Best Stephanie Botts Podcasts (2025)

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Ergonomics for Dentists & Hygienists | My Conversation with Stephanie Botts 42:40

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15h ago42:40

42:40

Ergonomics for Dentists & Hygienists | My Conversation with Stephanie Botts Dentistry is one of the most high-risk professions for musculoskeletal pain—and that means a huge opportunity for ergonomists. In this full interview, I sit down with Stephanie Botts, RDH, BSDH, CEAS, a practicing dental hygienist and certified ergonomics specialist, to exp…

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Ep 68: Healing Over Drilling: The Future Of Minimally Invasive Dentistry 1:01:01

11h ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Crystal Spring, dental hygienist, public health advocate, and founder of Smiles Across Montana. Crystal shares her journey of bringing minimally invasive dentistry to underserved communities and what it really takes to integrate medical and dent…

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Ep 67: How to Handle Bullying in Dentistry 44:55

4d ago44:55

44:55

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Bullying in dentistry isn't always obvious—but it's real, it's damaging, and it's more common than many realize. In this powerful episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Alan Stern joins me to talk about professional bullying in the dental field—from subtle jabs to outright disrespect—and how we can resp…

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Ep 66: Social Media and the Brain: Doom Scrolling, Dopamine, and Digital Detox 1:06:08

14d ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Is social media shaping our brains more than we realize? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Kent Howard—educator, researcher, and wellness speaker—to explore the science behind social media use, doom scrolling, attention spans, sleep disruption, and the impact on kids and adults …

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Ep 65: How I Got Sober While Working in Dentistry | Stress, Burnout & Recovery Journey 37:41

11d ago37:41

37:41

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 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 sobriety journey and why it matters—especially as a healthcare professional. If you’ve e…

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Episode 64: Dental Insurance Fraud: Red Flags Every Clinician Must Know 51:47

25d ago51:47

51:47

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 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 expert, to discuss how even well-meaning dental professionals end u…

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Episode 63: Desiccation Therapy in Dentistry: What You Need To Know 49:12

1M ago49:12

49:12

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 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 streamline hygiene appointments, improve patient outcomes, and even benefi…

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Ep 62: Why We Need a PR Campaign for Dental Hygienists: The Oral Health Awareness Project 1:00:37

1M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 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 dental hygienists. With a growing hygiene shortage and non-hygienists…

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Ep 61: Salivary Testing in Dentistry: How Spit Samples Are Transforming Preventive Oral Health Care 1:00:17

2M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! 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 latest breakthroughs in salivary diagnostics and what they could mean fo…

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Ep 60: Myofunctional Therapy Explained: Breathing, Oral Health, and Sleep from Childhood to Adulthood 1:05:23

2M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Ever wonder how your tongue and facial muscles impact your breathing, sleep, and even posture? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sat down with Kimmie, a Denver-based dental hygienist and myofunctional therapist, to talk about how myofunctional therapy helps both kids and adults improve tongue…

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Ep 59: Biological Hygiene Unpacked: Exploring Fluoride, Ozone Therapy, and Microscopes in Modern Dentistry 58:26

2M ago58:26

58:26

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with biological dental hygienist Barbara Tritz about the mindset behind holistic dental care. We dive into fluoride toxicity, root causes of dental disease, and how oral health connects to the whole body. Barbara also shares tools like nano hydroxyap…

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Ep 58: Pediatric Hygiene: Tools, Tips, and Common Misconceptions 54:53

2M ago54:53

54:53

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by An Chih to dive into the world of pediatric hygiene. Together, we take a candid look at the joys, challenges, and special skills needed to successfully care for kids. An Chih also shares her unique journey into pediatric dentistry, describes what …

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Ep 57: Debunking Popular Dental Myths and Handling Misinformation on Social Media 54:11

3M ago54:11

54:11

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by returning guest and online dental educator Whitney, also known as Teeth Talk Girl, to discuss the spread of dental health misinformation on social media. Together, Whitney and I dive into all the “natural” dental trends and how we can separate den…

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Ep 56: ADHA Leaders Speak Out On Moves To Replace Hygienists 1:21:54

3M ago1:21:54

1:21:54

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sat down with Erin and Lancette, the President and President-Elect of American Dental Hygienists' Association’s (ADHA), as we talk about their ongoing initiatives, including their drive for license portability and their efforts to update standards of practice…

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Ep 55: Mastering Case Acceptance: Real Strategies to Connect and Communicate Better with Dental Patients 53:30

3M ago53:30

53:30

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I’m joined by Kim McGuire to discuss case acceptance, a topic that every dental professional faces. We explore the challenges and solutions surrounding why patients say “no” to needed treatment, how to move past the objections, and truly connect with your patie…

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Ep 54: What To Know About Guided Biofilm Therapy: Protocol, Patient Education, And Practice Growth 45:50

3M ago45:50

45:50

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! I get so many questions about Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), and truthfully, I don’t know as much about it as I would like to. That’s why, in this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I'm joined by Kevin Ohashi Lopez to uncover what GBT is, how it differs from traditional dental hygiene, and why it might m…

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How One Healthcare Pro Used Ergonomics to Create a New Income Stream (Without Quitting Her Job) 12:21

3M ago12:21

12:21

Whether you're an OT, PT, RN, Kin, or another type of healthcare provider, you'll hear how Jess went from burnout and overwork to confidence, income, and flexibility. We break down her first paid assessment, how she landed referrals, and why you don’t need fancy equipment or another degree to get started. You'll learn: The mindset shift that helped…

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Ep 53: Workforce Shortages, Hygiene Autonomy, and ADA's Vision for the Future 56:34

4M ago56:34

56:34

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association, returns to the podcast to dive headfirst into a conversation about the complex and contentious state of our industry. Our goal today was to clear up common misconceptions, answer pressing question…

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Ep 52: Maximizing Your Dental Practice Value & Navigating Industry Shifts 1:03:28

4M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I sit down with Dr. Tony Stefanou for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the future of dentistry. Our industry is rapidly evolving, and dentistry as we know it is changing by the day. Dr. Tony brings a unique perspective, combining years of clinical e…

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Ep 51: The Oral Preventive Assistant Debate: What Dental Assistants Actually Want 53:37

4M ago53:37

53:37

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Kevin Henry, a longtime advocate, speaker, and journalist for dental assistants, as we break down the new role being introduced in dentistry, the OPA (Oral Preventive Assistant). Together, we have a real and honest conversation about what this ne…

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Exploring 25+ Years in Ergonomics: Insights from David Brodie 37:23

4M ago37:23

37:23

In today’s episode, I’m joined by David Brodie, a seasoned ergonomist with decades of experience in the public sector and private consulting. We dive into how the ergonomics field has evolved over the years—and what consultants can do to stay relevant and in demand. David shares practical strategies for adapting your services, building long-term re…

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Ep 50: Dental Anesthesia: Managing Patients, Myths, and New Techniques 1:06:58

4M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by dental hygienist and anesthesia educator Tina Clarke to tackle questions and controversies sweeping the dental community over anesthesia. We cover everything from the new expansion of dental assistants’ roles, allowing dental assistants in some s…

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Ep 49: GLP-1 Warning Signs to Look for in Dental Patients 58:26

4M ago58:26

58:26

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Tom Viola, a renowned pharmacologist and nationally recognized speaker, to dive into the world of GLP-1 medications– think Ozempic, Wegovy, and the rapidly growing black market alternatives becoming more common. Tom unpacks how these drugs work, …

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Ep 48: How to Identify and Regulate Stress and ADHD Symptoms for a Healthier Lifestyle 58:54

4M ago58:54

58:54

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling on your phone, procrastinating on your to-do list, or feeling completely drained after work, and chalked it up as the usual side effects of adulthood and overwhelm? There might be something bigger going on. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am …

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Ep 47: The True Cost of Dental Insurance and Why It's Time for Reform 52:40

5M ago52:40

52:40

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Did you know that dental reimbursement rates and deductibles have not increased since the 70s? It’s no wonder that dental insurance is such a loaded topic in our profession. In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by my friend and fellow dental hygienist, Bethany Montoya, to unpack the co…

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Why Your Clients Need Options: Flexible Ergonomics Service Models 20:52

4M ago20:52

20:52

In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a fresh way to structure and offer your ergonomic services—one that’s flexible, scalable, and way more aligned with what clients actually need (and can afford). Whether you’re working with office setups or on the shop floor, I’ll walk you through how to use a value ladder approach and hybr…

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Ep 46: Transform Your Dental Experience Into A Lucrative Speaking Career 57:34

5M ago57:34

57:34

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever considered breaking into the world of professional speaking, but weren’t sure if you were qualified or didn’t know where to start? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I bring Jasmin Haley, a dental hygienist, educator, speaker, and entrepreneur, onto the podcast to share how she tra…

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Ep 45: Flossing Made Easy with the First Electric Flosser, Flaus 49:29

5M ago49:29

49:29

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Samantha Coxe, the creator and founder of Flaus, the first-ever electric flosser. As a lawyer and not a dental clinician, Sam brings a unique advantage point to her invention with a patient-first perspective. Flaus has received recognition on sho…

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Can AI Replace Ergonomists? What You Need to Know Before You Buy the Hype 12:23

5M ago12:23

12:23

Okay, so AI is popping up everywhere, right? But what does this for us in the ergonomics world? This episode takes a look at these new AI-powered risk assessment tools – are they a game-changer or just another shiny object? We'll break down the costs (spoiler: they can be a bit of a surprise) and what these tools can actually do. We'll also look at…

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Ep 44: Osteoporosis And Oral Health: What Dental Professionals Need To Know 55:23

5M ago55:23

55:23

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by dental hygienist and educator Kristin Evans to learn more about what is known as the silent killer: osteoporosis. That’s right! Osteoporosis is not just a condition reserved for “little old ladies.” Rather, it’s a serious disease (that affects bo…

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Ep 43: How Tongue Mapping Opens the Door for Comprehensive Patient Care 49:52

5M ago49:52

49:52

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever wondered what the tongue tells us about our overall health? In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Lani McBeth, an expert in tongue mapping and holistic dental hygiene, to unpack a unique corner of the dental world: how we can use tongue mapping to open the door for comp…

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Ep 42: Nano-Hydroxyapatite: A New Frontier in Preventive Dental Care 59:13

6M ago59:13

59:13

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Mark Burhenne, famously known as “Ask the Dentist,” and I are diving deeper into the hot topic debate of fluoride vs. nano-hydroxyapatite. With the rising controversy over the use of fluoride, Dr. Burhenne shares his insights on the systemic issues with flu…

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Why are Ergonomics Issues Now in the Headlines? 19:26

6M ago19:26

19:26

Ergonomics is making headlines like never before, and that’s a big deal for our profession. In this episode, we’re diving into why ergonomics is getting more media attention, what it means for businesses, and—most importantly—how you can leverage this to get more paying clients. We’ll cover: How recent news stories highlight the growing demand for …

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Bonus: Oral Cancer Awareness: Masterclass in Screenings and Early Detection 51:44

6M ago51:44

51:44

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to bring you a special bonus episode of Straight Up With Steph, where Susan Cotten, a returning podcast guest, seasoned dental hygienist, and oral cancer specialist, presents a masterclass in oral cancer education. This year, it’s estimated that about 59…

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Ep 41: The Crucial Role Hygienists Play In Dental Practice Success 54:14

6M ago54:14

54:14

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Dr. Marc Liechtung and I are unpacking the critical role that hygienists play in dental practices and the dynamics within the hygiene department. The sad truth is that hygienists are often underestimated and undervalued, focusing more on their daily production …

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Numbers That CEO's Actually Care About 32:48

6M ago32:48

32:48

Want to prove the impact of ergonomics and make your work impossible to ignore? In this episode, we're diving into leading indicators, activity metrics, and lagging metrics—the key numbers that show the real value of your ergonomics program. You'll hear real-world case studies, cautionary tales, and practical tips on tracking and presenting your fi…

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Ep 40: Maximize Your Chair Time: Time Management Tips For Dental Hygienists 48:41

6M ago48:41

48:41

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Kathryn Gilliam and I are tackling one of the most pressing challenges faced by dental hygienists today: time management. While the expectations of dental hygienists keep growing, the time we have to meet these expectations is not, leaving many of us overwhelme…

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Ep 39: Insights Into The Untapped Potential of Using Microscopes in Dentistry 43:39

6M ago43:39

43:39

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, certified biological hygienist Kristen King joins the podcast as we explore a fascinating yet underutilized tool: dental microscopes. She shares her expert insights on how to incorporate a microscope into your practice, what training looks like to introduce thi…

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Ep 38: The Future Of Remineralization: Nano-Hydroxyapatite's Potential In Dentistry 39:48

7M ago39:48

39:48

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth (aka Dr. Jen, Founder of Dr. Jen Natural) to unpack a hot topic in dentistry: nano-hydroxyapatite vs. fluoride. With controversy over fluoride arising, Dr. Jen introduces an alternative to remineralization and enamel protec…

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Ep 37: Empowering Dental Hygienists to Branch Out on Their Own 48:21

7M ago48:21

48:21

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Sade Morel, another dental hygienist who made the leap from traditional practice models, outlines her path to building an independent dental hygiene practice in California. Driven by the desire for autonomy and frustration with outdated business models limiting…

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Don't Undercharge For Your Ergonomics Expertise! 📈🚀 25:26

7M ago25:26

25:26

Does Ergonomics Pay Well? Let’s Talk Pricing! Ergonomics is an incredible service—but does it bring in serious income? That depends on how you price and structure your offerings. In this episode, we’re diving into how to price your office equipment recommendation services so you’re not working for pennies. One great way to do this? Consultation ser…

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Ep 36: The Truth About Starting an Independent Hygiene Practice 53:31

7M ago53:31

53:31

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, dental hygienist and entrepreneur Jazmine Chavez shares her insights into breaking off from the norm and opening up an independent practice. With changes to legislation and the future of our profession shifting as we speak, I wanted to bring on a guest who can …

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How an Ergo Showroom Can Set You Apart and Boost Your Income 30:04

7M ago30:04

30:04

Ever thought about setting up an ergonomic showroom but weren’t sure how it would work? In this episode of The Business of Ergonomics Podcast, I dive into how having an Ergo Showroom can set you apart as a consultant, streamline your process, and increase your revenue. I recently spoke with an ergonomics consultant who has their own showroom, and i…

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Ep 35: How ADA’s Dental Access Model Act Will Impact Dentistry 1:03:12

8M ago1:03:12

1:03:12

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by returning guest Alyssa Aberle to take a closer look at the Dental Access Model Act, specifically looking at the Certification of Oral Preventive Assistants (OPA) section as introduced by the American Dental Association (ADA). We unpack what this …

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The Hidden Benefits of Offering Annual Ergonomics Reports 26:47

8M ago26:47

26:47

In this episode of the Business of Ergonomics Podcast, we’re diving into how independent ergonomists can integrate annual reporting into their services. We’ll cover the importance of ergonomics metrics, how to structure a report, the benefits and challenges of offering this service, and pricing strategies. If you want to enhance your service offeri…

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Ep 34: Navigating PCOS, Perimenopause, and More: Nutritional Tips from a Hormone Dietitian 59:43

8M ago59:43

59:43

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, Melissa Groves Azzaro and I are unpacking the intricate relationship between nutrition, exercise, and hormonal balance! She dives into conditions such as PCOS and perimenopause, as well as shedding light on some of the root causes of fatigue, acne, weight gain/…

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The Art and Science of Pricing Your Ergonomic Services 19:01

8M ago19:01

19:01

Struggling to figure out how to price your ergonomic services? You’re not alone—pricing is a hot topic in the ergonomics world! In this episode, we dive into the critical considerations for pricing your services effectively. Here’s what you’ll learn: The difference between hourly vs. value-based pricing and why experienced ergonomists often prefer …

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Ep 33: Career Transitions Outside of the Operatory 43:52

8M ago43:52

43:52

Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you! In this episode of Straight Up With Steph, I am joined by Dr. Laura Brenner, a dental career coach, to unpack something I get asked about often: how to make the shift to a career outside of the operatory. While I did this myself, I had a natural calling to ergonomics so the transition felt seamless. But…

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Your Business Growth Toolkit - Accelerate: The Business of Ergonomics 21:09

8M ago21:09

21:09

Ready to take your ergonomics business to the next level? In this jam-packed episode, Darcie Jaremey dives into the Accelerate: The Business of Ergonomics program, revealing how it can help you streamline your operations, boost your marketing skills, and save time with powerful tools like a report writing app and an office ergonomic equipment datab…

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Part 2: The Impact of Minnesota's Ergonomics Statute on Your Consulting Practice 23:13

8M ago23:13

23:13

In part two of this two-part series, we’re diving into the practical steps you can take as an ergonomics consultant to leverage new legislation for maximum impact. While ergonomics regulations are exciting, they can also open the door for less experienced consultants, and that's where you come in. As a qualified professional, you have the expertise…