Hygiene Elevated: A journey of collaboration and empowerment | Joffree Bunleang, BSDH, RDH
In this interview, Joffree gives us a glimpse into her dynamic endeavors, from podcasting to a nationwide mentorship program, and what makes it all work.
Joffree Bunleang, a dental hygienist & entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey, from her podcasting endeavors with Amanda Hale, presentations to hygiene schools, to the evolution of the Hygiene Elevated brand.
Joffree’s podcasting journey began with a serendipitous encounter on social media, where she connected with Amanda Hale, her future podcasting partner. Together, they launched the “Hygiene, Elevated Conversations and Innovations” podcast, aimed at engaging with the dental hygiene community and exploring innovative ideas. Their fun chemistry and diverse perspectives lead to compelling episodes featuring interesting interviews with guests from all areas of the hygiene field. Joffree attributes much of the podcast’s success to Amanda’s bubbly, open personality and invaluable contributions, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving their shared goals.
“We are bringing guests on that we feel can contribute to our listeners in some way. We’re getting different topics all the time, different guests, different interview questions. One cool thing we do is where Amanda and I actually take turns writing the interview questions. So sometimes it’s a set of questions I came up with another interview will be in it, set, Amanda came up with and that’s been probably what has kept the podcast going is that it’s not just one person who has to constantly do it. You get a little break and you can just pop on the podcast and join the conversation without doing all the prep work. So it’s been phenomenal having somebody help, schedule the guests and write the questions and promote the podcast and she does such a fabulous job with all of it. And I just think, you know, it’s always good to have two brains, nobody can do everything..”
The Hygiene Elevated brand extends beyond podcasting, encompassing consulting & coaching services, presentations to hygiene schools, and a unique dental apparel shop. Joffree’s passion for collaboration and innovation drives the brand’s expansion, seeking to elevate the dental hygiene profession on multiple fronts. With Amanda’s support, Joffree remains focused on the brand’s mission of empowering dental hygienists and fostering positive change within the industry.
“I think I’m the one throwing out crazy ideas. ‘Hey, what do you think about this idea, Amanda, what do you think about that?’ You know, should we do this one day. And she is like, let’s go…And then she’s brutally honest with me and sometimes Amanda will say, hey, that’s a good idea, but maybe not right now. So she keeps me really on track with like, she knows where my intentions are, where the growth is going to be.
And she really is like, I think you’re getting off track here, Joffrey reel it back in and I’m like, oh, ok, maybe later. So I appreciate the genuine honesty that she brings to the table too.”
Central to Joffree’s mission is her commitment to educating and inspiring future generations of dental hygienists. Through free presentations to hygiene schools all over the country, she seeks to challenge perceptions, provide valuable insights about real-world practice, instill a sense of empowerment among students, and have some fun along the way! The presentations are ever-evolving: incorporating student feedback and addressing their needs and concerns. Her emphasis on self-care and advocacy resonates deeply with students as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Joffree’s dedication to mentorship extends beyond the classroom, as she plans to feature students on the podcast, offering them a platform to share their experiences and perspectives. By amplifying student voices, Joffree aims to bridge the gap between academia and the real-world challenges faced by dental hygienists. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation reflects her belief in the importance of mentorship and paying it forward as an established member of the profession.
“I’ve been able to get sponsorships for the presentation so that I could start bringing in gifts and treats and lunches for the students [but] I get to be the one writing the script on this presentation. This is my message to the students and I love that. 100% real.”
The conversation with Joffree underscores her passion for elevating dental hygiene through collaboration, innovation, and education. As she looks to the future, she envisions continued growth for the Hygiene Elevated brand and opportunities to inspire positive change.
Learn more about Joffree Bunleang and her work by visiting her profile.
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