Dental leadership, career growth, and navigating change in dentistry—this episode of The Dental Handoff explores what it really takes to trust your next step in your dental career.

If you’re a dental hygienist (RDH), dentist, assistant, or practice owner feeling stuck, burned out, or uncertain about your next move, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Dr. Kelly Tanner sits down with Aimee Vail to discuss the reality of nonlinear career paths in dentistry, from clinical roles to entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts required to grow through change instead of staying stuck in fear.

They unpack what it means to follow the “nudge,” build confidence through experience, and surround yourself with the right community to support your growth.

Why most dental careers aren’t linear, and why that’s okay
How to recognize when it’s time to pivot in your career
The role of fear vs intuition in decision-making
Why community and mentorship matter in dentistry
How to build confidence by reflecting on your past growth

This episode is a reminder that growth in dentistry isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about trusting yourself enough to take the next step.

If this resonated with you, share your thoughts below or send this to someone navigating their next chapter in dentistry.

Aimee Vail is an American dental hygienist, entrepreneur, and consultant who founded PoweredUP Prevention, a company that bridges clinical expertise and business strategy in the dental industry. She is known for helping dental brands accelerate market adoption by combining sales insight with first-hand operatory experience.

Vail has built her career at the intersection of clinical care and commercial strategy. As a practicing dental hygienist with a deep understanding of vendor operations, she guides dental companies in refining their go-to-market plans, connecting them directly with decision-makers in group practices and dental support organizations (DSOs). Her approach emphasizes actionable outcomes over generic consulting, ensuring that a client’s product or service message “lands” with purchasing authorities.

PoweredUP Prevention

Founded by Vail, PoweredUP Prevention serves as both a consultancy and a connector within the dental marketplace. It supports vendors seeking to increase visibility, drive adoption, and navigate the complexities of private-equity-backed DSOs. The firm’s services span strategy development, meeting facilitation, and relationship management with clinical and corporate stakeholders.

Influence and recognition

Within the dental community, Aimee Vail is recognized for her reputation as “the connector and the closer.” Her credibility stems from experience across the sales, technical, and chair-side dimensions of dentistry, giving her clients a pragmatic advantage in a competitive field. She continues to mentor professionals and partner with brands seeking authentic engagement in dental care innovation.

Connect with Aimee:
https://www.poweredupprevention.com/

Where to Find Dr. Kelly:

Let's Connect! Book a Call today to see how I can help you create high-performance teams, discuss educational programs, or how I can be of assistance.

https://calendly.com/drkellytanner/30min

Visit us at https://www.nextleveldentalhygiene.com