Latest Episodes

Ep 65: How I Got Sober While Working in Dentistry | Stress, Burnout & Recovery Journey

Today’s episode is something a little different—and really special. I’m sharing a crossover episode from when I was a guest on Sober Life Rocks. It was one of the most honest conversations I’ve had publicly about my so...

August 29, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 65 • 37:41

Episode 64: Dental Insurance Fraud: Red Flags Every Clinician Must Know

Do you really know how to avoid dental insurance fraud—or are you just hoping you’re not on the radar? In this eye-opening episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Dr. Paul Bornstein, a dentist, insurance consultant, and fraud expe...

August 22, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 64 • 51:47

Episode 63: Desiccation Therapy in Dentistry: What You Need To Know

In this episode of Straight Up with Steph, I sit down with Annie to talk about desiccation therapy—a new approach in dentistry that can make calculus removal easier while targeting harmful biofilm. Annie shares how desiccants can strea...

August 15, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 63 • 49:12

Ep 62: Why We Need a PR Campaign for Dental Hygienists: The Oral Health Awareness Project

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Lisa, a passionate dental hygienist and volunteer with the Oral Health Awareness Project (OHAP), a new grassroots initiative working to educate the public on the vital role of de...

August 08, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 62 • 1:00:37

Ep 61: Salivary Testing in Dentistry: How Spit Samples Are Transforming Preventive Oral Health Care

In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Dr. Dave, founder, CEO, and chief scientific officer of multiple biotech companies, including one dedicated to advancing salivary testing. Together, we dive straight into the lat...

August 01, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 61 • 1:00:17

Fan Mail

Hi Steph! I'm listening to episode 35 as I type this text . I've been a hygienist for 10 years & I have so many thoughts & feelings about this topic, but wondering if you have any insight on this : 1. What type of salary would 3rd year dental students or foreign trained dentists get? Same question for OPA's? 2. Do foreign trained dentists or 3rd year dental students or OPA's even want to do hygiene? It's hard enough to find assistants as it is, let alone have assistants or dental students or foreign trained dentists that want to do hygiene, especially at a lower rate ?! 3. Will dental insurance companies cover a cleaning if it is not performed by a RDH? Any insight or opinions on this would be great for discussion 👍 Thank you so much! Sincerely, Kim Levy RDH

Los Angeles, California