On this episode of Newly Erupted, host Dr Joel Berg is joined by Ellie Wetzel to discuss the integration of therapy animals into dental practices, highlighting the legal considerations and benefits of establishing in-office therapy animal programs. Wetzel emphasizes the importance of choosing the right animal, understanding the differences between service and emotional support animals, and the role of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals in supporting professionals interested in bringing this service into their practices.

Guest Bio:

Ellie Wetzel and her dog Winnie serve as a therapy animal team, visiting with clients ranging from families at a children’s hospital, teenagers at a juvenile detention center, children in foster care, and students at colleges. In her professional life, Wetzel is an attorney. Through her involvement as a

volunteer therapy animal handler with Pet Partners, she developed an interest in animal

accommodation law. She has led continuing education sessions for attorneys on legal issues related to service animals and emotional support animals, as well as presentations for professionals on incorporating therapy animals into their practice.

Wetzel serves on the board for the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), an organization that focuses on empowering professionals to responsibly integrate the healing power of therapy animals into their practice. She currently lives in Toronto with her husband, Kevin, their cat, Cooper, and Winnie, a Great Pyreness

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Newly Erupted host Dr. Joel Berg is joined by Dr. Hani Eid for an insightful conversation on growing a private practice to fulfill community needs. Dr. Eid shares his journey from opening a four-chair private practice in Longview, Ore. to owning five practices in neighboring communicates in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Eid discusses the impact of expansion on access to care for children in an area with high demand and need for pediatric dentists, as well as tools he has utilized to successfully add new providers and retain staff.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Hani Eid is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Dr Eid has a Master of Science degree and a certificate of Specialty in Pediatric Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston Mass. Dr. Eid is a Diplomate of the American Orthodontic Society (AOS), as well as a published author.

Dr. Eid currently serves as Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington (UW). Before starting Happy Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, he was an assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). He serves as a board examiner for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), chairs the Consumer Review Committee of the AAPD, and serves as Assistant Treasurer for the AAPD Political Action Committee.

Dr. Eid is a past president of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (WSAPD), and a board member for the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD). In his community, Dr. Eid is a past president and active member of the Rotary Club of Longview and is a two-time Ironman triathlete.

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Dr. Brianna Muñoz joins host Dr. Joel Berg for a discussion on her path into pediatric dentistry – her lifelong career goal – and the pivotal role an interest in public health played in developing her ethos. In this episode, Dr. Muñoz shares how merging many of her unique interests, including biology, chemistry, and dance, along with a commitment to interprofessional care shaped her as a communicator and advocate for children. She also discusses her experiences as an AAPD Harris Fellow and Board President of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, and how they allowed her opportunities to positively impact the optimal oral health of all kids.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Brianna Muñoz is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Avon, Conn. She recently started her own business, Twinkle Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, and was recognized nationally by the ADA as a recipient of the 2024 10 Under 10 Award.

Dr. Muñoz obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 2016 from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine at which time she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Muñoz then completed a residency in pediatric dentistry at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) while concurrently attaining her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree along with a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies. She received the 2018 AAPD Resident Recognition Award and was proud to complete the Samuel D. Harris Research and Policy Fellowship.

As the AAPD Public Policy Advocate (PPA) for the state of Connecticut, Dr. Muñoz travels to Washington, DC each year where she lobbies at the federal level to strengthen oral health policy and trains residents on a wide array of legislative issues. Dr. Muñoz also serves as Board President of the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI), a nonprofit organization that promotes access, quality, and equity of oral healthcare at the state level. In honor of these achievements, she was presented with the 2020 COHI Oral Health Champion Award as well as the 2023 Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) Rising Star Award.

Outside of work, Dr. Muñoz likes to dance, try new restaurants, and take part in Harry Potter marathons. On social media, you can find Dr. Muñoz teaching her staff the latest dance trends. She also enjoys cheering on Boston sports teams as an avid fan and former New England Patriots Cheerleader for the 2011 and 2021 seasons!

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