In this mid-year check-in, co-hosts Amanda DeMoura and Sarah Hamlin are catching their breath (and maybe pulling on some fuzzy socks) as they reflect on what 2025 has brought to dental practices so far—and what’s coming next. From hygienist shortages and hiring shifts to in-house marketing trends, tech fatigue, smarter supply strategies, and the power of real human connection, this episode is your summer sanity reset.

We’re talking quick wins, culture upgrades, the rise of DIY branding, why breaks actually matter (yes, really), and how dental teams can gear up for a stronger second half of the year.

Plus, we’re sharing what’s ahead for the podcast—including some standout guests you won’t want to miss.

🛒 Shoutout to our sponsor, Frontier Dental! If supply ordering has felt chaotic or overpriced, this is your sign to simplify. Visit Frontier Dental and use promo code FDBOFA at checkout to get $20 off your first order.

Need to find us us?

🔗 Links & Resources

💻 Podcast Website: amandademoura.com/breathoffreshairpodcast

📧 Contact Amanda: amanda@amandademoura.com

Instagram: instagram.com/breathofreshairdentalpodcast

In this episode of Breath of Fresh Air, Amanda and Sarah are diving into how to pick the right dental conference for you (and your practice). With so many options out there—from massive trade shows to intimate boutique events—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to spend your time and money.

They’re breaking down how to get the best return on your investment (both financial and energetic), sharing some of their favorite conferences, and giving honest advice about what’s worth your travel and PTO—and what’s not.

Whether you’re a solo practice manager, a dental billing company owner, or a team leader planning your next team CE trip, this episode is packed with real talk and personal stories to help you choose smarter.

• Why conferences still matter in the age of webinars and Zoom

• The difference between large national conferences and smaller boutique events

• How to choose a conference based on your goals, budget, vibe, and role

• Tips for not feeling lost or overwhelmed at a big show

• Amanda & Sarah’s personal favorite conferences (and ones still on their wish list!)

• How to turn a work trip into a mini vacation (hint: lazy rivers and butter beer included)

• How to debrief with your team and make your learning stick

• Yankee Dental Congress

• CDA – California Dental Association

• Chicago Midwinter Meeting

• Greater New York Dental Meeting

• AADOM Annual Conference

• Accelerate (by Vyne)

• Insurance Extravaganza (by Christine Taxin)

• Pediatric Dental Growth Summit – Register for the 2025 event here

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• Amanda’s appearance on Teresa Duncan’s podcast – Listen here

Heading to a conference soon? Download GoodNotes (Amanda & Sarah-approved!) and bring your iPad + Apple Pencil to keep track of all the nuggets you’ll want to share when you get back to your team.

💬 If this episode helped you feel more confident in planning your next dental event, we’d love it if you’d leave us a review or share it with a friend. And don’t forget to connect with us over on Instagram!

🎧 Catch up on past episodes or join the conversation at
👉 amandademoura.com/breathoffreshairpodcast

This week, Amanda and Sarah dive into one of the most important (but often overlooked) keys to running a thriving dental practice—CULTURE. Whether you’re a dentist, office manager, or the MVP at the front desk, your office culture sets the tone for everything: hiring, teamwork, patient experience, and even that vibe when you walk in on a Monday morning.

In this episode, we cover:

• What “culture” really means in a dental office (hint: it’s not just about pizza parties!)

• How your reputation in the dental community follows you—and why that matters

• The biggest red flags (watch out for high turnover, gossip, and that “not my job” mentality)

• The green flags you want to see, like team longevity, open communication, and a little laughter in the breakroom

• Practical ways for practice managers and owners to be true culture architects (yes, you!)

• Real talk on why free food is not a long-term fix—and what actually makes people stay

• Tips for building respect across every role in the practice

• Amanda and Sarah’s favorite quick wins, from handwritten notes to simply doing a lap and checking in

You’ll also hear:

• Why it’s worth writing down your culture goals (SOPs for your vibes, anyone?)

• The power of small gestures (like a surprise cake pop or a Venmo for Friday fries)

• How to create a workspace that’s professional AND fun—no BFFs required, but mutual respect is a must

Takeaways:

• Culture starts at the top, but everyone plays a part

• Small acts of recognition mean more than you think

• Investing in your team’s happiness pays off in loyalty, performance, and a practice people actually want to join

Ready to make your dental office the place everyone wants to work?

Hit play and let’s build a happier, healthier practice—one honest conversation at a time.

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Email us: amanda@amandademoura.com