Tama Martello, RDH
Tama Martello, RDH, is a distinguished dental industry leader, consultant, and national speaker with more than 35 years of experience driving practice growth, clinical excellence, and team development. Her journey in dentistry began at age 16, working at the front desk of her father’s dental practice, which gave her a unique, lifelong perspective on patient care and practice management. Despite facing health challenges as a child, including seizures, Tama persevered to build a 29-year career in dental care as a licensed hygienist. She trained as a dental assistant, became a licensed hygienist, earned her anesthesia license, and completed three laser certifications—equipping her with the full spectrum of clinical expertise to deliver comprehensive, high-quality patient care. Throughout her career, Tama has held leadership roles as Director of Operations and Director of Hygiene for large Dental Support Organizations (DSOs), helping one organization grow from three practices to nearly 30. Drawing on this extensive hands-on experience, she founded Martello Dental Consulting two years ago. In her role as CEO and consultant, she travels across many states throughout the US, meeting one-on-one with hygienists and mentoring entire dental teams. Her approach emphasizes relationship-building and trust, which she considers critical to helping practices improve performance, patient care, and team cohesion. Tama specializes in helping mid-sized DSOs enhance hygiene department performance, focusing on proper periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as comprehensive patient care strategies. She is approved by the Academy of General Dentistry to provide continuing education credits for her training sessions, reflecting her dedication to advancing dental education and clinical standards. Through her consulting, speaking, and mentorship, Tama empowers dental teams to reach their full potential, fostering cultures of collaboration, excellence, and lifelong dentistry.
• Registered Dental Hygienist
• Anesthesia License
• Laser Certifications (3)
• Youngstown State University - AAS, Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
• 10 Most Successful Women Entrepreneurs of 2021 in Women Industry Era Leaders
• Animal Rescue and Shelter Support
• Dog Rescue
• Palmetto Palace Free Dental Day July 16-18
What do you attribute your success to?
My drive and passion comes from number one, I love helping patients have better oral health to help improve their overall health. I love mentoring hygienists become great leaders in their work and treat patients comprehensively. When patients are treated in that manner it helps create happier, healthier patients and becomes very profitable in the practices. I love to see the positive changes with patient care and sharing the growth with the hygienists. It gives great motivation and satisfaction to them. I learned so much from my father, other dentists, and having a phenomenal mentor. I strive to be the best mentor/consultant that hygienists and doctors feel comfortable reaching out to.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never take anything personal and always have an open mind. We grow and learn from missed opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Most hygienists think that clinical is it, that's all they can do, and there's so much more. I like to mentor hygienists because I want them to know there are other avenues if it ever becomes a burden on their body. When dental practices become a part of a DSO, it can help advance your career in many ways. When learning how to treat patients comprehensively with quality care it will show in your numbers, goals in your organization, healthier patients, more treatment plans acceptance, which makes it a win-win for all. Never stop learning and advancing in your industry. All states are different and have specific laws to abide by, but when laws pass that hygienists can do specific care, go get that certificate! Education and training can never be taken from you. It makes us better prevention specialists!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some challenges are when doctors and hygienists are stuck in the rut of just cleaning teeth and they're not doing full, proper care and diagnosing periodontal disease. Undiagnosed periodontal disease is one of the biggest challenges I see. It's understanding that there's an oral systemic link to periodontal disease and we need to educate the patient so we can manage their disease. Using AI in practices now helps in the diagnoses but learning the correct verbiage when speaking to the patients is very crucial.
The other big challenge is the mentality of patients and dental insurance. Patients are stuck with 'I only want to do what my insurance pays for,' but their insurance maximum has been the same for the last 60 years. It's really a coupon and it's never going to help pay for all treatment needs with patients. With so many diseases linked to periodontal disease I am hoping in my lifetime that dental will be added to medical insurance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Work- Always keeping the patients care the priority, creating trusting relationships with all organizations, dental team members, dentists, and hygienists. Creating leaders in our industry that work with passion and integrity.
Personal- Always remain passionate, honest, and kind. Loving who I am and always growing personally and professionally.