This week, we're joined by Jen and Danielle, the co-founders of Mint Preventative Dental Spa - an independent dental hygiene practice in Maine that's making preventive care feel more like self-care. We talk about how Mint went from lunch-break brainstorming sessions to a real-life startup, what it takes to build a patient experience that people actually look forward to, and the behind-the-scenes realities of entrepreneurship in dentistry - especially while raising little kids and working full-time.

• How they went from "what if we did this differently?" to opening Mint (and why Maine made it possible)

• Creating a spa-like dental experience that helps ease dental anxiety

• The logistics of operating a hygiene-only model - including referral relationships with local dentists

• What surprised them most about entrepreneurship (and what they'd do differently next time)

• Insurance + credentialing lessons they learned the hard way

• Startup vs acquisition: why their second location was a totally different experience

• Interior Design: Amber Dawn Interiors

• Branding: Ashley with Eighth Reverie

• Office equipment & floor plan: Patterson Dental

• Social Media: Merry Eagan with Made by Merry Drew

🌿 Website: https://www.mintdentalspapllc.com/

🌿 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintdentalspa/

🌿 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MintDentalSpa/

Independent dental hygiene practice laws vary by state. In Maine, licensed independent dental hygienists are permitted to provide preventive services - such as cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and periodontal therapy - without the supervision of a dentist, within the scope defined by Maine state law. They do not diagnose restorative needs or perform restorative treatment. When additional care is needed, patients are referred to a licensed dentist for evaluation and treatment.

We can't believe it – our podcast just turned two. 🥳 Thanks for being here with us through the toddler stage. We kick off with a little real life – Halloween costumes, comfort shows, and travel plans – then dive into a look back at your top-played episodes and what's changed since we first hit publish.

• Office Manager or Dental Consultant – What does your practice really need?

  Why this became our most-listened-to episode, how to know which role fits your goals, when it makes sense to pair both, and how we personally vet consultants before bringing them in.

• The Future of Dental Billing with Teresa Duncan

  We reflect on Teresa's crystal-ball predictions and what's actually happened since – AI tools we're testing, helpful new features popping up, and why staying curious (and skeptical) still wins.

• How to Transition from Clinical to Remote Billing

  The market has changed a lot. We talk candidly about today's competition, the tech skills remote roles really require, and realistic ways to build experience without burning out.

Along the way, we share hiring lessons from our own teams – why "years of experience" doesn't always equal mastery, how to make resumes stand out, and the underrated value of being resourceful and genuinely tech savvy.

Our Amazing Sponsor - Frontier Dental

We use Frontier Dental in our own practice and love the simple ordering, no contracts, no minimums, and always-free shipping. Use code FDBOFA at checkout to save on your first order. Shop here: frontierdental.com

• DeW Retreat – Charlotte, NC

• Connect with us:

  • Website

  • Email Amanda: amanda@onewildbrand.com

  • Email Sarah: sarah@daydream.dental

  • Instagram

Marketing doesn't have to be expensive, complicated, or outsourced to a big agency that doesn't know your patients, your community, or your vibe. In this episode of Breath of Fresh Air, we sit down with Jaclyn Nona, founder of Clever Dental Co, to talk about how dental practices can bring marketing in-house, empower their teams, and build real, authentic connections with patients.

Jaclyn's path into dentistry wasn't planned — but after years of experience in front office roles, billing, and treatment coordination, she discovered a passion for marketing. With the support of her practice owners, she launched Clever Dental Co: a creative and educational platform that teaches dental teams how to own their marketing strategy without relying on cookie-cutter agencies.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Jaclyn's journey from journalism and marketing student to dental marketing leader.

• Why "do nothing," "outsource it," or "DIY without guidance" aren't the only options for practice marketing.

• How Clever Dental Co helps teams learn branding, community engagement, Canva design, social media, and ground marketing through hands-on courses and resources.

• The cultural and financial ROI of in-house marketing: stronger patient loyalty, better treatment acceptance, and a more energized team.

• Practical examples of affordable campaigns that actually work — from boxed lunches for teachers to spotlighting staff achievements.

• Why authentic, scrappy, and patient-centered marketing beats polished stock images every time.

Whether you're a practice manager, dentist, or office team member, this conversation will leave you with simple, actionable ideas to grow your practice from the inside out.

🌐 Website: https://www.cleverdentalco.com

📸 Instagram: @cleverdentalco

📘 Facebook: Clever Dental Co

This episode is sponsored by Frontier Dental Supply – the partner we trust in our own practices for smarter supply strategies and cost savings. Use promo code FDBOFA for savings on your first order!