A podcast where high achieving women in dentistry get real. We go beyond the accolades and dive into the human experience. You can expect soulful conversations filled with laughter, insights, and fun!
If you've ever felt like you're just surviving instead of thriving, this podcast is your space to feel seen, inspired, and empowered. Each episode leaves you with actionable strategies to shape a career (and life) that truly fits You. Because dentistry is about more than teeth, it's about how we show up, and how we impact those around us.
Follow now and join the conversation!
This Dental + Meaningful conversation feels different.
I’m sitting on Deborah’s couch, we don’t just hear about her life, we see it. Creativity isn’t something she does on the side, it’s how she moves through the World.
Deborah’s art spans from prints to shoemaking to sculptures, working with various mediums to capture her humour and unique take on life.
We explore her time providing dental care in Aboriginal communities, the cultural experience, indigenous health gap, and what it means to show up with humility. She speaks with honesty about significant health challenges, including cancer and multiple strokes. Yet, what stands out is her humour. Her generosity. Her ability to keep her heart open.
Deborah embodies lifelong learning, collecting degrees and certifications, methodically disproving a teacher who once told her she wasn’t smart enough. Dentistry gave her independence. Art gave her voice.
She shares an important truth many women recognise:
You must learn to stand for yourself. No one is coming to rescue you.
A truly enjoyable conversation, Debbie reminds us that a life well lived is not monochromatic. It is bold. It is textured. And you’ll want to add your own colours to it.
Learn more about Deborah and her art (https://deborahmiller.com.au)
13 Feb 2026
11. Living in the Moment with Dr. Ellie Borgelt
This episode of Dental & Meaningful is one of the most candid and important conversations to date and a great one to open 2026 with!
I’m joined by Dr Ellie Borgelt for an honest discussion about the lived realities of many women in dentistry. We discuss gender bias in clinical environments, including sexual harassment in the workplace (trigger warning), and the emotional toll of building a successful career in a patriarchal system.
Dr Borgelt shares her journey as an immigrant dentist to Australia, rebuilding a professional identity from the ground up. We also explore her experience as a single parent to 3 teenagers, carrying the load of her career, business, motherhood, and her own health & happiness.
A powerful part of this conversation centres on menopause, self-care, and the mindset shift that comes with choosing to finally prioritise yourself after years of putting everyone else first. Ellie brings a hopeful, energising perspective to this chapter of life, one that is truly infectious.
This episode is a must-listen for women in dentistry seeking validation, solidarity, and reassurance that they are not alone, it’s never too late to start choosing yourself.
28 Nov 2025
12. Wisdom and Joy in Dentistry with Dr Purnima Kumar
If you need some powerfully uplifting energy and joyful grit in your life right now, this is for you. I sit down with Dr. Purnima Kumar in Vienna for this conversation. She is the head of department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry.
She has built a wonderfully successful and accomplished career in research and academics, whilst also finding time for countless philanthropic pursuits and tangible initiatives to lift other women in dentistry.
We cover her career experience through tertiary institutions, her passionate advocacy of the "He for She" movement, and countless insights and wisdoms hard-earned from a colourful career in dentistry.
This is one not to be missed!
Chapters
00:03:00 Experience as Immigrant- India to USA
00:09:00 Importance of Adapting to Change
00:15:00 Middle East and Challenges in Academia
00:21:00 Family and Support Systems
00:27:00 Advocacy and Women in Leadership
00:33:00 Innovations and Contributions
00:39:00 Wholeheartedly Embracing the Present
18 Nov 2025
Strength in Vulnerability with Dr Parul Bhatia
This was a beautiful episode covering multiple facets of the lived experience of a woman in our profession. Dr Parul Bhatia's strength shines through as quiet fortitude and hope in the journey she shares with us.
We open with the bittersweet experience of selling the practice she build from scratch but ultimately looks towards all the different possibilities in her next chapter with great anticipation and excitement.
Parul shares her internal suffering from needing to re-sit her final year exams amidst difficult personal events, to the guilt of endometriosis pain and struggles of IVF, managing menopause, to the shame of almost failing in her business once but coming out stronger and more equipped. She had to find her own path to success and continues to do so.
Through it all she remains connected to what brings her joy and inspiration- her creativity. Parul is determined to bring more empathy and ease to our fellow colleagues. Enjoy the episode!
Chapters
00:01:00 Applying Business Skills to Dentistry
00:03:00 Selling the Practice and Finding Balance
00:05:00 Mental Health and Empathy in Dentistry
00:07:00 Challenges of Practice Ownership
00:09:00 The Impact of Perimenopause
00:11:00 Creative Outlets for Professionals
00:13:00 Building a Supportive Community
00:15:00 Leadership and Growth in Dentistry
22 Sept 2025
Soulful Hustle: On Growth and Gratitude with Dr. Olan Hartley
Episode Summary
Ready to check in with yourself and come out feeling recharged?
In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Olan Hartley for a soul-nourishing conversation that’s equal parts grounding and uplifting.
We talk about redefining self-worth, recognising the quiet signs of burnout, setting boundaries with intention, and making gratitude more than just a passing thought.
Olan’s grace, clarity, and fierce commitment to growth are magnetic. She inspires us to hold ourselves to accountability with compassion. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to re-align with your purpose, this one’s for you.
Whether you're curious about mentorship, navigating burnout, or just craving space for honest self-reflection, Olan is that voice of calm you didn’t know you needed.
22 Sept 2025
Part 1 of 6 - Speaker Recap - Assertive Communication with Annelise McCarthy
This is the first in a six-part bonus series where I’ll be bringing you into our Cusp Collective conference this year. These episodes are my personal reflections of each speaker's presentation, what I took from it, how I use it in my life and how it can be applied to your clinical practice.
First up is Annelise McCarthy, founder of Her Speaking Coach and an expert in public speaking and powerful communication.
We talk confidence, presence, and assertive language; and how these skills take you from consult rooms to tough conversations. Communication shapes how we’re seen, how we lead, and how we thrive as clinicians.
I'll share the 3 most impactful insights that I have been practising all year, and how correcting a drinks order reminded me of an important life lesson.
This episode is for everyone who needs a strong nudge to start using their voice, as Annelise urges us all to do.
10 Sept 2025
Thriving in Adversity with Dr Suelen Cella
In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Chen and Dr. Suelen Cella explore the profound journey of resilience, the challenges and triumphs Suelen has experienced in her dental and personal journey.
Suelen shares her inspiring story of moving from a rural upbringing in Brazil to becoming a successful dentist in Australia, overcoming trauma, and navigating the complexities of family planning, IVF, and career aspirations.
Our conversation highlights the importance of education for women, support systems, and the pursuit of happiness in both personal and professional realms.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Dr. Sue Ellen Cella
02:54From Rural Brazil to Dentistry
05:19Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Education
07:41Experiences of Violence and Its Impact
10:06Finding Peace and Strength in Adversity
12:40Transitioning to a New Life in Australia
14:57The Joy of Working in a Gourmet Food Shop
17:19Returning to Dentistry and Career Growth
19:56Recognition and Achievements in the Dental Field
22:57The Importance of Mental Health and Support
25:33Innovative Marketing Strategies in Dentistry
28:04Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey of Achievements
36:46Finding Peace After Success
39:03The Importance of Physical Health
41:33Preparing for Motherhood
42:05Navigating IVF Challenges
45:34Balancing Work and IVF
48:50The Emotional Toll of Motherhood
52:03Perspective on Parenthood
55:01The Power of Communication
57:36Embracing Aging and Change
01:00:13The Role of Information in Health
01:03:16The Journey of Self-Improvement
1:04:15The Importance of Community in Dentistry
1 Sept 2025
Cusp Collective 2025 Conference Wrap-Up
After our annual conference, the buzzing energy stays with me as I take a break from prepping for the event and continue post-event admin. I created this platform at a time when I needed support like this but couldn't find it. It was also a time perhaps I couldn't have made it to every event.
This is why the podcast exists, to bring the much needed conversations and connections to you. In support of that, this bonus episode brings the conference experience to you and kicks off a short series where I share my reflections and the key ideas I took away from each speaker's presentation.
My aim with our in person event is to ensure women in dentistry feel seen and heard, that you come away feeling energised, having formed meaningful connections with fellow colleagues, and inspired to make changes that will serve you better. If even just one new idea changes the way you show up in your work and life, that’s the biggest win for me.
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes and subscribe on our website to be the first to know when early bird sales are open for our 2026 conference.
25 Aug 2025
Staying Grounded in Dentistry with Dr. Sara Lonergan
Episode Summary
And we're back! It was a longer break than anticipated but it was much needed. And no better episode to return to than thissoul nourishing conversation with Dr. Sara Lonergan.
We talk about the peace she finds in her menagerie ofanimals, the sanctuary she’s created outside of clinical life, and the intentional way she’s built one of the most welcoming clinics I’ve ever stepped into. From the moment I stepped into her clinic reception, I felt my muscles relax. It was truly the most welcoming clinical space I have been in. Sara’s thoughtful approach goes beyond aesthetics or state-of-the-art dental equipment into the approach she takes in patient care and the systems in place with her business and staff. It is a remarkable creation to witness. And of course, I had to ask how all the cogs turn whilst raising 5 children.
Sara shares her refreshingly grounded take on success, her antidote to imposter syndrome, and some media recs for those whose minds are always on the move. This is a conversation about expectations of ourselves, cultivating ease, and choosing stillness in a world that romanticizes hustle.
16 Jul 2025
Moral injury, Motherhood, and Mental Health with Dr. Annalene Weston
In this episode, we talk about all the things we carry as women in this profession. Dr. Annalene Weston shares her insights andwisdom from decades in dentistry. We explore her experiences of moral injury as a young dentist in the NHS, how she addressed burnout and pivoted her career. We dive into her role as head of advisory at DPL and encounters withgender bias, as well as challenges of being a working mom.
Annalene is a passionate advocate for open discussions and adequate support for the mental and emotional wellbeing of our fellow colleagues.
Chapters:
00:00 Understanding Mental Health in Dentistry
01:40 Impact of Gender Bias in Healthcare
07:35 Personal Journeys and Influences in Dentistry
15:24 Moral Injury and Aligning Values in Dentistry
20:57 Finding Fulfillment in Dental Practice
32:12 Navigating Career and Motherhood
38:59 The Challenges of Being a Working Mother
46:19 Overcoming Gender Bias in the Workplace
51:07 Leadership and Personal Growth
56:22 Legacy and Impact in the Dental Profession
01:03:12 Reflections and Advice for the Younger Self
01:06:15 The Importance of Community in Dentistry
1 Jul 2025
Standing by your Standards with Dr. Leonora Langstaff
Dr. Leonora Langstaff discusses her experiences transitioning from the UK to Australia as a dentist, highlighting the importance of mentorship and standing by one's values in challenging work environments; this is an interview.
16 Jun 2025
Who you are over What you know: Empathy in action with Dr. Thao Truong
Dr. Thao Truong emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills in dentistry, asserting that personal qualities outweigh technical abilities in professional success; this is an interview.
2 Jun 2025
Finding your voice with Dr Amesha Maree
Dr. Amesha Maree discusses her journey to orthodontics and single parenting, highlighting resilience, finding your voice, and embracing vulnerability in this interview with Dr. Tiffany Chen.
18 May 2025
Lateral thinking and pushing boundaries: Insights from Dr. Aovana Timmerman
Host Dr. Tiffany Chen interviews endodontist Dr. Aovana Timmerman, who shares her journey through dentistry, addressing challenges like burnout and gender bias, while emphasizing the importance of teaching and pushing boundaries.
10 Apr 2025
Welcome!
Tiffany, a periodontist and founder of The Cusp Collective, introduces the Dental & Meaningful podcast, which features raw conversations with high-achieving women in dentistry.
Who has been a guest on Dental + Meaningful
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Leonora Langstaff
Dr Thao Truong
Dr Amesha Maree
Dr Aovana Timmerman
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
25
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Dental + Meaningful
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Dental + Meaningful
Who hosts Dental + Meaningful?
Dr Tiffany Chen host the show. Published by The Cusp Collective.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Dental + Meaningful take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Dental + Meaningful?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
