Beyond the Practice: Between Two Teeth
Let’s dive beyond the practice and learn more about Dr. Stephanie Ganter. A year ago, we learned about Dr. Ganter’s efforts on both an international and national level. We also learned that Dr. Ganter has her own podcast called Between Two Teeth which she cohosts with Dr. Bob McNeill. Periospectives reached out to Dr. Ganter to learn more about this podcast and what listeners can expect.
Q: For those who don’t know, can you share how you came up with the name of your podcast, Between Two Teeth?
A: Yes, I love this question! Have you ever seen the YouTube show Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis? He will have actors and political figures on his show for an interview, using humor to shed light on some tricky topics.
I liked the show’s set up using humor to assuage tricky situations and, of course, entertain viewers. We started with YouTube videos, then podcasts, and eventually much of our messaging on Instagram @B2Teeth. I like our content to be organic and meaningful.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for this podcast? What inspired you and Dr. McNeill to start this journey?
A: I was on a motorcycle ride with my partner, Dr. Bob McNeill, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in our multi-specialty private practice. Interestingly, we have the best conversations when riding motorcycles and do a lot of our best planning. On this particular ride we started toying with the idea of starting our own podcast, and the funny thing was we didn’t want it to be about dentistry. I loved the idea because it was so different from our roles as surgeons – serious, detail oriented, referral based and patient centric. That is really the point of Between Two Teeth and us as well – to connect, discover and empower others. I’ve found that life can be fulfilling even when it is imperfect. In this light, I wanted to build bridges within our surgical specialties. Dr. McNeill’s role as a regulator with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and mine, at the time, as a board member for my component society and the Texas Society of Periodontics gave us a unique opportunity to do so.
We have been fortunate to have been able to present at several national meetings with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Dental Association. I’ve also been invited to speak at the 111th Annual Session with the American Academy of Periodontology in 2025. The meetings are critical for promoting a message of colleagues working better together.
Q: What is the main message or takeaway you hope listeners get from each episode of Between Two Teeth?
A: I push a message of living life to the fullest, both inside and outside of the office. As an ADA Wellness Ambassador, I’ve learned how practitioner mental health is key to delivering the best care to our patients. When our listeners watch an episode of Between Two Teeth, I want them to challenge themselves, ask questions like ‘how are you doing, really?’, and of course laugh – there is healing in laughter. Through Between Two Teeth, I’ve been able to embark on unusual mission trip adventures that are reflected in our content. Viewers can watch Dr. McNeill and I ride through the Himalayas on motorcycles stopping along the way at outreach dental clinics to distribute supplies and interact with public health doctors, like Drs. Dilep and Dash in Dhulikhel. Flip through some videos to catch us in Warsaw, Poland with ADA Trustee, Dr. Craig Armstrong and ADA Senior Director for Dental Practice Policy, Dr. Hana Alberti as part of our medical relief team providing care to war-displaced Ukrainian citizens. Take a trip with us to Thailand or Italy through our videos to see how culture and service intertwine to provide a different type of continuing education, well beyond the classroom setting.
Q: What are some of the everyday life topics you’ve covered that surprised you with how they connected to dentistry or healthcare?
A: When we were interviewing the American Dental Association (ADA) past-president, Dr. George Shepley, he made the case for self-care by saying, “dentists need to put the oxygen on ourselves if we are going to best care for our patients”. That will look like different things for different people. I’ve been surprised by our viewer engagement to our simplest messages: stretching, spending time with friends, and traveling. We intentionally try to push boundaries and push others to find their own version of what they need to do to be their best version of themselves. I think our content reflects our commitment to those values.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or guest experience from the podcast that stands out for you?
A: My most memorable experience was onstage, as a host of the American Dental Association annual meeting where Bobby and I conducted a live interview with Hollywood actor Constance Wu. She shared her own well-being journey as a struggling actress, having great success with movies like Crazy Rich Asians and a hit TV comedy series Fresh off the Boat. She also related stories of harassment and mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation. It was impactful to hear her story and be able to provide a perspective that would be important for our colleagues, especially as a fellow woman.
Q: Is there a life lesson or personal philosophy that comes up regularly on the podcast? How does it tie into your work as a periodontist?
A: As mentioned, I want our viewers to feel empowered to pursue a life best lived. I read an article yesterday talking about the hidden costs of things like Netflix, social media and fast food. I was lucky to realize early on in my career that money isn’t the greatest cost. Our greatest cost is our time and our health. When I approach choices I make through a lens of time and health, I’m empowered to make decisions that align more with my values. I decided during the pandemic I wanted to lead a value driven life building health and spending time wisely between my patients, my people and myself.
Let’s dive beyond the practice and learn more about Dr. Stephanie Ganter. A year ago, we learned about Dr. Ganter’s efforts on both an international and national level. We also learned that Dr. Ganter has her own podcast called Between Two Teeth which she cohosts with Dr. Bob McNeill. Periospectives reached out to Dr. Ganter to learn more about this podcast and what listeners can expect.
Q: For those who don’t know, can you share how you came up with the name of your podcast, Between Two Teeth?
A: Yes, I love this question! Have you ever seen the YouTube show Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis? He will have actors and political figures on his show for an interview, using humor to shed light on some tricky topics.
I liked the show’s set up using humor to assuage tricky situations and, of course, entertain viewers. We started with YouTube videos, then podcasts, and eventually much of our messaging on Instagram @B2Teeth. I like our content to be organic and meaningful.
Q: How did you come up with the idea for this podcast? What inspired you and Dr. McNeill to start this journey?
A: I was on a motorcycle ride with my partner, Dr. Bob McNeill, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in our multi-specialty private practice. Interestingly, we have the best conversations when riding motorcycles and do a lot of our best planning. On this particular ride we started toying with the idea of starting our own podcast, and the funny thing was we didn’t want it to be about dentistry. I loved the idea because it was so different from our roles as surgeons – serious, detail oriented, referral based and patient centric. That is really the point of Between Two Teeth and us as well – to connect, discover and empower others. I’ve found that life can be fulfilling even when it is imperfect. In this light, I wanted to build bridges within our surgical specialties. Dr. McNeill’s role as a regulator with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and mine, at the time, as a board member for my component society and the Texas Society of Periodontics gave us a unique opportunity to do so.
We have been fortunate to have been able to present at several national meetings with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Dental Association. I’ve also been invited to speak at the 111th Annual Session with the American Academy of Periodontology in 2025. The meetings are critical for promoting a message of colleagues working better together.
Q: What is the main message or takeaway you hope listeners get from each episode of Between Two Teeth?
A: I push a message of living life to the fullest, both inside and outside of the office. As an ADA Wellness Ambassador, I’ve learned how practitioner mental health is key to delivering the best care to our patients. When our listeners watch an episode of Between Two Teeth, I want them to challenge themselves, ask questions like ‘how are you doing, really?’, and of course laugh – there is healing in laughter. Through Between Two Teeth, I’ve been able to embark on unusual mission trip adventures that are reflected in our content. Viewers can watch Dr. McNeill and I ride through the Himalayas on motorcycles stopping along the way at outreach dental clinics to distribute supplies and interact with public health doctors, like Drs. Dilep and Dash in Dhulikhel. Flip through some videos to catch us in Warsaw, Poland with ADA Trustee, Dr. Craig Armstrong and ADA Senior Director for Dental Practice Policy, Dr. Hana Alberti as part of our medical relief team providing care to war-displaced Ukrainian citizens. Take a trip with us to Thailand or Italy through our videos to see how culture and service intertwine to provide a different type of continuing education, well beyond the classroom setting.
Q: What are some of the everyday life topics you’ve covered that surprised you with how they connected to dentistry or healthcare?
A: When we were interviewing the American Dental Association (ADA) past-president, Dr. George Shepley, he made the case for self-care by saying, “dentists need to put the oxygen on ourselves if we are going to best care for our patients”. That will look like different things for different people. I’ve been surprised by our viewer engagement to our simplest messages: stretching, spending time with friends, and traveling. We intentionally try to push boundaries and push others to find their own version of what they need to do to be their best version of themselves. I think our content reflects our commitment to those values.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or guest experience from the podcast that stands out for you?
A: My most memorable experience was onstage, as a host of the American Dental Association annual meeting where Bobby and I conducted a live interview with Hollywood actor Constance Wu. She shared her own well-being journey as a struggling actress, having great success with movies like Crazy Rich Asians and a hit TV comedy series Fresh off the Boat. She also related stories of harassment and mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation. It was impactful to hear her story and be able to provide a perspective that would be important for our colleagues, especially as a fellow woman.
Q: Is there a life lesson or personal philosophy that comes up regularly on the podcast? How does it tie into your work as a periodontist?
A: As mentioned, I want our viewers to feel empowered to pursue a life best lived. I read an article yesterday talking about the hidden costs of things like Netflix, social media and fast food. I was lucky to realize early on in my career that money isn’t the greatest cost. Our greatest cost is our time and our health. When I approach choices I make through a lens of time and health, I’m empowered to make decisions that align more with my values. I decided during the pandemic I wanted to lead a value driven life building health and spending time wisely between my patients, my people and myself.