"Beyond Graduation" brings you real conversations about what is life outside of the four walls of dental school! Join Drs Savanah Craig and Ronnetta Sartor as they navigate the early years of their careers. This podcast invites you to pull up a chair as we share our journey and remind listeners that no one has it all figured out! There is a reason it's called practicing dentistry!
Navigating Expanded Function Dental Assistants: Benefits and Debates
About the Cohosts:
Dr. Savanah Craig is a practicing dentist who has navigated life beyond dental school with tenacity and a wealth of experience. She has a keen interest in assisting early-career practitioners to forge their own paths, leveraging her expertise in the field of dentistry to support fellow practitioners. Alongside her professional practice, she is involved in hosting enlightening conversations aimed at making the practice of dentistry more manageable and efficient.
Dr. Ronnetta Sartor is co-host of the "Beyond Graduation" series and brings valuable insights into the technical and practical aspects of dentistry. As a solo practitioner operating in South Carolina, she shares her challenges and triumphs in managing a dental practice while advocating for innovation and efficiency in dental care. Her engagement in open dialogues about the professional landscape helps empower dental professionals.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Beyond Graduation," Drs. Savanah Craig and Ronnetta Sartor delve into the expanding roles of Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) and how these roles vary between states. The conversation navigates through the different legal and professional frameworks governing EFDAs, particularly contrasting South Carolina with Ohio. Dr. Craig shares insights from her firsthand experience of integrating EFDAs into her practice, praising their critical contributions to patient care and operational efficiency.
The duo explores the immense benefits of having EFDAs in dental practices, emphasizing access to care, patient outcomes, and overall efficiency. They discuss the educational requirements and practical impacts for EFDAs in Ohio and align their thoughts on why other states might consider following suit. Dr. Sartor reflects on her experiences as a solo practitioner, highlighting how EFDAs could potentially transform her practice dynamics given the right educational infrastructure. The episode thoughtfully examines the deeper questions around autonomy, control, and hierarchy within dental practice, urging listeners to consider all sides of the debate around expanding auxiliary roles in dentistry.
Key Takeaways:
* EFDAs significantly contribute to dental practice efficiency by allowing dentists to focus on a broader range of procedures.
* The introduction of EFDAs requires comprehensive education and ongoing training to maintain standards of patient care.
* There is a balance to be found between expanding agricultural roles and preserving the integrity and safety of dental care.
* Integrating EFDAs can create a positive collaborative culture that benefits both patient outcomes and professional growth.
* Different states have varying regulations around EFDAs, which influences how dental practices operate across the US.
Connect with Us:
* Savanah Craig, DDS: @savanahcraigdds
* Ronnetta Sartor, DMD: @dr_sartor
* FutureDentists Beyond Graduation: @futuredentistsbeyondgraduation
* FutureDentists: @futuredentists
* IgniteDDS and IgniteDDS Coaching: @ignitedds and www.ignitedds.com [http://www.ignitedds.com/]
In an era where efficiency and collaboration are key, this episode presents valuable insights into how EFDAs can reshape dental practices. Listen to the full episode for a more comprehensive dive into this insightful discussion and stay tuned to "Beyond Graduation" for more engaging conversations about advancing your dental career.
13 Oct 2026
Navigating Dental Startups: Insights from Damaury Hedary of Benco Dental
About the Guest:
Damaury Hedary is a seasoned professional from the dental industry with over 15 years of experience. She has worked in various capacities, including clinical roles as a dental assistant and hygienist, and has also engaged in operational management and clinical teaching. Damaury currently holds the position of Practice Life Cycle Coordinator at Benco Dental. Her role involves working with individuals who are navigating the various stages of dental practice ownership, from buying and selling practices to assessing their value and aiding those seeking to become associates.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of "Beyond Graduation," hosts Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor sit down with Damaury Hedary, Benco Dental's Practice Life Cycle Coordinator, for an insightful discussion at the Ignite retreat in Tampa, Florida. This special in-person episode dives deep into the world of dental practices, focusing on the lifecycle of a dental career from startup to retirement. Damaury shares her vast experience in the dental field, emphasizing her passion for assisting new dentists with the daunting task of opening their practices.
As the conversation unfolds, Damaury reveals the intricacies of Benco Dental's support system, designed to help dental professionals at every stage of their career. The episode highlights key strategies for successful dental practice startups and dispels common myths about practice ownership. Damaury offers her unique insights into the process, stressing the importance of effective support and guidance. Listeners will learn about Benco Dental's comprehensive resources, from equipment selection to associate placement, and how these can aid budding dental entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams. This episode is a veritable goldmine for dental professionals looking to thrive in their careers.
Key Takeaways:
* The importance of having guidance and support when starting a dental practice cannot be overstated; Benco Dental offers a wealth of resources for new practitioners.
* Damaury underscores the significance of being open to help and learning from others to make informed decisions in practice ownership.
* A myth about dental startups is the perceived difficulty of establishing a practice amidst big DSOs, which Damaury dispels with examples from her experience.
* Damaury's extensive background in both clinical and operational dentistry enables her to relate to clients, fostering transparent and productive relationships.
* The episode emphasizes that admitting what you don't know and seeking expert advice can significantly enhance one's success in the dental industry.
Connect with Us:
* Savanah Craig, DDS: @savanahcraigdds
* Ronnetta Sartor, DMD: @dr_sartor
* FutureDentists Beyond Graduation: @futuredentistsbeyondgraduation
* FutureDentists: @futuredentists
* IgniteDDS: @ignitedds and @ignitedds_coaching
* A-dec: @adecdental and https://www.a-dec.com/find-a-dealer
* Find more about Benco Dental at benco.com [https://www.benco.com/]
* Contact Damaury Hedary via email at de9546@benco.com
Dive into this episode for a comprehensive look at the dental practice lifecycle and equip yourself with the knowledge and inspiration to navigate your own path in the dental industry. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on "Beyond Graduation."
6 Oct 2026
Navigating Dentistry: Dr. Joe Chichetti's Inspiring Journey and Insights
About the Guest:
Dr. Joe Chichetti is a distinguished dentist practicing in Charlotte, North Carolina. Renowned for his specialization in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Chichetti owns both a general dental practice (Chichetti and Patel Dental Wellness) and a cosmetic specialty practice (Harmony Transformative Cosmetic Dentistry). As an educator, he travels internationally to impart his expertise in cosmetic dentistry protocols. He is a Global Key Opinion Leader for Suresmile, Dentsply Sirona and A-dec. He is also the co-creator of the Harmony Protocol, a treatment planning modality designed to improve cosmetic dental outcomes and overall patient experience.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of "Beyond Graduation," hosts Dr. Savanah Craig and Dr. Ronnetta Sartor welcome Dr. Joe Chichetti to discuss his captivating journey from being a dental faculty member to owning multiple flourishing dental practices. Dr. Chichetti shares his early career experiences, detailing the acquisition of a practice that challenged him to innovate and differentiate himself within the dental community. This episode explores the impactful decision points that define a practice owner's success and underscores the importance of adaptable business strategies in dentistry.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Chichetti emphasizes the transformative power of technology, such as the acquisition of CEREC systems, in revolutionizing dental practices. He provides a deep dive into his development of the Harmony Protocol, a methodology aimed at optimizing cosmetic outcomes and addressing airway issues through integrated orthodontic and myofunctional therapies. Listeners will gain valuable insights into Dr. Chichetti's strategic approach to patient care, supported self-improvement through continuous education, and the integral role of his spouse in managing and growing their business ventures. He underscores the necessity of consistent systems and the vitality of forging community ties within the dental profession.
Key Takeaways:
* Integrating cutting-edge technology like CEREC systems can motivate dental professionals, elevate their practice, and provide unique patient experiences.
* Critical lessons learned in managing business transitions can determine the long-term success of practice ownership.
* Combining comprehensive cosmetic dental care with orthodontal and myofunctional therapies can lead to improved patient outcomes.
* The effectiveness of structured systems is crucial in managing time, achieving discipline, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance within dental practice management.
* Dr. Chichetti stresses the importance of camaraderie and collaboration with local dental professionals to enhance delivery of patient care.
Connect with Us:
* Savanah Craig, DDS: @savanahcraigdds
* Ronnetta Sartor, DMD: @dr_sartor
* FutureDentists Beyond Graduation: @futuredentistsbeyondgraduation
* Dr. Joe Chichetti: @drjoechichetti and https://theharmonysmile.com/meet-dr-joe
* Harmony Dental Institute Course Registration: https://625409ff-9f61-4d89-ba78-93f58e9c6bcb.paylinks.godaddy.com/harmonydentalinstitute
* IgniteDDS and IgniteDDS Coaching: @ignitedds and www.ignitedds.com [http://www.ignitedds.com/]
For deeper insights into Dr. Chichetti's approaches and to explore more enriching conversations, be sure to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from "Beyond Graduation."
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
502
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
84
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
32
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Questions about Beyond Graduation
Who hosts Beyond Graduation?
Dr Ronnetta Sartor and Dr Savanah Craig host the show. Published by Savanah Craig and Ronnetta Sartor.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Beyond Graduation take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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