Sonya Dunbar

The Geriatric Tooth Fairy – Saving Our SeniorsEpisode #450 with Sonya DunbarSome of our seniors become invisible. And that means they are not well-cared-for — especially when it comes to oral health. But there are ways that dentists can help, and Kirk Behrendt brings in Sonya Dunbar, speaker, educator, and CEO of The Geriatric Tooth Fairy, to share how mobile dentistry can save our seniors. Let's take care of our greatest generation! For the best advice from the tooth fairy, listen to Episode 450 of The Best Practices Show!Main Takeaways:Long-term care patients have a great need for oral care.Mobile dentistry is for everyone, not just the underserved.You can diversify your financial portfolio with mobile dentistry.Teledentistry and mobile dentistry are great ways to branch out.Spread smiles, love, and respect for seniors who come into your office.Quotes:“My grandmother had an upper denture and lower teeth, and I noticed that the CNAs in the nursing home weren't even taking out her denture — let alone brushing her teeth. So, of course, I didn't care because I was there every morning and every night, so I did it. But one day, when I was in her room, her roommate said, ‘Sweetie, can you brush my teeth? They don't come out like your grandmother’s.’ So, I said, ‘Of course!’ So, I went over to her bed and started looking through the drawers, and I didn't see a toothbrush. I went to the bathroom. There wasn't a toothbrush. I went to the nurse’s station. There wasn't a toothbrush in the building.” (2:59—3:32)“A lot of home health care companies called me for me to train their home health aides on how to properly take care of the teeth. And one thing I noticed, I could train them all how to brush teeth and how to deal with a dementia patient. But they need to know the diseases and sicknesses connected to oral care. I connect the mouth to the body. But so many non-dental people separate the mouth from overall health. So, I draw a real good picture about diabetes, heart disease, even urinary tract infections — so many things that are connected. There are over 200 known diseases and sicknesses connected to the mouth.” (7:23—8:01)“Some people think that mobile dentistry is just for the underserved. But no, it’s not. Mobile dentistry is for everyone.” (13:11—13:17)“I encourage [dentists] to extend an arm outside of their practice with teledentistry and mobile dentistry. Maybe send your hygienists out to people that may be in a nursing home or to the school. Give them the teledentistry camera and let them do the exams. The dentists could do the exams. The hygienists could do the cleaning. And that frees up a chair in your office.”  (13:59—14:20)“I think [dentists] least understand how to get started. People don't understand that there are steps in getting started. Just like there are steps in starting a brick-and-mortar practice, there are steps in getting started in mobile [dentistry].” (14:56—15:13)“I met a young dentist out of California. She has the van, and she goes to stay-at-home moms. And she’ll get a whole zip code. And she targeted that, splashed it out with marketing. Those mothers are calling her. She has a waiting list in certain zip codes. And if it’s a mother and father and two or three kids, and you do all those exams and cleanings and whatever they need, and then go to another, you've made your production and you're staying in the area. Everybody knows gas is outrageous right now. But just staying in that same area, you're driving around, but you're bringing it to them.” (16:19—16:59)“[Another dentist] does mobile ortho. He does mobile ortho and Invisalign. He goes to a space, texts all these people, tells them when they're going to be there. They line up and come to him. And he has a big bus. He has an old school bus. Can you tell me the overhead that this dentist is not paying?” (17:11—17:31)“If someone wants to diversify their financial portfolio as a dental professional, they should really think about mobile dentistry.” (18:37—18:47)“I don't want people to think that mobile dentistry is only in a van. There's pop-up mobile dentistry — there are so many different types of mobile dentistry that people do, and it’s an amazing opportunity.” (19:41—19:51)“I can't do great things. But I can do a lot of small things, great.” (20:26—20:30)“A lot of people feel, as we age, we fade. And during the pandemic, I was talking about going into the nursing homes and taking care of people’s teeth. And I got emails back and people texting me — and I knew they had to be younger people — saying, ‘Why do you even care about the dying?’ People just don't see seniors. They don't see older people. And that's a sad thing.” (28:33—28:56)“I would encourage people to look around at our aging adults and just spread a little smile, a little love, and a little respect for them when they come into the office.” (32:06—32:16)“Dental professionals — let's don't have invisible people.” (32:36—32:39)Snippets:0:00 Introduction.1:38 How Sonya became The Geriatric Tooth Fairy.6:39 How she started her business and conference.  11:24 Taking dentistry to the people.14:39 What most dentists get wrong about mobile dentistry.15:56 What dentists least understand about the financial model.19:11 Future National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference dates.20:54 The Denobi Awards.27:24 The future of mobile dentistry.30:13 More about Sonya and how to get in touch.31:58 Last thoughts and words of advice.  Reach Out to Sonya:Sonya’s website: https://sonyadunbar.com/Sonya’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonya.carpenterSonya’s social media: @geriatric_toothfairyResources:Jet Dental: https://www.jetdental.com/National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference: https://nmdconference.com/TelScope: https://hollandhealthcareinc.com/products/app/Sonya Dunbar, RDH Bio:Sonya Dunbar, also known as the Geriatric Tooth Fairy, is a Registered Dental Hygienist, TEDx, and national public speaker guided by 29 years of dental experience in private practice, skilled nursing facilities, and academia.Sonya and her husband, Gerald Dunbar (Navy Veterans) are the proud parents of four successful children. Sonya and Gerald are the owners of Mobile Dental Xpress, which provides onsite comprehensive dental care to residents in long-term care facilities.Sonya is the author of Golden Nuggets for Life. Furthermore, Sonya is the Co-Founder of the National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference, and Co-Founder of the American Mobile and Teledentistry Alliance. The National Day Archives proclaim and certify that November 9th of each calendar year is officially designated as The Geriatric Tooth Fairy Day. 

We all remember learning about geriatric care in dental hygiene school. In school we most likely experienced a few geriatric cases but was that enough?Once we enter the real world of dentistry we have learned enough to get by but could we be better? That's where the brilliant Sonya Dunbar comes in. Sonya is a dental hygienist, national public speaker, and author. Sonya is the Co-Founder of the National Mobile and Teledentistry Conference and Co-Founder of the American Mobile and Teledentistry Alliance. Sonya takes us through her journey of finding her passion. She provides us with tips on providing exceptional geriatric care. This episode will leave you with an overwhelming feeling of inspiration to improve your geriatric care. It will remind you of the importance of our role as dental hygienists. Sonya Dunbar has 30 years of experience and her passion can be felt throughout this episode. If you are looking to become a more well rounded dental hygienist this is your place!Connect with Sonya Dunbar:https://sonyadunbar.com/Instagram: @geriatric_toothfairyConnect with me:Instagram: @brushwithbrittWant to be on an episode? Send an email to brushwithbritt@gmail.com

Sonya Dunbar RDH, MHA, The Geriatric Tooth Fairy Happy V-day, Peeps!  Sign up for the upcoming National Mobile & Teledentistry Conference here: https://nmdconference.com/ March 4-6th Sonya Dunbar speaks on the Future of Modern Mobile Dentistry! --- We are so excited to have on the US Navy Veteran, author, entrepreneur, public speaker, teacher, and philanthropist, Sonya Dunbar RDH AKA The Geriatric Tooth Fairy! Sonya’s vitality and effort to push our dental community forward culturally and medically is clear in her words and her life’s work. She walks us through the early days of giving free dental care to her Grandmother’s friends and soon dedicating her time to comprehensive geriatric dental care. Sonya shares her experience of dishing out an industry-shattering speech at RDH Under One Roof 2020 and shares her experience of black invisibility in the white-dominated dental field and at dental conferences. Her long list of accomplishments makes her one of the most remarkable and dynamic peeps in the field today. We cover some of these topics and much more: How can we approach geriatric dental care as hygienists? How do you educate seniors on dental care? How can we address a lack of diversity in dentistry? Sonya Dunbar’s Biography:  The Geriatric Tooth Fairy Sonya Dunbar, also known as the Geriatric Toothfairy, is a Registered Dental Hygienist, TEDx, and national public speaker guided by over 28 years of dental experience in private practice, skilled nursing facilities, and academia. Sonya and her husband, Gerald Dunbar, are the owners of Mobile Dental Xpress, providing comprehensive dental care to long-term care facilities. In addition, Sonya is a Geriatric Oral health educator and trainer. Sonya is a US Navy Veteran and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Gerontology.Sonya is a serial entrepreneur and successful Cultural diversity workplace coach that increase cultural awareness, knowledge, and communication through interactive educational workshops. She is a Key Opinion Leader on culture and diversity for Crest & Oral-B and known philanthropist. She is the Co-Founder of the National Mobile & Teledentistry Dental Conference, The American Mobile Dentistry & Teledentistry Alliance, and a published author of Golden Nuggets For Life, Co-Author of Modern Mobile & Teledentistry and The Tooth & Nothing but The Truth Books. And if that is not enough, the National Day Archives LLC has proclaimed November 9th of each calendar year as The Geriatric Toothfairy Day. Find Sonya online: IG: @geriatric_toothfairy Sonya’s Videos along with The Suave & Sassy Senior Show: Geriatric Toothfairy Facebook Channel Youtube: The Geriatric Toothfairy Channel Preorder her upcoming book: https://thetoothandnothingbutthetruth.com/ All of Sonya Dunbar’s Links: Linktree --- Find more of our episodes at https://www.toothordare.ca/ Follow us on Instagram! Podcast IG: @toothordare.podcast Irene: @toothlife.irene Katrina: @thedentalwinegenist

Today on the podcast, we chat about technology in Mobile and Teledentistry! Join us in welcoming the one and only The Tooth Girl Mellissa Turner RDH and The Geriatric Toothfairy Sonya Dunbar RDH as we go over and discuss the important technology tools that help advance mobile and teledentistry. I am excited for you all to hear the story of how these two influential thought leaders created the National Mobile & Teledentistry Alliance! They are the National Mobile Dental Conference's co-founders, helping bring the mobile and teledentistry dental community together.    Go to the website link here to get your tickets for in-person or virtual! This site has all the latest information and news for the upcoming conference! That we discussed here on the podcast(: Don't miss out!  https://nmdconference.com/​    If you want to learn about all things mobile and teledentistry, check out their podcast! Click here to check it out! The Dentistry Gone Wild Podcast!  https://www.facebook.com/DentistryGon...​  Melissa and Sonya both share what technology holds in the future of mobile and teledentistry. Discussing points of importance of bringing care to patients in need on wheels and showing up to provide service at their doorstep.   Melissa explains how she favors the new 3D scanners. As Sonya explains, in geriatric care, technology is becoming more available, but she is beyond grateful to be able to x-rays and intraoral cameras available. Connect with our Guests Social Media Handles:   Sonya Dunbar IG: @geriatric_toothfairy FB: https://www.facebook.com/geriatrictoo...​  Melissa Turner IG: @thetoothgirl FB:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...​  Thank you for supporting the Dental Tech Chat Podcast and for tuning in to our channel. Please like and subscribe for more episodes on dental technology! Sodium Dental IG: https://www.instagram.com/sodiumdental/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dentaltechchat/message

Sonya Dunbar, also known as the Geriatric Toothfairy, is a Registered Dental  Hygienist, TEDx, and national public speaker guided by over 28 years of dental experience in private practice, skilled nursing facilities, and academia. Sonya and her husband, Gerald Dunbar, are the owners of Mobile Dental Xpress, providing comprehensive dental care to long-term care facilities. In addition, Sonya is a  Geriatric Oral health educator and trainer. Sonya is a US Navy Veteran and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Gerontology. Sonya is a serial entrepreneur and successful Cultural diversity workplace coach that increase cultural awareness, knowledge, and communication through interactive educational workshops. She is a Key Option Leader on culture and diversity for Crest & Oral-B and a known philanthropist. She is the Co-Founder of the  National Mobile & Teledentistry Dental Conference, The American Mobile  Dentistry & Teledentistry Alliance, and a published author of Golden Nuggets For  Life, Co-Author of Modern Mobile & Teledentistry, and The Tooth & Nothing but  The Truth Books. And if that is not enough, the National Day Archives LLC has proclaimed November 9thof each calendar year as The Geriatric Toothfairy Day. Connect with her: Sonyadunbar.org Sonya Dunbar Tedx--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yolandayvette/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/yolandayvette/support

Were you ever teased in school? Struggled with a learning disability? Felt stupid or embarrassed about something that seemed to be easy for everyone else? Are you still hiding something from your loved one because you're afraid they won't accept you for who you are? Sonya Dunbar shares her frustrating journey of struggling with dyslexia growing up and how even as an adult she hid it from her loved one. Lean more about Sonya on IG @geriatric_toothfairy and your hosts @TheDannyMcFarland and @DrSeeLove

Joining us this week on The Women in Dentistry Podcast is Sonya Dunbar, aka the Geriatric Tooth Fairy, who will be speaking about the importance of oral health care for seniors. Here, she explains her journey on how she fueled her tenacity and tackled her route to success.

In this episode, I'm chatting with Dental Hygienist/Author/Speaker, Sonya Dunbar known as The Geriatric Tooth Fairy. She discussed what sparked her interest in Oral Health, why she has a love for helping Seniors, gave us some really great Oral Health tips, and more! Follow her on IG @geriatric_toothfairy Keep up with me on IG @unpacking_the_box_podcast

Sonya is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Oral Health Educator on a mission to reduce the health risks and morbidity among seniors due to poor oral health care. Sonya Dunbar is affectionately known as the Geriatric Toothfairy due to her enthusiasm and passion to motivate and educate caregivers on the importance of oral care for seniors. Over 27 years licensed Dental Hygienist MHA Liberty University Published Author “Golden Nuggets for Life” 2018 (Available on Amazon in English and Spanish) Published article in Aging & Gerontology July 2018 Volume 5 Featured in Port of Harlem Magazine April 2018 Featured on Front Cover of Program Success Magazine June 2018 Co founder of Non profit Mobile Dental Xpress Wellness & Nutrition, Foster care mentor, Navy Veteran (1989 thru 1992). Website: https://www.geriatrictoothfairy.org  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Tale of Two Hygienists is launching a series on how professionals and patients integrate dental treatment with other forms of medical care. For this week, Andrew and Michelle have invited a guest who specializes in oral health care for the senior population. Sonya Dunbar has been a dental hygienist for over 30 years. Known as “the Geriatric Toothfairy,” she is the founder and CEO of Mobile Dental Xpress, which brings oral health care to elderly patients housed in long-term care facilities. Sonya is a national speaker on the importance of oral care for elderly patients, trains nursing home staff, and also provides seniors with “S.O.S. packs” that contain 3-6 months of oral health care products. In this episode, Sonya discusses the reasons why younger hygienists are hesitant to work with seniors, explains why they should move past these apprehensions, and makes a case for why you should sponsor one of her S.O.S. Packs. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Interview starts: 10:16 - Sonya explains why working with seniors has been a lifelong passion for her. - Why so many younger hygienists and dental professionals are averse to treating the elderly. - What services does Mobile Dental Xpress provide its patients and how do they charge for them? - How Sonya trains her team, holds them accountable, and meets any challenges that come their way. - Some of the more frequent ailments amongst the senior population. - Why professionals in private practices should make a point of scheduling geriatric patients for either the first or last session of the day. - The reason Sonya and her team typically don’t treat patients in short-term care. - What can be found in Sonya’s S.O.S. packages and how you can sponsor one. - How to tell if an elderly patient at your private practice is no longer able to take care of their oral health as well as they used to. QUOTES: “If you put me between a rock and a hard place, the hard place is gonna lose because I’m coming out fighting!” “I’m on your team and we’re here to save these residents, and this is what we’re gonna do.” “We need to bring awareness to our seniors and long-term care facilities because it’s like they’re a forgotten population and it’s making my heart break.” “The mouth is the window of your health.” “It’s not easy; it has to be something you want to do.” LINKS: The Geriatric Toothfairy - https://www.geriatrictoothfairy.org/ S.O.S. Packs - https://www.geriatrictoothfairy.org/sos-packs/ S.O.S. Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1384024545112325/ Geriatric Toothfairy on Twitter - https://twitter.com/gtoothfairy?lang=en Thank you to Paradise Dental Technologies aka PDT for providing sponsorship for this episode! Be sure to thank the sponsor for this episode by heading over to www.PDTDental.com and picking up a new instrument or telling them thank you in person at one of the conferences! THIS EPISODE COUNTS FOR CE! - but read the disclaimer below as it might not count for your state. Go here to take the test and get your CE Credit! Hygiene Edge Video on Helioseal F Plus - https://www.youtube.com/embed/8bhA6peh28A A Tale of Two Hygienists homepage - https://ataleoftwohygienists.com/ AToTH on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aTaleOfTwoHygienists/ AToTH on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ataleoftwohygienists AToTH on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/atoth/?originalSubdomain=ca