed a pediatric dental residency at Jacobi Medical Center where she received extensive training in various behavior management techniques along with training in the treatment of special needs patients, pediatric medicine rotation, pediatric emergency room, and anesthesia. 

Upon completing her residency Sara moved back to Toronto to work at various dental offices, while building her own practice WERBDentistry. In 2021 she sold her practice to Altima Dental/123 Dentist.    Dr. Sara has served on staff at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, as a clinical instructor at the Faculty of Dentistry in Toronto and as assistant professor at the University of Western Ontario. She is also on staff at Mount Sinai Hospital, both teaching and supervising dental residents.  She is a Key-Opinion Leader for NuSmile, travelling across North America teaching other dentists advanced techniques in Pediatric Dentistry   She has lectured at various dental conferences, volunteered with the Ontario Dental Association, and frequently visits classrooms and daycares to teach oral health. Dr. Werb is the outgoing President of the Ontario Society of Pediatric Dentists and on the Finance Committee for the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry    

Dr. Werb has published research on dental education, and on the link of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Enamel Anomalies. 

In her spare time, Dr. Werb takes ballet classes, travels, builds Lego and experiments with cooking new recipes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Joel Berg is joined once again by Dr. Scott Schwartz, this time to tackle how candidates can best prepare for the Residency application process. Dr. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of considering the “obvious questions,” like which type of program is the best fit for your future professional aspirations and learning style. He shares ways that candidates can put their best foot forward, including a letter of recommendation from a mentor in the specialty or a unique personal experience statement that demonstrates who you are as a professional and team member – even if it’s outside the sphere of dentistry. Success is often found in the commonly overlooked details.

Guest Bio:

Scott B. Schwartz, DDS, MPH, is an Associate Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, where he also serves as Director of the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry training program. After graduating from the University of Illinois – Chicago College of Dentistry, he completed a General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University. Continuing his journey to the Southeast, he obtained a certificate in pediatric dentistry and a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professionally, he has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and has served on related committees with the American Dental Education Association, the Cincinnati Children’s Graduate Medical Education DEI subcommittee, and written extensively about the topic in both editorial and research publications. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Kathleen Schultz returns to Newly Erupted for a conversation on identifying oral lesions. Dr. Schultz shares her systematic approach with host Dr. Joel Berg, delving into how the consistency lessens the potential for missing something during an oral examination. She details the various presentations of lesions and ways practitioners can discuss the exam and any potential diagnoses with patients and families.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Kathleen Schultz received her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She completed a residency in oral and maxillofacial pathology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and a residency in pediatric dental medicine at Cohen Children’s Medical Center where she served as chief resident in both specialties. She is a Fellow and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology as well as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is currently a full-time attending in oral and maxillofacial pathology and pediatric dentistry at Northwell Health. In addition to managing clinical practices in pediatric dentistry and pediatric oral pathology, she also teaches residents in both disciplines and participates in the surgical pathology service. She is a participant of the Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team at Northwell Health and has a personal interest in the dental management and prosthodontic rehabilitation of infants and children with cleft lip and palate. Her interest is on clinical and radiographic presentations of common and uncommon oral pathology in pediatric patients, notably those with syndromes and complex medical conditions. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pediatric Dentist and Entrepreneur Dr. Tyler Hanks joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion on designing your own brand rooted in authenticity. Dr. Hanks talks about how he has found success leaning into his passions and personality in ways that put patients and parents at ease as soon as they enter his practice. He also delves into the social media side of his practice and the trial and error of finding unique and engaging ways to meet families where they are when they’re looking for expert advice.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Tyler Hanks, DMD, MPH is a board-certified pediatric dentist and the founder of Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Millcreek, Utah. Born and raised in Sandy, Utah, Dr. Hanks has deep roots in the community and a genuine passion for helping children develop lifelong healthy smiles.

Dr. Hanks began his dental journey after graduating from Brighton High School and serving a mission in Nicaragua for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, and completed specialized pediatric dental residency training at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

With over a decade of experience observing pediatric practices, Dr. Hanks believes that a child’s first dental experiences have a lasting impact on their attitudes toward oral health. This philosophy inspired him to create Happy Tooth—an intentionally welcoming, fun, and kid-friendly environment designed to make dental visits enjoyable and comfortable for families.

Dr. Hanks lives with his family in Utah and enjoys spending time with his four sons. Outside the office, he loves cheering on sports teams, playing board games, cruising around Millcreek on his OneWheel, and daydreaming about Lake Powell.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.