Ep 15: Wellness, Leadership, and Recovery: With ADA President-Elect Dr. Brett Kessler

Straight Up With Steph

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In this special episode of Straight Up with Steph, I sit down with my former boss and friend, Dr. Brett Kessler, the American Dental Association's President-Elect.
We dive into his goals for his presidency, with a focus on wellness for both patients and dental professionals.
Dr. Kessler opens up about his personal journey with substance use disorder (SUD), shedding light on the unique challenges faced by dental clinicians. As someone who has also begun to share my own story, this conversation is especially close to my heart.
From dental benefit reform to the tension between dentists and hygienists, we cover a wide range of critical topics shaping the future of dentistry. Together, we break down the stigma surrounding addiction, discuss why dental professionals are particularly at risk, and share tips for finding balance and prioritizing wellness in every aspect of life.
About Dr Kessler:
Brett Kessler, DDS is currently serving as the president-elect of the ADA.
Brett Kessler, DDS has been practicing esthetic, functional and reconstructive dentistry since 1995. He has been published in multiple national and local periodicals and news outlets on various subjects with respect to cosmetic dentistry and well-being issues. In 2015, Dr. Kessler was featured by the Denver Post as the only dentist in Colorado with its inaugural “Strength in Health” award. He has been recognized by his peers as a “Top Dentist” in 5280 (fifty-two-eighty) Magazine every year since its inception in 2005.
Dr. Kessler is a past president of the Colorado Dental Association. He also serves as the chairman of the well-being Committee for the State of Colorado and is a consultant for the American Dental Association, serving for several years on the Dental Well Being Advisory Committee as well as the Council on Dental Benefits. Brett currently serves as the Trustee form the 14 th ADA District as its representative to the ADA’s Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, he is Chair of the ADA’s Science and Research Institute, Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee as well as the Chair of the ADA’s Audit Committee.
He is a Fellow in the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Brett keeps in shape by both coaching and participating in various endurance races across the United States including the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
Brett and his (orthodontist) wife Gina have four children: Abbey, Max, Sydney and
Riley.
To connect with Dr. Brett Kessler:
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
To watch on YouTube, click here
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction & Background
2:03 - Goals for the ADA Presidency Around Wellness and Dental Benefits
7:19 - The Importance of Dental Benefit Reform
9:34 - Owning a Fee For Service Practice
13:58 - Tension Between Dentists & Hygienists
23:12 - Dr Kessler's Personal Experience with Substance Use Di

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Chapters

1. Introduction & Background (00:00:00)

2. Goals for the ADA Presidency Around Wellness and Dental Benefits (00:03:02)

3. The Importance of Dental Benefit Reform (00:08:18)

4. Owning a Fee For Service Practice (00:10:33)

5. Tension Between Dentists & Hygienists (00:14:57)

6. Dr Kessler's Personal Experience with Substance Use Disorder (00:24:41)

7. Breaking Misconceptions About Addiction/SUD (00:38:20)

8. Why Dental Clinicians Are At Risk For SUD (00:44:38)

9. How To Find Help (00:50:37)

10. Dr Kessler's Healthy Habits & Tips for Balance (00:53:11)

11. How To Reach Dr Brett (01:01:29)